Cabrales Cheese vs Munster Cheese

Cabrales Cheese is a unctuous, compact, no eyes cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Munster Cheese is semisoft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Cabrales Cheese?

Cabrales is a blue cheese made by rural dairy farmers in the Asturias mountains of Spain, from raw cow's milk alone or blended with goat and sheep milk. It is known for its strong, sometimes sharply acidic flavor and for ripening in limestone caves.

What Is Munster Cheese?

Munster, also called Munster-géromé, is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Vosges of eastern France. Brine washing during aging leaves it with a moist orange rind, a penetrating smell and a very strong taste.

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

• Origin: Cabrales Cheese (Spain), Munster Cheese (France)
• Texture: Cabrales Cheese (unctuous, compact, no eyes), Munster Cheese (Semisoft)
• Rind: Cabrales Cheese (Natural), Munster Cheese (Washed, saltwater solution)
• Aging: Cabrales Cheese (2 to 3 months), Munster Cheese (4-6 weeks to 2-3 months)
• Taste: Cabrales Cheese (Intense, piquant), Munster Cheese (Strong, gamey)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Munster Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Munster Cheese brings strong, gamey character. On the nose, Cabrales Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Munster Cheese's gamey, aromatic. More specifically, Cabrales Cheese shows hints of hazelnuts, dark cocoa, sharp, metallic finish; intensely acid curd, while Munster Cheese leans toward strong smell, sticky orange-red rind, mellow creamy finish, heightened bite. traditionally enjoyed with rye bread or biscuits with cumin seeds.. Aging plays into this as well. Cabrales Cheese at 2 to 3 months develops a different profile than Munster Cheese at 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months.

Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Munster Cheese?

In most recipes, Cabrales Cheese and Munster Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect unctuous, compact, no eyes bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant while Munster Cheese brings strong, gamey notes.

Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Munster Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a unctuous, compact, no eyes cheese, go with Cabrales Cheese. For a semisoft profile, Munster Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese suits recipes that want intense, piquant notes, while Munster Cheese fits dishes calling for strong, gamey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Munster Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cabrales Cheese originates in Spain, while Munster Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Cabrales Cheese is typically aged 2 to 3 months, Munster Cheese 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months.

Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Munster Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Munster Cheese?

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

Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Munster Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Munster Cheese is strong, gamey. Aromas also diverge. Cabrales Cheese leans strong, and Munster Cheese is closer to gamey, aromatic.

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 Munster Cheese made of?

Munster Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using traditional rennet. It's typically aged 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Cabrales Cheese or Munster Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cabrales Cheese is unctuous, compact, no eyes, while Munster Cheese is semisoft.