Chèvre (Goat Cheese) vs Pljevlja Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Pljevlja Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.
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 Is Pljevlja Cheese?
Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.
What's the Difference Between Chèvre (Goat Cheese) and Pljevlja Cheese?
- Origin: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (France), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
- Milk type: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
- Texture: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
- Aging: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | Pljevlja Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Montenegro |
| Specific Origin | France, Especially The Loire Valley And Poitou | Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja |
| Milk Type | Goat | Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft | Soft to semihard |
| Rind | Light colored | — |
| Aging | Not aged for long | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | Tangy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long develops a different profile than Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.
Can You Substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Pljevlja Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) can stand in for Pljevlja 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 to semihard.
Which Is Better, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Pljevlja Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Chèvre (Goat Cheese). For a soft to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) the same as Pljevlja Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) originates in France, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is typically aged not aged for long, Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) similar to Pljevlja Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Pljevlja Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) taste like Pljevlja Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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.
What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?
Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.
Which should I choose, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Pljevlja Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.