Cup Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Cup Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from United States, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Cup Cheese?
Cup cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese from Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens, sold in the cup that gave it its name. It descends from the German cooked cheese Kochkäse and is known for a smell strong enough to split opinion at the table.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
What's the Difference Between Cup Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Cup Cheese (United States), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Milk treatment: Cup Cheese (unpasteurized), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Cup Cheese (soft, artisan), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Taste: Cup Cheese (sharp, sour, strong), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cup Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Pennsylvania | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Semihard |
| Rind | — | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | — | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Sharp, sour, strong | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Cup Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Cup Cheese reads as sharp, sour, strong, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Cup Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery.
Can You Substitute Cup Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Cup Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Cup Cheese reads as sharp, sour, strong while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Cup Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Cup Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cup Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, sour, strong notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cup Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cup Cheese originates in United States, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway.
Is Cup Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cup Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cup Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Cup Cheese reads as sharp, sour, strong, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Cup Cheese leans strong, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.
What is Cup Cheese made of?
Cup Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in United States.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
Which should I choose, Cup Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cup Cheese is soft, artisan, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.