Brunost Cheese vs Swiss Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Brunost Cheese and Swiss Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Brunost Cheese and Swiss Cheese?"
• "Is Brunost Cheese and Swiss Cheese the same?"
• "How does Brunost Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Brunost Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese?"
• "Is Brunost Cheese or Swiss Cheese better?"

Brunost Cheese Overview

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.

Swiss Cheese Overview

Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Brunost Cheese comes from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Swiss Cheese originated from United States.

Milk Type and Treatment

Brunost Cheese is made with cow and goat milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Swiss Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Brunost's texture can be described as "semi-soft, whey". Swiss Cheese has a fat content of ~28-32% and a moisture content of none. Swiss's texture can be described as "semi-firm".

Taste and Aroma

Brunost Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Swiss Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly sweet taste. Swiss's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty".

Appearance and Aging

Brunost Cheese's appearance is colored brown . Swiss Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 1-3 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Brunost Cheese's rind is described as natural . Swiss Cheese's rind is described as none , with microbial or vegetarian rennet.

Ranking

Brunost is ranked #5 out of 996 types based on community views. Swiss is ranked #77 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Brunost and Swiss pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-soft, whey cheese, go for Brunost. But if you enjoy a semi-firm consistency, Swiss might be the better pick. Brunost has a caramel, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Swiss offers a mild, nutty, slightly sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Brunost Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Swiss Cheese to Other Cheeses