Époisses Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese

Époisses Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Époisses Cheese?

Époisses is a pungent soft-paste cow's milk cheese from the village of Époisses in Burgundy, France. Washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne as it ripens, it has a soft red-orange rind that is edible and a strong smell.

What Is Saint Felicien Cheese?

Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.

What's the Difference Between Époisses Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Époisses Cheese (raw or pasteurized), Saint Felicien Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Époisses Cheese (Soft, creamy), Saint Felicien Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Époisses Cheese (Washed-rind), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
• Aging: Époisses Cheese (Minimum of 28 days), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
• Taste: Époisses Cheese (Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Époisses Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Époisses Cheese offers undergrowth, contrasted with Saint Felicien Cheese's nutty. More specifically, Époisses Cheese shows penetrating odor, undergrowth aromas, soft and melting, slightly crumbly center if not long matured, creamy sensation on the palette, while Saint Felicien Cheese leans toward similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier. Aging plays into this as well. Époisses Cheese at minimum of 28 days develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.

Can You Substitute Époisses Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

In most recipes, Époisses Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Époisses Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Époisses Cheese. For a soft profile, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Époisses Cheese suits recipes that want subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Époisses Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Époisses Cheese is typically aged minimum of 28 days, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.

Is Époisses Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Époisses Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Époisses Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Époisses Cheese leans undergrowth, and Saint Felicien Cheese is closer to nutty.

What is Époisses Cheese made of?

Époisses Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 28 days. It originates in France.

What is Saint Felicien Cheese made of?

Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Époisses Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Époisses Cheese is soft, creamy, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft.