Briquette du Forez Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese
Briquette du Forez Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened cow and goat-milk cheese from France, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.
What Is Briquette du Forez Cheese?
Briquette du Forez is a soft, soft-ripened cheese from the Auvergne region in France. Made from a blend of cow's and goat's milk, it has a smooth flavor that reflects its mixed milk origins. The cheese is unpasteurized, contributing to its rich and authentic taste. Its natural rind encases a white interior that offers a creamy texture. The aroma is pleasantly goaty, providing a hint of its goat's milk content. This cheese is enjoyed for its balance of flavors and is often appreciated on cheese boards or paired with fresh bread.
What Is Red Leicester Cheese?
Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.
What's the Difference Between Briquette du Forez Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?
- Origin: Briquette du Forez Cheese (France), Red Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Briquette du Forez Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Red Leicester Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Briquette du Forez Cheese (unpasteurized), Red Leicester Cheese (Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others))
- Texture: Briquette du Forez Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Red Leicester Cheese (Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly)
- Rind: Briquette du Forez Cheese (natural), Red Leicester Cheese (Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial))
- Taste: Briquette du Forez Cheese (smooth), Red Leicester Cheese (caramel, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Briquette du Forez Cheese | Red Leicester Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Auvergne | Leicestershire |
| Milk Type | Cow's and goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others) |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly |
| Rind | Natural | Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial) |
| Aging | — | 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial |
| Taste | Smooth | Caramel, sweet |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Briquette du Forez Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese
Briquette du Forez Cheese
Red Leicester Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Briquette du Forez Cheese Taste Like Red Leicester Cheese?
Briquette du Forez Cheese reads as smooth, while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet character. On the nose, Briquette du Forez Cheese offers goaty, pleasant, contrasted with Red Leicester Cheese's mild.
Can You Substitute Briquette du Forez Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?
Briquette du Forez Cheese can stand in for Red Leicester Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Briquette du Forez Cheese reads as smooth while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Briquette du Forez Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, soft-ripened cheese, go with Briquette du Forez Cheese. For a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly profile, Red Leicester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Briquette du Forez Cheese suits recipes that want smooth notes, while Red Leicester Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Briquette du Forez Cheese the same as Red Leicester Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Briquette du Forez Cheese originates in France, while Red Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Briquette du Forez Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Red Leicester Cheese uses cow.
Is Briquette du Forez Cheese similar to Red Leicester Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Briquette du Forez Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Briquette du Forez Cheese taste like Red Leicester Cheese?
Briquette du Forez Cheese reads as smooth, while Red Leicester Cheese is caramel, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Briquette du Forez Cheese leans goaty, pleasant, and Red Leicester Cheese is closer to mild.
What is Briquette du Forez Cheese made of?
Briquette du Forez Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
What is Red Leicester Cheese made of?
Red Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized (sparkenhoe farm), pasteurized (others)), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Briquette du Forez Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Briquette du Forez Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly.
See full profiles: Briquette du Forez Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese.