Brie Cheese vs Coulommiers Cheese
Brie Cheese
Coulommiers Cheese
Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Coulommiers Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Brie Cheese?
Brie is a soft cheese named after the French region from which it originated. It’s famous for its creamy interior and edible white rind. Brie has a rich, buttery flavor with hints of mushrooms and almonds. It’s often served at room temperature on cheese platters or used in cooking for its ability to add depth and creaminess to recipes.
What Is Coulommiers Cheese?
Coulommiers is a soft cheese from the Brie region of France, similar to Brie but smaller in size. It has a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor that becomes more earthy and complex as it ripens. The cheese is encased in an edible white mold rind that helps to mature the cheese from the outside in.
What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Coulommiers Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Coulommiers Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Coulommiers Cheese (White Penicillium candidum)
- Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Coulommiers Cheese (Fresh, creamy to fine, stronger)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie Cheese | Coulommiers Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Seine-Et-Marne, Brie |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft |
| Rind | Bloomy | White Penicillium candidum |
| Aging | — | 4-8 weeks |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | Fresh, creamy to fine, stronger |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Brie Cheese | Coulommiers Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Apples, Apricot, Asian Pear, Asti Spumante, Beaujolais, Belgian Blonde, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Dried Cranberries, Dried Fruit, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Gamay, Ginger, Grapes, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, Kombucha, Mangoes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Pear, Pecans, Pistachios, Port, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Turkey, Viognier, White Burgundy | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Dijon Mustard, Dried Figs, German Riesling, Green Apple, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Ham, Kiwi, Muscat, Prosciutto, Pumpkin, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Scotch, Sweet Potato | — |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Brie Cheese and Coulommiers Cheese
Brie Cheese
Coulommiers Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Coulommiers Cheese?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Coulommiers Cheese brings fresh, creamy to fine, stronger character.
Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Coulommiers Cheese?
In most recipes, Brie Cheese and Coulommiers Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Coulommiers Cheese brings fresh, creamy to fine, stronger notes.
Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Coulommiers Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Coulommiers Cheese fits dishes calling for fresh, creamy to fine, stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie Cheese the same as Coulommiers Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Brie Cheese similar to Coulommiers Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Coulommiers Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Brie Cheese taste like Coulommiers Cheese?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Coulommiers Cheese is fresh, creamy to fine, stronger.
What is Brie Cheese made of?
Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It originates in France.
What is Coulommiers Cheese made of?
Coulommiers Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 4-8 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Coulommiers Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Brie Cheese and Coulommiers Cheese.