Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese vs Gruyère Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, while Gruyère Cheese is dense, moister and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol, also known simply as Chavignol, is a cheese made from raw whole goat's milk. It originates from France and is protected under the designation of origin (PDO). The cheese is shaped like a flat cylinder and has a thin rind that can be ivory-colored with or without white or blue molds. The cheese is known for its lactic coagulation process with a small amount of rennet added. It has a fat content of at least 45% of the dry matter and a total dry matter content between 37g and 48g per cheese. The cheese is matured for at least 10 days, and a special version called "repassé" is matured in a confined atmosphere to develop a blue Penicillium mold.
What Is Gruyère Cheese?
Gruyère is a famous Swiss hard cheese, known for its rich, creamy, slightly nutty flavor. It is typically aged for six months or more and has a dense, slightly grainy texture. Gruyère is a staple in fondue and is also used in French onion soup, croque-monsieur, and various baked dishes.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Gruyère Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Goat's milk), Gruyère Cheese (Cow’s milk)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds), Gruyère Cheese (Natural, orangy)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Minimum maturing period of 10 days), Gruyère Cheese (5 months to 24+)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Gruyère Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | — | Switzerland, Specifically The Gruyère Region. |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | — | Dense, moister |
| Rind | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds | Natural, orangy |
| Aging | Minimum maturing period of 10 days | 5 months to 24+ |
| Taste | — | Nutty, complex |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Gruyère Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Beaujolais, Chardonnay, Clam Chowder, Cod, Dijon Mustard, Grilled Cheese, Grüner Veltliner, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Mushrooms |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Asparagus, Madeira, Olives, White Burgundy |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Gruyère Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese
Gruyère Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Gruyère Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese at minimum maturing period of 10 days develops a different profile than Gruyère Cheese at 5 months to 24+.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Gruyère Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Gruyère Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Gruyère Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese the same as Gruyère Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Gruyère Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days, Gruyère Cheese 5 months to 24+.
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese similar to Gruyère Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Gruyère Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese taste like Gruyère Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (raw), using small quantity added rennet. It's typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days.
What is Gruyère Cheese made of?
Gruyère Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 5 months to 24+. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Gruyère Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Gruyère Cheese.