Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese vs Munster Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, while Munster 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 Munster Cheese?
Munster is a strong-smelling, soft cheese from the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France. It has a washed rind, which gives it a red-orange color and a distinctive pungent aroma. The flavor is rich and tangy, often enjoyed with cumin seeds and paired with beers or strong wines.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Munster Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Goat's milk), Munster Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Raw), Munster Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds), Munster Cheese (Washed, saltwater solution)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Minimum maturing period of 10 days), Munster Cheese (4-6 weeks to 2-3 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semisoft |
| Rind | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Aging | Minimum maturing period of 10 days | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
| Taste | — | Strong, gamey |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | German Riesling, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Belgian Blonde |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Munster Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese
Munster Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Munster 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 Munster Cheese at 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Munster Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Munster Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Munster 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 Munster Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Munster Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days, Munster Cheese 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months.
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese similar to Munster Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Munster Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese taste like Munster 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 Munster Cheese made of?
Munster Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using traditional rennet. It's typically aged 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Munster 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 Munster Cheese.