Comté Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?"
• "Is Comté Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese the same?"
• "How does Comté Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese?"
• "Is Comté Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese better?"

Comté Cheese Overview

Comté is a French cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. It is one of the most popular AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) cheeses, known for its complex flavors which can include hints of apricot, chocolate, butter, cream, hazelnuts, and toast. Comté is aged for a minimum of four months, with some wheels maturing for over a year to develop a deeper flavor profile.

Monterey Jack Cheese Overview

Monterey Jack is a popular American cheese originating from Monterey, California. It's known for its mild flavor and semi-soft texture, making it an excellent melting cheese. Monterey Jack can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes, particularly Mexican and American cuisines, such as quesadillas and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Comté Cheese comes from France. Monterey Jack Cheese originated from Mexico and United States.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Comté Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1958). Monterey Jack is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Monterey Jack Cheese has a fat content of not less than 50% on a dry basis and a moisture content of none. Monterey Jack's texture can be described as "mild to firm".

Taste and Aroma

Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored taste. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Comté Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow , is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 years . Monterey Jack Cheese has a color of cream to golden and has an aging period of six weeks to ten months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural . Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Comté is ranked #61 out of 996 types based on community views. Monterey Jack is ranked #17 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Monterey Jack pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a mild to firm consistency, Monterey Jack might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Monterey Jack offers a mild to full-flavored profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Comté Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses