Brunost Cheese vs Canestrato Pugliese Cheese
Brunost Cheese is a semi-soft, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Canestrato Pugliese Cheese is compact, friable and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Brunost Cheese?
Brunost, or "brown cheese," is a distinctly Norwegian dairy product, often classified as a cheese, though it differs from traditional cheeses. It is made by boiling down the whey of goat's milk, cow's milk, or a combination of both, until the water evaporates, and the natural milk sugars caramelize. This process gives Brunost its unique brown color, sweet caramel-like flavor, and fudge-like texture. It is commonly sliced thin and served on bread, crispbreads, or waffles.
What Is Canestrato Pugliese Cheese?
From Puglia, Canestrato Pugliese is a hard, sheep's milk cheese with a rich, aromatic flavor. It is traditionally made using lamb's rennet and aged for several months, developing a crumbly texture and a golden-brown rind. This cheese is commonly served grated over vegetables and pasta dishes.
What's the Difference Between Brunost Cheese and Canestrato Pugliese Cheese?
- Origin: Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Canestrato Pugliese Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Canestrato Pugliese Cheese (Ewe's Milk)
- Milk treatment: Brunost Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Canestrato Pugliese Cheese (Raw, whole)
- Texture: Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey), Canestrato Pugliese Cheese (Compact, friable)
- Rind: Brunost Cheese (natural), Canestrato Pugliese Cheese (Brownish-yellow, wrinkled)
- Taste: Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet), Canestrato Pugliese Cheese (Spicy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brunost Cheese | Canestrato Pugliese Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway And Sweden | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Province Of Foggia, Some Municipalities Of Bari, Apulia |
| Milk Type | Cow's and goat's milk | Ewe's Milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw, whole |
| Texture | Semi-soft, whey | Compact, friable |
| Rind | Natural | Brownish-yellow, wrinkled |
| Aging | — | 2 to 10 months |
| Taste | Caramel, sweet | Spicy |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Brunost Cheese and Canestrato Pugliese Cheese
Brunost Cheese
Canestrato Pugliese Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Brunost Cheese Taste Like Canestrato Pugliese Cheese?
Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Canestrato Pugliese Cheese brings spicy character.
Can You Substitute Brunost Cheese for Canestrato Pugliese Cheese?
Brunost Cheese can stand in for Canestrato Pugliese Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for compact, friable. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet while Canestrato Pugliese Cheese brings spicy notes.
Which Is Better, Brunost Cheese or Canestrato Pugliese Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, whey cheese, go with Brunost Cheese. For a compact, friable profile, Canestrato Pugliese Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese suits recipes that want caramel, sweet notes, while Canestrato Pugliese Cheese fits dishes calling for spicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brunost Cheese the same as Canestrato Pugliese Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brunost Cheese originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Canestrato Pugliese Cheese comes from Italy. Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Canestrato Pugliese Cheese uses sheep.
Is Brunost Cheese similar to Canestrato Pugliese Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Canestrato Pugliese Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brunost Cheese taste like Canestrato Pugliese Cheese?
Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Canestrato Pugliese Cheese is spicy.
What is Brunost Cheese made of?
Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
What is Canestrato Pugliese Cheese made of?
Canestrato Pugliese Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw, whole), using lamb rennet. It's typically aged 2 to 10 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Brunost Cheese or Canestrato Pugliese Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey, while Canestrato Pugliese Cheese is compact, friable.
See full profiles: Brunost Cheese and Canestrato Pugliese Cheese.