Butte Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Butte Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
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 Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
What's the Difference Between Butte Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Butte Cheese (France), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Milk treatment: Butte Cheese (unpasteurized), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Butte Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Butte Cheese (washed), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Taste: Butte Cheese (bitter, salty), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Butte Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Norway |
| Specific Origin | — | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Semihard |
| Rind | Washed | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | — | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Bitter, salty | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Butte Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Butte Cheese reads as bitter, salty, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Butte Cheese offers rich, ripe, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery.
Can You Substitute Butte Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Butte Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Butte Cheese reads as bitter, salty while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Butte Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, soft-ripened cheese, go with Butte Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Butte Cheese suits recipes that want bitter, salty notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Butte Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Butte Cheese originates in France, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway.
Is Butte Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Butte Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Butte Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Butte Cheese reads as bitter, salty, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Butte Cheese leans rich, ripe, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.
What is Butte Cheese made of?
Butte Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
Which should I choose, Butte Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Butte Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.