Camembert Cheese vs Monte Veronese Cheese

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Monte Veronese Cheese is soft (young), compact (aged) 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 Monte Veronese Cheese?

Monte Veronese is a cow's milk cheese from the Lessini Mountains in the northern province of Verona. It is made in two versions: a fresh one from whole milk, and a harder aged one called d'allevo, made from semi-skimmed milk.

What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Monte Veronese Cheese?

• Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Monte Veronese Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Monte Veronese Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Monte Veronese Cheese (Soft (young), Compact (aged))
• Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Monte Veronese Cheese (Unique marking)
• Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Monte Veronese Cheese (Young for whole milk, 6 months to over 2 years for d’allevo)
• Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Monte Veronese Cheese (Sweet (young), Intense and tangy (aged))

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Monte Veronese Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Monte Veronese Cheese brings sweet (young), intense and tangy (aged) character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Monte Veronese Cheese's fragrant with age. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Monte Veronese Cheese leans toward sweet flavor full of character from prized pastures for young; more intense and tangy for aged. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Monte Veronese Cheese at young for whole milk, 6 months to over 2 years for d’allevo.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Monte Veronese Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Monte Veronese 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 soft (young), compact (aged). Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Monte Veronese Cheese brings sweet (young), intense and tangy (aged) notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Monte Veronese 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 (young), compact (aged) profile, Monte Veronese Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Monte Veronese Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet (young), intense and tangy (aged).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Monte Veronese Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Monte Veronese Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Monte Veronese Cheese young for whole milk, 6 months to over 2 years for d’allevo.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Monte Veronese Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Monte Veronese Cheese?

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

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Monte Veronese Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Monte Veronese Cheese is sweet (young), intense and tangy (aged). Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Monte Veronese Cheese is closer to fragrant with age.

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 Monte Veronese Cheese made of?

Monte Veronese Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged young for whole milk, 6 months to over 2 years for d’allevo. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Monte Veronese Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Monte Veronese Cheese is soft (young), compact (aged).