Brunost Cheese vs Pimento Cheese
Brunost Cheese is a semi-soft, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable, originating in United States.
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 Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a spread of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and chopped pimentos worked into a chunky paste. It started in the Northern United States in the early 1900s and is now tied to Southern cooking, served on crackers, in sandwiches and at the Masters Tournament.
What's the Difference Between Brunost Cheese and Pimento Cheese?
- Origin: Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Pimento Cheese (United States)
- Milk type: Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style)
- Texture: Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey), Pimento Cheese (Spreadable)
- Taste: Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet), Pimento Cheese (Sweet, rounded chili)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brunost Cheese | Pimento Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway And Sweden | United States |
| Specific Origin | Gudbrandsdalen, Norway | Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States |
| Milk Type | Cow's and goat's milk | Cheddar, farmers’ style |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft, whey | Spreadable |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Unaged, ready once packed and refrigerated | — |
| Taste | Caramel, sweet | Sweet, rounded chili |
Taste Comparison: Does Brunost Cheese Taste Like Pimento Cheese?
Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili character. More specifically, Brunost Cheese shows sweet, caramel-like, with a tang that is stronger in goat's milk versions, while Pimento Cheese leans toward pimento peppers, mayonnaise, sometimes spicy additions.
Can You Substitute Brunost Cheese for Pimento Cheese?
Brunost Cheese can stand in for Pimento 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 spreadable. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili notes.
Which Is Better, Brunost Cheese or Pimento 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 spreadable profile, Pimento Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese suits recipes that want caramel, sweet notes, while Pimento Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, rounded chili.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brunost Cheese the same as Pimento Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brunost Cheese originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Pimento Cheese comes from United States.
Is Brunost Cheese similar to Pimento Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Pimento Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brunost Cheese taste like Pimento Cheese?
Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Pimento Cheese is sweet, rounded chili.
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 Pimento Cheese made of?
Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Brunost Cheese or Pimento Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable.