Brie Cheese vs Cabrales Cheese
Brie Cheese
Cabrales Cheese
Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Cabrales Cheese is crumbly, open paste and made from cow milk, originating in Spain.
What Is Brie Cheese?
Brie is a soft cheese named after the French region from which it originated. It’s famous for its creamy interior and edible white rind. Brie has a rich, buttery flavor with hints of mushrooms and almonds. It’s often served at room temperature on cheese platters or used in cooking for its ability to add depth and creaminess to recipes.
What Is Cabrales Cheese?
Cabrales is a strong, pungent blue cheese from the Asturias region in northern Spain. It is traditionally made from a mixture of raw cow's, goat’s, and sheep's milk that is aged in natural limestone caves, facilitating the development of its intense flavor and blue veining. Cabrales is known for its deep, spicy earthiness and can be quite sharp, making it a favorite among blue cheese aficionados.
What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Cabrales Cheese?
- Origin: Brie Cheese (France), Cabrales Cheese (Spain)
- Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Cabrales Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Cabrales Cheese (Crumbly, open paste)
- Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Cabrales Cheese (Natural)
- Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Cabrales Cheese (Intense, piquant)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie Cheese | Cabrales Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Asturias |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Crumbly, open paste |
| Rind | Bloomy | Natural |
| Aging | — | 2 to 3 months |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | Intense, piquant |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Brie Cheese | Cabrales Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Apples, Apricot, Asian Pear, Asti Spumante, Beaujolais, Belgian Blonde, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Dried Cranberries, Dried Fruit, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Gamay, Ginger, Grapes, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, Kombucha, Mangoes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Pear, Pecans, Pistachios, Port, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Turkey, Viognier, White Burgundy | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Dijon Mustard, Dried Figs, German Riesling, Green Apple, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Ham, Kiwi, Muscat, Prosciutto, Pumpkin, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Scotch, Sweet Potato | — |
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Where to buy Brie Cheese and Cabrales Cheese
Brie Cheese
Cabrales Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Cabrales Cheese?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Cabrales Cheese brings intense, piquant character.
Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Cabrales Cheese?
In most recipes, Brie Cheese and Cabrales 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 crumbly, open paste. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Cabrales Cheese brings intense, piquant notes.
Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Cabrales 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 Cheese. For a crumbly, open paste profile, Cabrales Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Cabrales Cheese fits dishes calling for intense, piquant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie Cheese the same as Cabrales Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie Cheese originates in France, while Cabrales Cheese comes from Spain.
Is Brie Cheese similar to Cabrales Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Cabrales Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brie Cheese taste like Cabrales Cheese?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Cabrales Cheese is intense, piquant.
What is Brie Cheese made of?
Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It originates in France.
What is Cabrales Cheese made of?
Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using kid rennet. It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Cabrales Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Cabrales Cheese is crumbly, open paste.
See full profiles: Brie Cheese and Cabrales Cheese.