Brie Cheese vs Butte Cheese
Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Butte Cheese is soft, soft-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Brie Cheese?
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region it comes from, pale under a white mould rind. It runs 60 to 75 percent butterfat and tastes creamy, nutty and mushroom-like, with a faint acidity. The rind is eaten along with the paste.
What Is Butte Cheese?
Butte is a French cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk. It is a soft, soft-ripened cheese with a smooth and creamy texture. The flavor profile is characterized by a combination of bitter and salty notes, offering a complex taste experience. Its aroma is rich and ripe, which adds to its overall appeal. The cheese has a yellow color and features a washed rind that contributes to its distinct flavor. Butte is best enjoyed as part of a cheese platter or paired with a glass of wine.
What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Butte Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Butte Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Butte Cheese (soft, soft-ripened)
- Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Butte Cheese (washed)
- Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Butte Cheese (bitter, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie Cheese | Butte Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Brie | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, soft-ripened |
| Rind | Bloomy | Washed |
| Aging | At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir | — |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | Bitter, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Butte Cheese?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Butte Cheese brings bitter, salty character. On the nose, Brie Cheese offers ammoniated when overripe, contrasted with Butte Cheese's rich, ripe.
Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Butte Cheese?
In most recipes, Brie Cheese and Butte Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, soft-ripened. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Butte Cheese brings bitter, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Butte Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie Cheese. For a soft, soft-ripened profile, Butte Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Butte Cheese fits dishes calling for bitter, salty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie Cheese the same as Butte Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Brie Cheese similar to Butte Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Butte Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brie Cheese taste like Butte Cheese?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Butte Cheese is bitter, salty. Aromas also diverge. Brie Cheese leans ammoniated when overripe, and Butte Cheese is closer to rich, ripe.
What is Brie Cheese made of?
Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir. It originates in France.
What is Butte Cheese made of?
Butte Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Butte Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Butte Cheese is soft, soft-ripened.