Domiati Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese

Domiati Cheese is a soft cow, goat, or buffalo-milk cheese from Egypt, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.

What Is Domiati Cheese?

Domiati is the most common cheese in Egypt, a soft white salty cheese usually made from buffalo or cow milk. Salt goes into the milk before the rennet, which sets it apart from feta and gives the cheese its sharp, pickled character.

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 Domiati Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?

• Origin: Domiati Cheese (Egypt), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
• Milk type: Domiati Cheese (Primarily buffalo, but also cow's, goat's, etc.), Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk)
• Texture: Domiati Cheese (Soft), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
• Rind: Domiati Cheese (None), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
• Aging: Domiati Cheese (Fresh or 3-4 months pickled), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
• Taste: Domiati Cheese (Salty), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Domiati Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Domiati Cheese reads as salty, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. More specifically, Domiati Cheese shows salty, chewy, similar to feta but with salting occurring before renneting, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Domiati Cheese at fresh or 3-4 months pickled develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.

Can You Substitute Domiati Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

Domiati Cheese can stand in for Jarlsberg Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Domiati Cheese reads as salty while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Domiati Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Domiati Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Domiati Cheese suits recipes that want salty notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Domiati Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Domiati Cheese originates in Egypt, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Domiati Cheese is made from cow, goat, or buffalo milk; Jarlsberg Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Domiati Cheese is typically aged fresh or 3-4 months pickled, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.

Is Domiati Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Domiati Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Domiati Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Domiati Cheese reads as salty, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty.

What is Domiati Cheese made of?

Domiati Cheese is made from cow, goat, or buffalo milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged fresh or 3-4 months pickled. It originates in Egypt.

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, Domiati Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Domiati Cheese is soft, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.