Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft 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 Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or is a seasonal soft cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of France and Switzerland, wrapped in a band of spruce that gives it its flavor. It sells from September 10 to May 10 and is usually warmed in its spruce box and eaten like fondue.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Goat's milk), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Minimum maturing period of 10 days), Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | — | Soft |
| Rind | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds | Washed rind |
| Aging | Minimum maturing period of 10 days | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | — | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or 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 Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Mont d'Or 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 Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Mont d'Or Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days, Mont d'Or Cheese 21 to 60 days.
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese taste like Mont d'Or 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 Mont d'Or Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.