Brie Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese
Brie Cheese
Pljevlja Cheese
Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.
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 Pljevlja Cheese?
Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.
What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?
- Origin: Brie Cheese (France), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
- Milk type: Brie Cheese (cow's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
- Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
- Aging: Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie Cheese | Pljevlja Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Montenegro |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft | Soft to semihard |
| Rind | Bloomy | — |
| Aging | At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. 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 Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.
Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
Brie Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja 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 to semihard.
Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Pljevlja 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 to semihard profile, Pljevlja 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 Pljevlja Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie Cheese originates in France, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Brie Cheese is made from cow milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Brie Cheese is typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir, Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.
Is Brie Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brie Cheese taste like Pljevlja 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 Pljevlja Cheese made of?
Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.
Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.