Brie Cheese vs Pélardon Cheese

Q: Is Brie Cheese the same as Pélardon Cheese?

No. Brie Cheese and Pélardon Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Brie Cheese for Pélardon Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Brie Cheese taste like Pélardon Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Pélardon Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Brie Cheese

Pélardon Cheese

Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Pélardon Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.

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 Pélardon Cheese?

Pélardon is a small round goat's milk cheese from the Cévennes range in France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. It ripens under a white mold rind and has carried AOC status since August 2000.

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

Milk type: Brie Cheese (cow's milk), Pélardon Cheese (goat)
Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Pélardon Cheese (soft)
Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Pélardon Cheese (bloomy, white mold)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Brie Cheese	Pélardon Cheese
Country of Origin	France	France
Specific Origin	Brie	Cévennes Range, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Goat
Milk Treatment	Raw, Pasteurized	—
Texture	Soft	Soft
Rind	Bloomy	Bloomy, white mold
Aging	At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir	—
Taste	Nutty, Mushroom	—

Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Pélardon Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?

Brie Cheese can stand in for Pélardon 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.

Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Pélardon 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 profile, Pélardon Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie Cheese the same as Pélardon Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie Cheese is made from cow milk; Pélardon Cheese uses goat.

Is Brie Cheese similar to Pélardon Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Brie Cheese taste like Pélardon Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

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 Pélardon Cheese made of?

Pélardon Cheese is made from goat milk. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Pélardon Cheese?

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