Crottin de Chavignol Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is a firm, smooth goat-milk cheese from France, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol is a small goat cheese from the Loire Valley of France. It has a strong, slightly goaty flavor that becomes nuttier and more intense as it ages and the exterior develops from soft and smooth to a dry, crumbly texture with a moldy rind.
What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or, or Vacherin Mont d'Or, is a seasonal, soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. Available from September to May, it has a delicate, creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Mont d'Or is traditionally eaten warmed in the box it comes in, making the interior deliciously runny.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (goat's milk), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (unpasteurized), Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Firm, smooth), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Natural, white or blue), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (At least 10 days), Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days)
- Taste: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Light goat to walnut and hazelnut), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Sancerre Region | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Firm, smooth | Soft |
| Rind | Natural, white or blue | Washed rind |
| Aging | At least 10 days | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | Light goat to walnut and hazelnut | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character. More specifically, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese shows light goat flavor, floral, balanced, ages to mushroom, forest undergrowth, matures to nutty flavors, repassé: strong, creamy, while Mont d'Or Cheese leans toward known for its creamy taste and powerful aroma; gets resinous flavor from spruce bark. Aging plays into this as well. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese at at least 10 days develops a different profile than Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect firm, smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, smooth cheese, go with Crottin de Chavignol Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese suits recipes that want light goat to walnut and hazelnut notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Mont d'Or Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is typically aged at least 10 days, Mont d'Or Cheese 21 to 60 days.
Is Crottin de 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 Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.
What is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 10 days. It originates in France.
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 Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is firm, smooth, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.