Brie de Melun Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese
Brie de Melun Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
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 Roquefort Cheese?
Roquefort is a blue cheese made from raw Lacaune sheep's milk in southern France. Only cheese ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon may carry the name. It is tangy and creamy, with no rind and a sharp bite from the blue veins.
What's the Difference Between Brie de Melun Cheese and Roquefort Cheese?
- Milk type: Brie de Melun Cheese (cow's milk), Roquefort Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Texture: Brie de Melun Cheese (Soft), Roquefort Cheese (Moist, very creamy)
- Rind: Brie de Melun Cheese (Bloomy), Roquefort Cheese (none)
- Aging: Brie de Melun Cheese (at least four or five weeks), Roquefort Cheese (Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months)
- Taste: Brie de Melun Cheese (salty, sharp, sour, strong), Roquefort Cheese (Mild to strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie de Melun Cheese | Roquefort Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Melun | Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, South Of France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Moist, very creamy |
| Rind | Bloomy | None |
| Aging | At least four or five weeks | Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months |
| Taste | Salty, sharp, sour, strong | Mild to strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Melun Cheese Taste Like Roquefort Cheese?
Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong character. On the nose, Brie de Melun Cheese offers grassy, musty, contrasted with Roquefort Cheese's sweet. More specifically, Brie de Melun Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Roquefort Cheese leans toward buttercream smooth to salty and sharp. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Melun Cheese at at least four or five weeks develops a different profile than Roquefort Cheese at minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months.
Can You Substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?
Brie de Melun Cheese can stand in for Roquefort Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for moist, very creamy. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong notes.
Which Is Better, Brie de Melun Cheese or Roquefort 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 moist, very creamy profile, Roquefort Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese suits recipes that want salty, sharp, sour, strong notes, while Roquefort Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to strong.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie de Melun Cheese the same as Roquefort Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk; Roquefort Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Brie de Melun Cheese is typically aged at least four or five weeks, Roquefort Cheese minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months.
Is Brie de Melun Cheese similar to Roquefort Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brie de Melun Cheese taste like Roquefort Cheese?
Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Roquefort Cheese is mild to strong. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Melun Cheese leans grassy, musty, and Roquefort Cheese is closer to sweet.
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 Roquefort Cheese made of?
Roquefort Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Brie de Melun Cheese or Roquefort Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Melun Cheese is soft, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy.