Feta Cheese vs Geitost Cheese

Feta Cheese is a soft, white, aged in brine goat and sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey and made from cow and goat milk, originating in Norway.

What Is Feta Cheese?

Feta is a brined curd white cheese from Greece, made traditionally from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly with a slightly grainy texture and has a salty, tangy flavor. Feta is commonly used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese, and is central to Greek cuisine.

What Is Geitost Cheese?

Geitost, also known as Gjetost, Mysost, or Fløtemysost, is a traditional Norwegian cheese made from a blend of cow's and goat's milk. This semi-hard cheese is unique for its production process, which involves caramelizing the milk sugars, giving it a distinct brown color. The flavor is predominantly sweet, with a burnt caramel taste that sets it apart from other cheeses. It has a natural rind and an aroma reminiscent of caramel, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy sweet flavors in their cheese. Often used in breakfast dishes, it can be sliced thinly and served on bread or crackers. Geitost is an iconic part of Norwegian cuisine and is enjoyed by cheese enthusiasts around the world.

What's the Difference Between Feta Cheese and Geitost Cheese?

• Origin: Feta Cheese (Greece), Geitost Cheese (Norway)
• Milk type: Feta Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Geitost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk)
• Texture: Feta Cheese (Soft, white, aged in brine), Geitost Cheese (semi-hard, whey)
• Rind: Feta Cheese (None), Geitost Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Feta Cheese (Sharp to mild), Geitost Cheese (burnt caramel, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Feta Cheese Taste Like Geitost Cheese?

Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Geitost Cheese brings burnt caramel, sweet character. On the nose, Feta Cheese offers nutty, strong, contrasted with Geitost Cheese's caramel.

Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Geitost Cheese?

Feta Cheese can stand in for Geitost Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, white, aged in brine bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, whey. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild while Geitost Cheese brings burnt caramel, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Geitost Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go with Feta Cheese. For a semi-hard, whey profile, Geitost Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese suits recipes that want sharp to mild notes, while Geitost Cheese fits dishes calling for burnt caramel, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Feta Cheese the same as Geitost Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Feta Cheese originates in Greece, while Geitost Cheese comes from Norway. Feta Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Geitost Cheese uses cow and goat.

Is Feta Cheese similar to Geitost Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Geitost Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Feta Cheese taste like Geitost Cheese?

Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Geitost Cheese is burnt caramel, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Feta Cheese leans nutty, strong, and Geitost Cheese is closer to caramel.

What is Feta Cheese made of?

Feta Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk (pasteurized, sometimes raw). It's typically aged 2 months to longer. It originates in Greece.

What is Geitost Cheese made of?

Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Geitost Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Feta Cheese is soft, white, aged in brine, while Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey.