Brunost Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese

Brunost Cheese is a semi-soft, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.

What Is Brunost Cheese?

Brunost is a Norwegian whey product made by boiling whey with milk and cream until the milk sugars caramelize. It is brown, sweet and firm enough to slice, and it is eaten like cheese on sandwiches, crispbread and waffles.

What Is Naboulsi Cheese?

Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.

What's the Difference Between Brunost Cheese and Naboulsi Cheese?

• Origin: Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
• Milk type: Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Brunost Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Naboulsi Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey), Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
• Taste: Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet), Naboulsi Cheese (salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brunost Cheese Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?

Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty character.

Can You Substitute Brunost Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

Brunost Cheese can stand in for Naboulsi 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 semi-hard, brined. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty notes.

Which Is Better, Brunost Cheese or Naboulsi 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 semi-hard, brined profile, Naboulsi Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese suits recipes that want caramel, sweet notes, while Naboulsi Cheese fits dishes calling for salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brunost Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brunost Cheese originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.

Is Brunost Cheese similar to Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Does Brunost Cheese taste like Naboulsi Cheese?

Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Naboulsi Cheese is salty.

What is Brunost Cheese made of?

Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated. It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

What is Naboulsi Cheese made of?

Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.

Which should I choose, Brunost Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined.