Goat Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Goat Cheese is a soft, semihard or hard goat-milk cheese, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese, also called chèvre, is cheese made from goat's milk. It is produced around the world in styles ranging from fresh and soft to aged and hard, and is known for the tart, goaty flavor that comes from the milk's medium-chain fatty acids.
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 Goat Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Milk type: Goat Cheese (goat), Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Goat Cheese (soft, semihard or hard), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Taste: Goat Cheese (tart, goaty), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Goat Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Worldwide | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, semihard or hard | Semihard |
| Rind | — | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | — | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Tart, goaty | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Goat Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. More specifically, Goat Cheese shows tart goat character from caproic and caprylic fatty acids, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes..
Can You Substitute Goat Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
Goat Cheese can stand in for Jarlsberg Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, semihard or hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Goat Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, semihard or hard cheese, go with Goat Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Goat Cheese suits recipes that want tart, goaty notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goat Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Goat Cheese is made from goat milk; Jarlsberg Cheese uses cow.
Is Goat Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Goat Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Goat Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty.
What is Goat Cheese made of?
Goat Cheese is made from goat milk.
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, Goat Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.