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Brie Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese
Brie Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Brie Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Brie Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?"
- "Is Brie Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese the same?"
- "How does Brie Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Brie Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese?"
- "Is Brie Cheese or Monterey Jack 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.
Monterey Jack Cheese Overview
Monterey Jack is a popular American cheese originating from Monterey, California. It's known for its mild flavor and semi-soft texture, making it an excellent melting cheese. Monterey Jack can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes, particularly Mexican and American cuisines, such as quesadillas and burgers.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Brie Cheese comes from France. Monterey Jack Cheese originated from Mexico and United States.
Milk Type and Treatment
Brie Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Brie's texture can be described as "soft". Monterey Jack Cheese has a fat content of not less than 50% on a dry basis and a moisture content of none. Monterey Jack's texture can be described as "mild to firm".
Taste and Aroma
Brie Cheese has a nutty, mushroom taste. Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored taste. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Brie Cheese's appearance is colored white . Monterey Jack Cheese has a color of cream to golden and has an aging period of six weeks to ten months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Brie Cheese's rind is described as bloomy and uses animal rennet. Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet.
Ranking
Brie is ranked #6 out of 996 types based on community views. Monterey Jack is ranked #23 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Brie | Monterey Jack | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Macaroni and Cheese, Pulled Pork, Tacos |
| 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 | Clam Chowder, Pastrami |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Brie and Monterey Jack pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Brie Cheese | Monterey Jack Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Mexico And United States |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Monterey County, California |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Not less than 50% on a dry basis |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | Not more than 44% |
| Rind | Bloomy | Not Specified |
| Texture | Soft | Mild to firm |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | Mild to full-flavored |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Aromatic |
| Colors | White | Cream to golden |
| Age | Not Specified | Six weeks to ten months |
| Rennet Type | Animal | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft cheese, go for Brie. But if you enjoy a mild to firm consistency, Monterey Jack might be the better pick. Brie has a nutty, mushroom taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Monterey Jack offers a mild to full-flavored profile, ideal for different meals.
