Camembert Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, 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 Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?

• Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Parmesan Cheese (hard, artisan)
• Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years)
• Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Parmesan Cheese's nutty, strong. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Parmesan Cheese leans toward sharp, salty, savory, strong umami. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Parmesan 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 hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Parmesan 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 hard, artisan profile, Parmesan Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Parmesan Cheese minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

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

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Parmesan Cheese is closer to nutty, 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 Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan.