Chèvre (Goat Cheese) vs Roquefort Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Roquefort Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
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 Roquefort Cheese?
Roquefort is a blue cheese made from raw Lacaune sheep's milk in southern France. Only cheese ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon may carry the name. It is tangy and creamy, with no rind and a sharp bite from the blue veins.
What's the Difference Between Chèvre (Goat Cheese) and Roquefort Cheese?
- Milk type: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat), Roquefort Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Roquefort Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft), Roquefort Cheese (Moist, very creamy)
- Rind: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored), Roquefort Cheese (none)
- Aging: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long), Roquefort Cheese (Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months)
- Taste: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy), Roquefort Cheese (Mild to strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | Roquefort Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | France, Especially The Loire Valley And Poitou | Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, South Of France |
| Milk Type | Goat | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Moist, very creamy |
| Rind | Light colored | None |
| Aging | Not aged for long | Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months |
| Taste | Tangy | Mild to strong |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | Roquefort Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Albariño, Asparagus, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Honey and more | Bordeaux, Barleywine, Beaujolais, Madeira, Port |
Taste Comparison: Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) Taste Like Roquefort Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong character. On the nose, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) offers goaty, contrasted with Roquefort Cheese's sweet. More specifically, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) shows mild, creamy, sometimes fruity, while Roquefort Cheese leans toward buttercream smooth to salty and sharp. Aging plays into this as well. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long develops a different profile than Roquefort Cheese at minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months.
Can You Substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Roquefort Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) can stand in for Roquefort 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 moist, very creamy. Flavor-wise, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong notes.
Which Is Better, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Roquefort 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 moist, very creamy profile, Roquefort Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Roquefort Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to strong.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) the same as Roquefort Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk; Roquefort Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is typically aged not aged for long, Roquefort Cheese minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months.
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) similar to Roquefort Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Roquefort Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) taste like Roquefort Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while Roquefort Cheese is mild to strong. Aromas also diverge. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans goaty, and Roquefort Cheese is closer to sweet.
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 Roquefort Cheese made of?
Roquefort Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Roquefort Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy.