Brie Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?

• Origin: Brie Cheese (France), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Parmesan Cheese (hard, artisan)
• Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir), Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years)
• Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. On the nose, Brie Cheese offers ammoniated when overripe, contrasted with Parmesan Cheese's nutty, strong. More specifically, Brie Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Parmesan Cheese leans toward sharp, salty, savory, strong umami. 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 Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie Cheese and Parmesan 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 hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Parmesan 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 hard, artisan profile, Parmesan Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie Cheese originates in France, while Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Brie Cheese is typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir, Parmesan Cheese minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Is Brie Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

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

Does Brie Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Brie Cheese leans ammoniated when overripe, and Parmesan Cheese is closer to nutty, 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 Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan.