Geitost Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

Geitost Cheese is a semi-hard, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Norway, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

What Is Geitost Cheese?

Geitost is the Norwegian brown whey cheese made with goat's milk in the mix. Boiling milk, cream and whey caramelizes the milk sugars, which gives it a deep brown color and a sweet, caramel taste with a tang behind it.

What Is Roquefort Cheese?

Roquefort is a blue cheese made from raw Lacaune sheep's milk in southern France. Only cheese ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon may carry the name. It is tangy and creamy, with no rind and a sharp bite from the blue veins.

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

• Origin: Geitost Cheese (Norway), Roquefort Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Geitost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Roquefort Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Texture: Geitost Cheese (semi-hard, whey), Roquefort Cheese (Moist, very creamy)
• Rind: Geitost Cheese (natural), Roquefort Cheese (none)
• Aging: Geitost Cheese (not aged), Roquefort Cheese (Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months)
• Taste: Geitost Cheese (burnt caramel, sweet), Roquefort Cheese (Mild to strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Geitost Cheese Taste Like Roquefort Cheese?

Geitost Cheese reads as burnt caramel, sweet, while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong character. On the nose, Geitost Cheese offers caramel, contrasted with Roquefort Cheese's sweet. More specifically, Geitost Cheese shows sweet and caramel-like, with a tang that is sharper in the goat's milk versions, while Roquefort Cheese leans toward buttercream smooth to salty and sharp. Aging plays into this as well. Geitost Cheese at not aged develops a different profile than Roquefort Cheese at minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months.

Can You Substitute Geitost Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?

Geitost Cheese can stand in for Roquefort Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for moist, very creamy. Flavor-wise, Geitost Cheese reads as burnt caramel, sweet while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong notes.

Which Is Better, Geitost Cheese or Roquefort Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Geitost Cheese the same as Roquefort Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Geitost Cheese originates in Norway, while Roquefort Cheese comes from France. Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Roquefort Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Geitost Cheese is typically aged not aged, Roquefort Cheese minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months.

Is Geitost Cheese similar to Roquefort Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Geitost Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?

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

Does Geitost Cheese taste like Roquefort Cheese?

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

What is Geitost Cheese made of?

Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk. It's typically aged not aged. It originates in Norway.

What is Roquefort Cheese made of?

Roquefort Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Geitost Cheese or Roquefort Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy.