Brunost Cheese vs Strathdon Blue Cheese
Brunost Cheese is a semi-soft, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in Scotland.
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 Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Strathdon Blue is a semi-soft, blue-veined cheese from Scotland, made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a creamy and salty flavor that pairs well with its rich aroma. The cheese's pasteurization process ensures a consistent taste while keeping it safe for a wide audience. Its texture is smooth and slightly crumbly, making it ideal for spreading on bread or crackers. Strathdon Blue is a good choice for those who enjoy a flavorful blue cheese that isn't too overpowering. It can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheese board with fruits and nuts.
What's the Difference Between Brunost Cheese and Strathdon Blue Cheese?
- Origin: Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Strathdon Blue Cheese (Scotland)
- Milk type: Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Strathdon Blue Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Brunost Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Strathdon Blue Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey), Strathdon Blue Cheese (semi-soft, blue-veined)
- Taste: Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet), Strathdon Blue Cheese (creamy, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brunost Cheese | Strathdon Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway And Sweden | Scotland |
| Milk Type | Cow's and goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft, whey | Semi-soft, blue-veined |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Taste | Caramel, sweet | Creamy, salty |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Brunost Cheese and Strathdon Blue Cheese
Brunost Cheese
Strathdon Blue Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Brunost Cheese Taste Like Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty character.
Can You Substitute Brunost Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Brunost Cheese can stand in for Strathdon Blue 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-soft, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Brunost Cheese or Strathdon Blue 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-soft, blue-veined profile, Strathdon Blue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese suits recipes that want caramel, sweet notes, while Strathdon Blue Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, salty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brunost Cheese the same as Strathdon Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brunost Cheese originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Strathdon Blue Cheese comes from Scotland. Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Strathdon Blue Cheese uses cow.
Is Brunost Cheese similar to Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brunost Cheese taste like Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is creamy, salty.
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 Strathdon Blue Cheese made of?
Strathdon Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Scotland.
Which should I choose, Brunost Cheese or Strathdon Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined.
See full profiles: Brunost Cheese and Strathdon Blue Cheese.