Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese vs Gouda Cheese
Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is a soft, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Gouda Cheese is solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.
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 Is Gouda Cheese?
Gouda is a yellow cow's milk cheese from the Netherlands, named after the city of Gouda in South Holland. It runs from young and elastic to old and hard, picking up a caramel sweetness and small crunchy crystals with age.
What's the Difference Between Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese and Gouda Cheese?
- Origin: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (France), Gouda Cheese (Netherlands)
- Milk treatment: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (unpasteurized), Gouda Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (soft, smear-ripened), Gouda Cheese (solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged)
- Rind: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (washed), Gouda Cheese (Durable)
- Aging: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (around six weeks), Gouda Cheese (4 weeks to 21 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese | Gouda Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | Côte-D'Or, Burgundy, France | Southern Holland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, smear-ripened | Solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged |
| Rind | Washed | Durable |
| Aging | Around six weeks | 4 weeks to 21 months |
| Taste | — | Sweet to nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese Taste Like Gouda Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese offers pungent, spicy, contrasted with Gouda Cheese's sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note. Aging plays into this as well. Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese at around six weeks develops a different profile than Gouda Cheese at 4 weeks to 21 months.
Can You Substitute Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese for Gouda Cheese?
In most recipes, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese and Gouda Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, smear-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged.
Which Is Better, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese or Gouda Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, smear-ripened cheese, go with Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese. For a solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged profile, Gouda Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese the same as Gouda Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese originates in France, while Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands. Aging also differs: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is typically aged around six weeks, Gouda Cheese 4 weeks to 21 months.
Is Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese similar to Gouda Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese for Gouda Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese taste like Gouda Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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.
What is Gouda Cheese made of?
Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged 4 weeks to 21 months. It originates in Netherlands.
Which should I choose, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese or Gouda Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is soft, smear-ripened, while Gouda Cheese is solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged.