Brie Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese

Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow 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 Saint Felicien Cheese?

Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.

What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Saint Felicien Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Saint Felicien Cheese (soft, artisan)
• Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
• Aging: Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
• Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Brie Cheese offers ammoniated when overripe, contrasted with Saint Felicien Cheese's nutty. More specifically, Brie Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Saint Felicien Cheese leans toward similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier. 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 Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.

Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie Cheese and Saint Felicien 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 soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brie Cheese is typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.

Is Brie Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

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

Does Brie Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Brie Cheese leans ammoniated when overripe, and Saint Felicien Cheese is closer to nutty.

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 Saint Felicien Cheese made of?

Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?

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