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Brie Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
Brie Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Brie Cheese and Cheddar Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Brie Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?"
- "Is Brie Cheese and Cheddar Cheese the same?"
- "How does Brie Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Brie Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese?"
- "Is Brie Cheese or Cheddar Cheese better?"
Brie Cheese Overview
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.
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Brie Cheese comes from France. Cheddar Cheese originated from England.
Milk Type and Treatment
Brie Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized.
Composition and Texture
Brie's texture can be described as "soft". Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of none. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)".
Taste and Aroma
Brie Cheese has a nutty, mushroom taste. Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies".
Appearance and Aging
Brie Cheese's appearance is colored white . Cheddar Cheese has a color of natural or dyed orange , comes in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and has an aging period of a few months to several years .
Rind and Rennet Type
Brie Cheese's rind is described as bloomy and uses animal rennet. Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Ranking
Brie is ranked #6 out of 996 types based on community views. Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Brie | Cheddar | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Dijon Mustard, Dried Figs, German Riesling, Green Apple, Green Tea, GrĂĽner Veltliner, Ham, Kiwi, Muscat, Prosciutto, Pumpkin, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Scotch, Sweet Potato | Kombucha, Tomatoes |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Brie and Cheddar pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Brie Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | At least 50% fat in dry matter |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | Up to 39% |
| Rind | Bloomy | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) |
| Texture | Soft | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Varies |
| Colors | White | Natural or dyed orange |
| Forms | Not Specified | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks |
| Age | Not Specified | A few months to several years |
| Rennet Type | Animal | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft cheese, go for Brie. But if you enjoy a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) consistency, Cheddar might be the better pick. Brie has a nutty, mushroom taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Cheddar offers a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory profile, ideal for different meals.
