Charolais Cheese vs Stawley Cheese

Charolais Cheese is a semi-soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Stawley Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

What Is Charolais Cheese?

Charolais is a raw goat's milk cheese from the Charolais and Brionnais hills of Burgundy, France. It is one of the largest goat cheeses, sold as a tall barrel-shaped round of 250 to 310 grams, and has carried PDO status since 2014.

What Is Stawley Cheese?

Stawley is a soft cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Somerset, England. It has a pale yellow color and a mold-ripened rind that contributes to its unique aroma of mushroom and nutty scents. The flavor profile of Stawley includes notes of caramel, floral, milky, and sweet, creating a pleasant and balanced taste experience. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread or enjoy on its own. Ideal for cheese boards, it pairs well with fresh bread or a light wine. This cheese reflects the traditional methods and quality of the region's cheesemaking.

What's the Difference Between Charolais Cheese and Stawley Cheese?

• Origin: Charolais Cheese (France), Stawley Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
• Texture: Charolais Cheese (semi-soft), Stawley Cheese (soft)
• Rind: Charolais Cheese (Bloomy, slightly wrinkled), Stawley Cheese (mold ripened)
• Taste: Charolais Cheese (acidic, salty, sweet), Stawley Cheese (caramel, floral, milky, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Charolais Cheese Taste Like Stawley Cheese?

Charolais Cheese reads as acidic, salty, sweet, while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet character. On the nose, Charolais Cheese offers subtle, contrasted with Stawley Cheese's mushroom, nutty.

Can You Substitute Charolais Cheese for Stawley Cheese?

In most recipes, Charolais Cheese and Stawley Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Charolais Cheese reads as acidic, salty, sweet while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Charolais Cheese or Stawley Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Charolais Cheese. For a soft profile, Stawley Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Charolais Cheese suits recipes that want acidic, salty, sweet notes, while Stawley Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, floral, milky, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Charolais Cheese the same as Stawley Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Charolais Cheese originates in France, while Stawley Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

Is Charolais Cheese similar to Stawley Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Charolais Cheese for Stawley Cheese?

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

Does Charolais Cheese taste like Stawley Cheese?

Charolais Cheese reads as acidic, salty, sweet, while Stawley Cheese is caramel, floral, milky, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Charolais Cheese leans subtle, and Stawley Cheese is closer to mushroom, nutty.

What is Charolais Cheese made of?

Charolais Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 16 days. It originates in France.

What is Stawley Cheese made of?

Stawley Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Charolais Cheese or Stawley Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Charolais Cheese is semi-soft, while Stawley Cheese is soft.