Colonial Cheese vs Pérail Cheese

Q: Is Colonial Cheese the same as Pérail Cheese?

No. Colonial Cheese and Pérail Cheese are distinct cheeses from Brazil and France respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Colonial Cheese for Pérail Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Colonial Cheese for Pérail Cheese, though the result will shift in flavor and finish.

Q: Does Colonial Cheese taste like Pérail Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Colonial Cheese or Pérail Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Colonial Cheese

Pérail Cheese

Colonial Cheese is a cheese from Brazil, while Pérail Cheese is soft and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

Buy Colonial Cheese

Buy on Amazon Buy at Murray's

Buy Pérail Cheese

Buy on Amazon Buy at Murray's

What Is Colonial Cheese?

Colonial cheese is a traditional Brazilian cheese known for its semi-hard texture and mild flavor. It is often compared to European cheeses like Gouda or Edam due to its smooth, creamy consistency. The cheese has a pale yellow color and a slightly nutty taste with a hint of sweetness. It is commonly used in cooking and pairs well with fruits and nuts, making it a popular choice for cheese boards. Colonial cheese is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or melted in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches or casseroles. Its gentle flavor makes it accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of palates.

What Is Pérail Cheese?

Pérail is a soft sheep's milk cheese from Aveyron in southern France, sold in small rounds with an ivory, wrinkly rind. Older wheels taste distinctly sheepy.

What's the Difference Between Colonial Cheese and Pérail Cheese?

Origin: Colonial Cheese (Brazil), Pérail Cheese (France)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Colonial Cheese	Pérail Cheese
Country of Origin	Brazil	France
Specific Origin	—	Aveyron, France
Milk Type	—	Sheep
Texture	—	Soft
Rind	—	Wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum
Aging	—	2 to 8 weeks
Taste	—	Distinctly sheepy in older cheeses

Taste Comparison: Does Colonial Cheese Taste Like Pérail Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Colonial Cheese for Pérail Cheese?

Colonial Cheese can stand in for Pérail Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Colonial Cheese or Pérail Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Colonial Cheese the same as Pérail Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Colonial Cheese originates in Brazil, while Pérail Cheese comes from France.

Is Colonial Cheese similar to Pérail Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Colonial Cheese for Pérail Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Colonial Cheese taste like Pérail Cheese?

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

What is Colonial Cheese made of?

Colonial Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Brazil.

What is Pérail Cheese made of?

Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 to 8 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Colonial Cheese or Pérail Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.