Camembert Cheese vs Montasio Vecchio Cheese

Q: Is Camembert Cheese the same as Montasio Vecchio Cheese?

No. Camembert Cheese and Montasio Vecchio Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Montasio Vecchio Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Camembert Cheese for Montasio Vecchio Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Montasio Vecchio Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Montasio Vecchio Cheese is semi-firm, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Montasio Vecchio Cheese?

Montasio Vecchio is a semi-firm, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in the regions of Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto, Italy. This cheese has a natural rind and is known for its sharp flavor and strong aroma. As it ages, it develops a rich, savory taste that can be enjoyed on its own or as a flavorful addition to various dishes. Its texture is firm yet slightly crumbly, making it suitable for grating over pasta or salads. Montasio Vecchio is an excellent choice for those who appreciate bold, aged cheeses.

What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Montasio Vecchio Cheese?

Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Montasio Vecchio Cheese (Italy)
Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Montasio Vecchio Cheese (unpasteurized)
Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Montasio Vecchio Cheese (semi-firm, artisan)
Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Montasio Vecchio Cheese (natural)
Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Montasio Vecchio Cheese (sharp)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Camembert Cheese	Montasio Vecchio Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France	Friuli Venezia Giulia And Veneto
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions	Unpasteurized
Texture	Soft, artisan	Semi-firm, artisan
Rind	Bloomy	Natural
Aging	Minimum 3 weeks	—
Taste	Slightly sour, stronger than brie	Sharp

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Montasio Vecchio Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Montasio Vecchio Cheese brings sharp character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Montasio Vecchio Cheese's strong.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Montasio Vecchio Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Montasio Vecchio Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-firm, artisan. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Montasio Vecchio Cheese brings sharp notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Montasio Vecchio 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 semi-firm, artisan profile, Montasio Vecchio Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Montasio Vecchio Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Montasio Vecchio Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Montasio Vecchio Cheese comes from Italy.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Montasio Vecchio Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Montasio Vecchio Cheese?

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

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Montasio Vecchio Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Montasio Vecchio Cheese is sharp. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Montasio Vecchio Cheese is closer to strong.

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 Montasio Vecchio Cheese made of?

Montasio Vecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Montasio Vecchio Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Montasio Vecchio Cheese is semi-firm, artisan.