Brie Cheese vs Dorset Blue Cheese

Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Dorset Blue Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.

What Is Brie Cheese?

Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region it comes from, pale under a white mould rind. It runs 60 to 75 percent butterfat and tastes creamy, nutty and mushroom-like, with a faint acidity. The rind is eaten along with the paste.

What Is Dorset Blue Cheese?

Dorset Blue is an English cow's milk blue cheese protected by a European designation of origin. Also sold as Dorset Blue Vinney, it is known for moderate blue veining and a piquant flavor that stops short of being strong.

What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Dorset Blue Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Dorset Blue Cheese (Skimmed)
• Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Dorset Blue Cheese (Firm)
• Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Dorset Blue Cheese (Rough, dry brown mold coating)
• Aging: Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir), Dorset Blue Cheese (12 to 20 weeks)
• Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Dorset Blue Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Dorset Blue Cheese brings piquant, peppery, mild to strong character. More specifically, Brie Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Dorset Blue Cheese leans toward piquant like other blue cheeses, not excessively strong. Aging plays into this as well. Brie Cheese at at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir develops a different profile than Dorset Blue Cheese at 12 to 20 weeks.

Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Dorset Blue Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie Cheese and Dorset Blue 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 firm. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Dorset Blue Cheese brings piquant, peppery, mild to strong notes.

Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Dorset Blue 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 firm profile, Dorset Blue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Dorset Blue Cheese fits dishes calling for piquant, peppery, mild to strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie Cheese the same as Dorset Blue Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brie Cheese is typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir, Dorset Blue Cheese 12 to 20 weeks.

Is Brie Cheese similar to Dorset Blue Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Dorset Blue Cheese?

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

Does Brie Cheese taste like Dorset Blue Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Dorset Blue Cheese is piquant, peppery, mild to strong.

What is Brie Cheese made of?

Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir. It originates in France.

What is Dorset Blue Cheese made of?

Dorset Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed). It's typically aged 12 to 20 weeks.

Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Dorset Blue Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Dorset Blue Cheese is firm.