Emmental Cheese vs Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese
Emmental Cheese is a hard or medium-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is soft, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Emmental Cheese?
Emmental is a yellow, medium-hard Swiss cheese from the Emme Valley, known for the natural holes that run through it. The taste is savoury but mild. It is eaten cold in chunks or slices and melted into dishes such as gratins.
What Is Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
Époisses de Bourgogne is a soft, washed rind cow's milk cheese from the village of Époisses in Côte-d'Or, Burgundy. Its rind is washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne, which gives the cheese an orange-red surface and a strong smell.
What's the Difference Between Emmental Cheese and Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
- Origin: Emmental Cheese (Switzerland), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Emmental Cheese (Raw), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Emmental Cheese (Hard or medium-hard), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (soft, smear-ripened)
- Rind: Emmental Cheese (natural), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (washed)
- Aging: Emmental Cheese (4 months to over 1 year), Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (around six weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Emmental Cheese | Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | France |
| Specific Origin | Emmental, Canton Of Bern | Côte-D'Or, Burgundy, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard or medium-hard | Soft, smear-ripened |
| Rind | Natural | Washed |
| Aging | 4 months to over 1 year | Around six weeks |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Emmental Cheese Taste Like Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Emmental Cheese at 4 months to over 1 year develops a different profile than Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese at around six weeks.
Can You Substitute Emmental Cheese for Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
In most recipes, Emmental Cheese and Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard or medium-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, smear-ripened.
Which Is Better, Emmental Cheese or Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard or medium-hard cheese, go with Emmental Cheese. For a soft, smear-ripened profile, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emmental Cheese the same as Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Emmental Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Emmental Cheese is typically aged 4 months to over 1 year, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese around six weeks.
Is Emmental Cheese similar to Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Emmental Cheese for Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Emmental Cheese taste like Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Emmental Cheese made of?
Emmental Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months to over 1 year. It originates in Switzerland.
What is Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese made of?
Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using none, lactic acid coagulation rennet. It's typically aged around six weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Emmental Cheese or Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard, while Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is soft, smear-ripened.