Brie Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Brie Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.
What Is Brie Cheese?
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region it comes from, pale under a white mould rind. It runs 60 to 75 percent butterfat and tastes creamy, nutty and mushroom-like, with a faint acidity. The rind is eaten along with the paste.
What Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.
What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
- Milk type: Brie Cheese (cow's milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat)
- Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft)
- Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored)
- Aging: Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long)
- Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie Cheese | Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Brie | France, Especially The Loire Valley And Poitou |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft |
| Rind | Bloomy | Light colored |
| Aging | At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir | Not aged for long |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Brie Cheese | Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Apples, Apricot, Asian Pear, Asti Spumante, Beaujolais, Belgian Blonde, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Crackers and more | Albariño, Asparagus, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Honey and more |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy character. On the nose, Brie Cheese offers ammoniated when overripe, contrasted with Chèvre (Goat Cheese)'s goaty. More specifically, Brie Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans toward mild, creamy, sometimes fruity. Aging plays into this as well. Brie Cheese at at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir develops a different profile than Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long.
Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Brie Cheese can stand in for Chèvre (Goat Cheese) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie Cheese. For a soft profile, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie Cheese is made from cow milk; Chèvre (Goat Cheese) uses goat. Aging also differs: Brie Cheese is typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) not aged for long.
Is Brie Cheese similar to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brie Cheese taste like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Brie Cheese leans ammoniated when overripe, and Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is closer to goaty.
What is Brie Cheese made of?
Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir. It originates in France.
What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft.