Camembert Cheese vs Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

Vacherin Mont d'Or is a soft, seasonal cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of Switzerland and France. It is bound in a strip of spruce bark, sold in a round spruce box, and often warmed in that box and eaten like fondue.

What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

• Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (Switzerland)
• Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (thermized (Swiss), raw (French))
• Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (soft)
• Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (washed rind)
• Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (at least 2 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at at least 2 weeks.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at least 2 weeks.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

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

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese made of?

Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (thermized (swiss), raw (french)). It's typically aged at least 2 weeks. It originates in Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft.