Blue Cheese vs Geitost Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey and made from cow and goat milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Blue Cheese?
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
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 Blue Cheese and Geitost Cheese?
- Origin: Blue Cheese (France), Geitost Cheese (Norway)
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Geitost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Geitost Cheese (semi-hard, whey)
- Rind: Blue Cheese (Natural), Geitost Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Geitost Cheese (burnt caramel, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Geitost Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's and goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | — |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Semi-hard, whey |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Burnt caramel, sweet |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Geitost Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Blue Cheese and Geitost Cheese
Blue Cheese
Geitost Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Geitost Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Geitost Cheese brings burnt caramel, sweet character. On the nose, Blue Cheese offers strong, pungent, earthy, funky, contrasted with Geitost Cheese's caramel.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Geitost Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Geitost Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect crumbly, creamy, semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, whey. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Geitost Cheese brings burnt caramel, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Geitost Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go with Blue Cheese. For a semi-hard, whey profile, Geitost Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Geitost Cheese fits dishes calling for burnt caramel, sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Geitost Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese originates in France, while Geitost Cheese comes from Norway. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Geitost Cheese uses cow and goat.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Geitost Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Geitost Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Geitost Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Geitost Cheese is burnt caramel, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Blue Cheese leans strong, pungent, earthy, funky, and Geitost Cheese is closer to caramel.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 months. It originates in France.
What is Geitost Cheese made of?
Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk. It originates in Norway.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Geitost Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Geitost Cheese.