Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese vs Maroilles Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, while Maroilles Cheese is semisoft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Maroilles Cheese?
Maroilles is a cow's milk cheese from northern France, sold in rectangular blocks with a moist orange-red washed rind. It is known for its strong smell and takes its name from the village of Maroilles, where it has been made since the 10th century.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Maroilles Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Goat's milk), Maroilles Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Raw), Maroilles Cheese (pasteurized and unpasteurized)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds), Maroilles Cheese (Reddish-orange color)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Minimum maturing period of 10 days), Maroilles Cheese (5 weeks for 25-oz size)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Maroilles Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Nord And Aisne |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized and unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semisoft |
| Rind | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds | Reddish-orange color |
| Aging | Minimum maturing period of 10 days | 5 weeks for 25-oz size |
| Taste | — | Creamy taste, powerful aroma |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Maroilles 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 Maroilles Cheese at 5 weeks for 25-oz size.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Maroilles Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Maroilles Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Maroilles Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese the same as Maroilles Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Maroilles Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days, Maroilles Cheese 5 weeks for 25-oz size.
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese similar to Maroilles Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Maroilles Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese taste like Maroilles 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 Maroilles Cheese made of?
Maroilles Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized and unpasteurized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 5 weeks for 25-oz size. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Maroilles Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.