Camembert Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Camembert Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.
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 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 Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
- Milk type: Camembert Cheese (cow's milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat)
- Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored)
- Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | France, Especially The Loire Valley And Poitou |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft |
| Rind | Bloomy | Light colored |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | Not aged for long |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Camembert Cheese | Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Gamay, Grüner Veltliner, Hard Cider, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Fig Jam and more | Albariño, Asparagus, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Honey and more |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Chèvre (Goat Cheese)'s goaty. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans toward mild, creamy, sometimes fruity. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Camembert Cheese can stand in for Chèvre (Goat Cheese) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert 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, artisan cheese, go with Camembert Cheese. For a soft profile, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk; Chèvre (Goat Cheese) uses goat. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) not aged for long.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is closer to goaty.
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.
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 Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft.