Fontainebleau Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese

Fontainebleau Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.

What Is Fontainebleau Cheese?

Fontainebleau is a soft, white cheese originating from the Ile-de-France region in France. Made from cow's milk, it can be produced using either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk. This cheese has a high fat content of 60%, contributing to its rich and creamy texture. Fontainebleau is known for its mild, milky, and smooth flavor profile with a subtle sweetness. The aroma is fresh and mild, reflecting its milky nature. It is rindless, which adds to its smooth and velvety consistency. Fontainebleau is often enjoyed on its own or paired with fruits or pastries.

What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.

What's the Difference Between Fontainebleau Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?

• Origin: Fontainebleau Cheese (France), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
• Milk treatment: Fontainebleau Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Fontainebleau Cheese (soft), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
• Rind: Fontainebleau Cheese (rindless), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
• Taste: Fontainebleau Cheese (mild, milky, smooth, sweet), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Fontainebleau Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Fontainebleau Cheese reads as mild, milky, smooth, sweet, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Fontainebleau Cheese offers fresh, mild, milky, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery.

Can You Substitute Fontainebleau Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

In most recipes, Fontainebleau Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Fontainebleau Cheese reads as mild, milky, smooth, sweet while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Fontainebleau Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Fontainebleau Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fontainebleau Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, smooth, sweet notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fontainebleau Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fontainebleau Cheese originates in France, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway.

Is Fontainebleau Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fontainebleau Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Does Fontainebleau Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Fontainebleau Cheese reads as mild, milky, smooth, sweet, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Fontainebleau Cheese leans fresh, mild, milky, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.

What is Fontainebleau Cheese made of?

Fontainebleau Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in France.

What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?

Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Fontainebleau Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fontainebleau Cheese is soft, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.