Brillat-Savarin Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)

Brillat-Savarin Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Brillat-Savarin Cheese?

Brillat-Savarin is a French triple cream cow's milk cheese with a natural bloomy rind and at least 72% fat in dry matter. Made mainly in Normandy, it tastes luscious, creamy and faintly sour, and it is also sold fresh, closer to rich cream cheese.

What Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.

What's the Difference Between Brillat-Savarin Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

• Milk type: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (Cow's milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (pasteurized), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Rind: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (White and fluffy P. candidum), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored)
• Aging: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (1 to 2 weeks), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long)
• Taste: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (Luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brillat-Savarin Cheese Taste Like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Brillat-Savarin Cheese reads as luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy character. On the nose, Brillat-Savarin Cheese offers milky, contrasted with Chèvre (Goat Cheese)'s goaty. More specifically, Brillat-Savarin Cheese shows luscious, creamy, faintly sour, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans toward mild, creamy, sometimes fruity. Aging plays into this as well. Brillat-Savarin Cheese at 1 to 2 weeks develops a different profile than Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long.

Can You Substitute Brillat-Savarin Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Brillat-Savarin Cheese can stand in for Chèvre (Goat Cheese) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Brillat-Savarin Cheese reads as luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Brillat-Savarin Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Brillat-Savarin Cheese suits recipes that want luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter notes, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brillat-Savarin Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brillat-Savarin Cheese is made from cow milk; Chèvre (Goat Cheese) uses goat. Aging also differs: Brillat-Savarin Cheese is typically aged 1 to 2 weeks, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) not aged for long.

Is Brillat-Savarin Cheese similar to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

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

Can I substitute Brillat-Savarin Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

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

Does Brillat-Savarin Cheese taste like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Brillat-Savarin Cheese reads as luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Brillat-Savarin Cheese leans milky, and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is closer to goaty.

What is Brillat-Savarin Cheese made of?

Brillat-Savarin Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 1 to 2 weeks. It originates in France.

What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Brillat-Savarin Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.