Époisses Cheese vs Swiss Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Époisses Cheese and Swiss Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Époisses Cheese and Swiss Cheese?"
• "Is Époisses Cheese and Swiss Cheese the same?"
• "How does Époisses Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Époisses Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese?"
• "Is Époisses Cheese or Swiss Cheese better?"

Époisses Cheese Overview

Époisses is a strongly flavored, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy, made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, intense flavor with hints of barnyard and bacon. The rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy during maturation, contributing to its characteristic strong smell and deep orange color. Époisses is typically eaten with crusty bread or used to add depth to sauces.

Swiss Cheese Overview

Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Époisses Cheese comes from France. Swiss Cheese originated from United States.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991). Swiss is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk. Swiss Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy". Swiss Cheese has a fat content of ~28-32% and a moisture content of none. Swiss's texture can be described as "semi-firm".

Taste and Aroma

Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth". Swiss Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly sweet taste. Swiss's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty".

Appearance and Aging

Époisses Cheese's appearance is colored orange ivory to brick red , is available in small and large sizes and is aged minimum of 28 days . Swiss Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 1-3 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind . Swiss Cheese's rind is described as none , with microbial or vegetarian rennet.

Ranking

Époisses is ranked #30 out of 996 types based on community views. Swiss is ranked #78 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Époisses and Swiss pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft and creamy cheese, go for Époisses. But if you enjoy a semi-firm consistency, Swiss might be the better pick. Époisses has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Swiss offers a mild, nutty, slightly sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Époisses Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Swiss Cheese to Other Cheeses