Coulommiers Cheese vs Dorset Blue Cheese

Coulommiers Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Dorset Blue Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.

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 Is Dorset Blue Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese is a lightly pressed, firm-textured blue cheese made in Dorset, England. It has a uniform color with irregular blue-green veining and a rough, dry brown mold coating. The cheese has a piquant, peppery flavor that ranges from mild to strong. Made using skimmed cow’s milk, the tradition of using lower-fat milk dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when it was made from residual milk left after cream skimming. The production process includes hand-breaking curds, salting, light pressing, and maturing for 12 to 20 weeks. The cheese is pierced after four weeks to develop its signature blue veining. Dorset’s lush pasture, supported by Oxford clay soil, contributes to the unique flavor of the milk used in the cheese.

What's the Difference Between Coulommiers Cheese and Dorset Blue Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Coulommiers Cheese (unpasteurized), Dorset Blue Cheese (Skimmed)
• Texture: Coulommiers Cheese (Soft), Dorset Blue Cheese (Firm)
• Rind: Coulommiers Cheese (White Penicillium candidum), Dorset Blue Cheese (Rough, dry brown mold coating)
• Aging: Coulommiers Cheese (4-8 weeks), Dorset Blue Cheese (12 to 20 weeks)
• Taste: Coulommiers Cheese (Fresh, creamy to fine, stronger), Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Coulommiers Cheese Taste Like Dorset Blue Cheese?

Coulommiers Cheese reads as fresh, creamy to fine, stronger, while Dorset Blue Cheese brings piquant, peppery, mild to strong character. Aging plays into this as well. Coulommiers Cheese at 4-8 weeks develops a different profile than Dorset Blue Cheese at 12 to 20 weeks.

Can You Substitute Coulommiers Cheese for Dorset Blue Cheese?

In most recipes, Coulommiers Cheese and Dorset Blue Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for firm. Flavor-wise, Coulommiers Cheese reads as fresh, creamy to fine, stronger while Dorset Blue Cheese brings piquant, peppery, mild to strong notes.

Which Is Better, Coulommiers Cheese or Dorset Blue Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Coulommiers Cheese. For a firm profile, Dorset Blue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Coulommiers Cheese suits recipes that want fresh, creamy to fine, stronger notes, while Dorset Blue Cheese fits dishes calling for piquant, peppery, mild to strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Coulommiers Cheese the same as Dorset Blue Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Coulommiers Cheese is typically aged 4-8 weeks, Dorset Blue Cheese 12 to 20 weeks.

Is Coulommiers Cheese similar to Dorset Blue Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Coulommiers Cheese for Dorset Blue Cheese?

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

Does Coulommiers Cheese taste like Dorset Blue Cheese?

Coulommiers Cheese reads as fresh, creamy to fine, stronger, while Dorset Blue Cheese is piquant, peppery, mild to strong.

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.

What is Dorset Blue Cheese made of?

Dorset Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed). It's typically aged 12 to 20 weeks.

Which should I choose, Coulommiers Cheese or Dorset Blue Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Coulommiers Cheese is soft, while Dorset Blue Cheese is firm.