Brie Cheese vs Camembert de Normandie Cheese

Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Camembert de Normandie Cheese is young: narrow unripe core; aged: homogeneous, sticky 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 Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie is the AOC version of Camembert, a soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy in northwest France. The rules require raw milk from Normande cows, and each small round is covered by a bloomy white rind.

What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Camembert de Normandie Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Young: Narrow unripe core; Aged: Homogeneous, sticky)
• Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Bloomy, white)
• Aging: Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir), Camembert de Normandie Cheese (~30 days)
• Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Young: Lactic, tangy, sweet; Aged: Pungent, mushroom, garlic)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Camembert de Normandie Cheese brings young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic character. On the nose, Brie Cheese offers ammoniated when overripe, contrasted with Camembert de Normandie Cheese's lactic to pungent with notes of mushroom and garlic. More specifically, Brie Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Camembert de Normandie Cheese leans toward starts with a tangy, sweet flavor, evolving into more pungent notes of mushroom and garlic as it ages. the texture also evolves from somewhat crumbly to satisfyingly sticky and chewy.. Aging plays into this as well. Brie Cheese at at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir develops a different profile than Camembert de Normandie Cheese at ~30 days.

Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

In most recipes, Brie Cheese and Camembert de Normandie 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 young: narrow unripe core; aged: homogeneous, sticky. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Camembert de Normandie Cheese brings young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic notes.

Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Camembert de Normandie 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 young: narrow unripe core; aged: homogeneous, sticky profile, Camembert de Normandie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Camembert de Normandie Cheese fits dishes calling for young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie Cheese the same as Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brie Cheese is typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir, Camembert de Normandie Cheese ~30 days.

Is Brie Cheese similar to Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

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

Does Brie Cheese taste like Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Camembert de Normandie Cheese is young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic. Aromas also diverge. Brie Cheese leans ammoniated when overripe, and Camembert de Normandie Cheese is closer to lactic to pungent with notes of mushroom and garlic.

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 Camembert de Normandie Cheese made of?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged ~30 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Camembert de Normandie Cheese is young: narrow unripe core; aged: homogeneous, sticky.