Brie Cheese vs Goat Cheese
Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard and made from goat 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 Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese, also called chèvre, is cheese made from goat's milk. It is produced around the world in styles ranging from fresh and soft to aged and hard, and is known for the tart, goaty flavor that comes from the milk's medium-chain fatty acids.
What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Goat Cheese?
- Milk type: Brie Cheese (cow's milk), Goat Cheese (goat)
- Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Goat Cheese (soft, semihard or hard)
- Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Goat Cheese (tart, goaty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie Cheese | Goat Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Worldwide |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, semihard or hard |
| Rind | Bloomy | — |
| Aging | At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir | — |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | Tart, goaty |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Goat Cheese?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Goat Cheese brings tart, goaty character. More specifically, Brie Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Goat Cheese leans toward tart goat character from caproic and caprylic fatty acids.
Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Goat Cheese?
Brie Cheese can stand in for Goat 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 soft, semihard or hard. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Goat Cheese brings tart, goaty notes.
Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Goat 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 soft, semihard or hard profile, Goat Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Goat Cheese fits dishes calling for tart, goaty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie Cheese the same as Goat Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie Cheese is made from cow milk; Goat Cheese uses goat.
Is Brie Cheese similar to Goat Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Goat Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brie Cheese taste like Goat Cheese?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Goat Cheese is tart, goaty.
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 Goat Cheese made of?
Goat Cheese is made from goat milk.
Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Goat Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard.