Brunost Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese

Brunost Cheese is a semi-soft, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 Mont d'Or Cheese?

Mont d'Or, or Vacherin Mont d'Or, is a seasonal, soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. Available from September to May, it has a delicate, creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Mont d'Or is traditionally eaten warmed in the box it comes in, making the interior deliciously runny.

What's the Difference Between Brunost Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?

• Origin: Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Mont d'Or Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Brunost Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Brunost Cheese (natural), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
• Taste: Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brunost Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?

Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character.

Can You Substitute Brunost Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?

Brunost Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.

Which Is Better, Brunost Cheese or Mont d'Or 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 soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese suits recipes that want caramel, sweet notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brunost Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brunost Cheese originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Mont d'Or Cheese comes from France. Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Mont d'Or Cheese uses cow.

Is Brunost Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?

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

Does Brunost Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?

Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.

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 Mont d'Or Cheese made of?

Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Brunost Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.

See full profiles: Brunost Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese.

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