Danish Blue Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Danish Blue Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Danish Blue Cheese is a semi-soft, blue-veined cow-milk cheese from Denmark, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Danish Blue Cheese?
Danablu, sold as Danish Blue Cheese in North America, is a semi-soft blue-veined cheese made from full fat cow's milk and homogenized cream. It is known for its sharp, salty taste and its EU protected status, which limits production to approved Danish dairies.
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 Danish Blue Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Danish Blue Cheese (Denmark), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Texture: Danish Blue Cheese (Semi-soft, Blue-veined), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Danish Blue Cheese (edible, slightly moist), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Aging: Danish Blue Cheese (8 to 12 weeks), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
- Taste: Danish Blue Cheese (Salty, tangy), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Danish Blue Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Denmark | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft, Blue-veined | Semihard |
| Rind | Edible, slightly moist | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | 8 to 12 weeks | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Salty, tangy | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Danish Blue Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Danish Blue Cheese reads as salty, tangy, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. Aging plays into this as well. Danish Blue Cheese at 8 to 12 weeks develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.
Can You Substitute Danish Blue Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Danish Blue Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft, blue-veined bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Danish Blue Cheese reads as salty, tangy while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Danish Blue Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, blue-veined cheese, go with Danish Blue Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Danish Blue Cheese suits recipes that want salty, tangy notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Danish Blue Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Danish Blue Cheese originates in Denmark, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Aging also differs: Danish Blue Cheese is typically aged 8 to 12 weeks, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.
Is Danish Blue Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Danish Blue Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Danish Blue Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Danish Blue Cheese reads as salty, tangy, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty.
What is Danish Blue Cheese made of?
Danish Blue Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 8 to 12 weeks. It originates in Denmark.
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, Danish Blue Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Danish Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.