Camembert de Normandie Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)

Camembert de Normandie Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.

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 Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.

What's the Difference Between Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

• Milk type: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Cow's milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (unpasteurized), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Soft, creamy), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Soft)
• Rind: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Bloomy, white), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored)
• Aging: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (~30 days), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long)
• Taste: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Young: Lactic, tangy, sweet; Aged: Pungent, mushroom, garlic), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert de Normandie Cheese Taste Like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy character. On the nose, Camembert de Normandie Cheese offers lactic to pungent with notes of mushroom and garlic, contrasted with Chèvre (Goat Cheese)'s goaty. More specifically, Camembert de Normandie Cheese shows 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., while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans toward mild, creamy, sometimes fruity. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert de Normandie Cheese at ~30 days develops a different profile than Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long.

Can You Substitute Camembert de Normandie Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese can stand in for Chèvre (Goat Cheese) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert de Normandie Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Camembert de Normandie Cheese. For a soft profile, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert de Normandie Cheese suits recipes that want young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic notes, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert de Normandie Cheese is made from cow milk; Chèvre (Goat Cheese) uses goat. Aging also differs: Camembert de Normandie Cheese is typically aged ~30 days, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) not aged for long.

Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese similar to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Camembert de Normandie Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Camembert de Normandie Cheese taste like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Camembert de Normandie Cheese leans lactic to pungent with notes of mushroom and garlic, and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is closer to goaty.

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.

What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Camembert de Normandie Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert de Normandie Cheese is soft, creamy, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft.