Brie de Melun Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

Brie de Melun Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmesan Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Brie de Melun Cheese?

Brie de Melun is a soft unpasteurised cow's milk cheese from the Brie region of France, one of only two bries the French government certifies. It is smaller than Brie de Meaux, with a stronger flavour and a more pungent smell, and has held AOC status since 1980.

What Is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

What's the Difference Between Brie de Melun Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?

• Origin: Brie de Melun Cheese (France), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Brie de Melun Cheese (Soft), Parmesan Cheese (Hard)
• Rind: Brie de Melun Cheese (Bloomy), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Brie de Melun Cheese (at least four or five weeks), Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years)
• Taste: Brie de Melun Cheese (salty, sharp, sour, strong), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Melun Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?

Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. On the nose, Brie de Melun Cheese offers grassy, musty, contrasted with Parmesan Cheese's nutty, strong. More specifically, Brie de Melun Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Parmesan Cheese leans toward sharp, salty, savory, strong umami. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Melun Cheese at at least four or five weeks develops a different profile than Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Can You Substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie de Melun Cheese and Parmesan Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Brie de Melun Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie de Melun Cheese. For a hard profile, Parmesan Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese suits recipes that want salty, sharp, sour, strong notes, while Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Melun Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Melun Cheese originates in France, while Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Brie de Melun Cheese is typically aged at least four or five weeks, Parmesan Cheese minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Is Brie de Melun Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Brie de Melun Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Melun Cheese leans grassy, musty, and Parmesan Cheese is closer to nutty, strong.

What is Brie de Melun Cheese made of?

Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least four or five weeks. It originates in France.

What is Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Brie de Melun Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Melun Cheese is soft, while Parmesan Cheese is hard.