Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese vs Mimolette Cheese
Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is a soft, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Mimolette Cheese?
Mimolette is a hard, bright orange cow's milk cheese made around Lille in northern France. It is sold at several ages, from young wheels that taste like Parmesan to extra-old ones with a hazelnut flavor and a grey, mite-worked rind.
What's the Difference Between Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese and Mimolette Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (unpasteurized), Mimolette Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (soft, smear-ripened), Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body)
- Rind: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (washed), Mimolette Cheese (Natural)
- Aging: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (around six weeks), Mimolette Cheese (6 weeks to 24 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese | Mimolette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Côte-D'Or, Burgundy, France | Flanders Area Of Pas-De-Calais |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, smear-ripened | Smooth, creamy body |
| Rind | Washed | Natural |
| Aging | Around six weeks | 6 weeks to 24 months |
| Taste | — | Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel |
Taste Comparison: Does Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese Taste Like Mimolette Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese offers pungent, spicy, contrasted with Mimolette Cheese's butterscotch. Aging plays into this as well. Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese at around six weeks develops a different profile than Mimolette Cheese at 6 weeks to 24 months.
Can You Substitute Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?
In most recipes, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese and Mimolette 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 smooth, creamy body.
Which Is Better, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese or Mimolette 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 smooth, creamy body profile, Mimolette Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese the same as Mimolette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is typically aged around six weeks, Mimolette Cheese 6 weeks to 24 months.
Is Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese similar to Mimolette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese taste like Mimolette 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 Mimolette Cheese made of?
Mimolette Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is soft, smear-ripened, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body.