Cantal Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese

Cantal Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese from France, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.

What Is Cantal Cheese?

Cantal is a firm, uncooked cow's milk cheese from the Auvergne region of central France and one of the oldest cheeses in the country. Its tangy, buttery flavor recalls Cheddar and sharpens with age, from the mild jeune to the hard, nutty vieux.

What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.

What's the Difference Between Cantal Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?

• Origin: Cantal Cheese (France), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
• Milk treatment: Cantal Cheese (Raw), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Cantal Cheese (Firm), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
• Rind: Cantal Cheese (Gray-white to golden), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
• Aging: Cantal Cheese (Jeune: 30-60 days, Entre-Deux: 90-210 days, Vieux: >8 months), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Cantal Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Cantal Cheese shows jeune: soft, milk-and-butter. entre-deux: balanced, intense. vieux: powerful, spicy. diversity of grasslands contributes to flavor., while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Cantal Cheese at jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.

Can You Substitute Cantal Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

In most recipes, Cantal Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard.

Which Is Better, Cantal Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm cheese, go with Cantal Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cantal Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cantal Cheese originates in France, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Aging also differs: Cantal Cheese is typically aged jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.

Is Cantal Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Cantal Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Does Cantal Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

What is Cantal Cheese made of?

Cantal Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using rennet rennet. It's typically aged jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months. It originates in France.

What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?

Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Cantal Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cantal Cheese is firm, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.