Butterkase Cheese vs Camembert Cheese
Butterkase Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Austria and Germany, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Butterkase Cheese?
Butterkase, or Butterkäse, is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese made mostly in Germany. It is known for a buttery, mild taste and a smooth creamy body that slices easily and melts well.
What Is Camembert Cheese?
Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.
What's the Difference Between Butterkase Cheese and Camembert Cheese?
- Origin: Butterkase Cheese (Austria and Germany), Camembert Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Butterkase Cheese (pasteurized), Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions)
- Texture: Butterkase Cheese (semi-soft), Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Butterkase Cheese (natural), Camembert Cheese (Bloomy)
- Aging: Butterkase Cheese (brief), Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks)
- Taste: Butterkase Cheese (buttery, mild), Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Butterkase Cheese | Camembert Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Austria And Germany | France |
| Specific Origin | Germany, Also Wisconsin In The U.S. | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Bloomy |
| Aging | Brief | Minimum 3 weeks |
| Taste | Buttery, mild | Slightly sour, stronger than brie |
Taste Comparison: Does Butterkase Cheese Taste Like Camembert Cheese?
Butterkase Cheese reads as buttery, mild, while Camembert Cheese brings slightly sour, stronger than brie character. More specifically, Butterkase Cheese shows mildly salty or acidic, close to muenster or gouda, while Camembert Cheese leans toward slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe. Aging plays into this as well. Butterkase Cheese at brief develops a different profile than Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks.
Can You Substitute Butterkase Cheese for Camembert Cheese?
In most recipes, Butterkase Cheese and Camembert Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Butterkase Cheese reads as buttery, mild while Camembert Cheese brings slightly sour, stronger than brie notes.
Which Is Better, Butterkase Cheese or Camembert Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Butterkase Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Camembert Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Butterkase Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild notes, while Camembert Cheese fits dishes calling for slightly sour, stronger than brie.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Butterkase Cheese the same as Camembert Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Butterkase Cheese originates in Austria and Germany, while Camembert Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Butterkase Cheese is typically aged brief, Camembert Cheese minimum 3 weeks.
Is Butterkase Cheese similar to Camembert Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Butterkase Cheese for Camembert Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Butterkase Cheese taste like Camembert Cheese?
Butterkase Cheese reads as buttery, mild, while Camembert Cheese is slightly sour, stronger than brie.
What is Butterkase Cheese made of?
Butterkase Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged brief. It originates in Austria and Germany.
What is Camembert Cheese made of?
Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Butterkase Cheese or Camembert Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Butterkase Cheese is semi-soft, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan.