Cabrales Cheese vs Camembert Cheese

Cabrales Cheese is a crumbly, open paste cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Cabrales Cheese?

Cabrales is a strong, pungent blue cheese from the Asturias region in northern Spain. It is traditionally made from a mixture of raw cow's, goat’s, and sheep's milk that is aged in natural limestone caves, facilitating the development of its intense flavor and blue veining. Cabrales is known for its deep, spicy earthiness and can be quite sharp, making it a favorite among blue cheese aficionados.

What Is Camembert Cheese?

Camembert is a famous French cheese with a soft, creamy interior and a bloomy rind. It's made from cow's milk and has a rich, buttery flavor with earthy undertones. True Camembert from Normandy has a slightly more intense flavor compared to other varieties and becomes runnier as it ages.

What's the Difference Between Cabrales Cheese and Camembert Cheese?

• Origin: Cabrales Cheese (Spain), Camembert Cheese (France)
• Texture: Cabrales Cheese (Crumbly, open paste), Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan)
• Rind: Cabrales Cheese (Natural), Camembert Cheese (Bloomy)
• Taste: Cabrales Cheese (Intense, piquant), Camembert Cheese (sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Camembert Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Camembert Cheese brings sweet character. On the nose, Cabrales Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Camembert Cheese's buttery, rich.

Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Camembert Cheese?

In most recipes, Cabrales Cheese and Camembert Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect crumbly, open paste bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant while Camembert Cheese brings sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Camembert Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, open paste cheese, go with Cabrales Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Camembert Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese suits recipes that want intense, piquant notes, while Camembert Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Camembert Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cabrales Cheese originates in Spain, while Camembert Cheese comes from France.

Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Camembert Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Camembert Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Camembert Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Camembert Cheese is sweet. Aromas also diverge. Cabrales Cheese leans strong, and Camembert Cheese is closer to buttery, rich.

What is Cabrales Cheese made of?

Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using kid rennet. It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Spain.

What is Camembert Cheese made of?

Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Cabrales Cheese or Camembert Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cabrales Cheese is crumbly, open paste, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan.