Comté Cheese vs Five Counties Cheese

Comté Cheese is a smooth; semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Five Counties Cheese is semi-firm and made from cow milk, originating in England.

What Is Comté Cheese?

Comté is a hard cheese from eastern France, made daily from raw cow's milk in village dairies called fruitières. It holds PDO status, has the largest production of any French PDO cheese, and tastes mild, nutty, salty and slightly sweet.

What Is Five Counties Cheese?

Five Counties cheese, originating from Somerset, England, is a semi-firm cheese made from cow's milk. It is known for its layered appearance, featuring five different types of English cheeses stacked together. The flavor is buttery and mild, with a touch of saltiness, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy a balanced taste. Its aroma is subtle, adding to its approachable nature. This cheese is also referred to as Five Territories, Five Shires, or Saxonshire. It is often enjoyed on cheese boards or paired with crackers and fruits for a simple yet satisfying snack.

What's the Difference Between Comté Cheese and Five Counties Cheese?

• Origin: Comté Cheese (France), Five Counties Cheese (England)
• Texture: Comté Cheese (Smooth; Semi-hard), Five Counties Cheese (semi-firm)
• Taste: Comté Cheese (Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted), Five Counties Cheese (buttery, mild, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Comté Cheese Taste Like Five Counties Cheese?

Comté Cheese reads as nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted, while Five Counties Cheese brings buttery, mild, salty character.

Can You Substitute Comté Cheese for Five Counties Cheese?

In most recipes, Comté Cheese and Five Counties Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect smooth; semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-firm. Flavor-wise, Comté Cheese reads as nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted while Five Counties Cheese brings buttery, mild, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Comté Cheese or Five Counties Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go with Comté Cheese. For a semi-firm profile, Five Counties Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Comté Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted notes, while Five Counties Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, mild, salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Comté Cheese the same as Five Counties Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Comté Cheese originates in France, while Five Counties Cheese comes from England.

Is Comté Cheese similar to Five Counties Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Comté Cheese for Five Counties Cheese?

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

Does Comté Cheese taste like Five Counties Cheese?

Comté Cheese reads as nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted, while Five Counties Cheese is buttery, mild, salty.

What is Comté Cheese made of?

Comté Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months to 3 years. It originates in France.

What is Five Counties Cheese made of?

Five Counties Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in England.

Which should I choose, Comté Cheese or Five Counties Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Comté Cheese is smooth; semi-hard, while Five Counties Cheese is semi-firm.