Gorgonzola Cheese vs Pas de l'Escalette Cheese

Gorgonzola Cheese is a semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Gorgonzola Cheese?

Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese made from unskimmed cow's milk, named for a town near Milan. It comes in two styles: dolce, mild and buttery, and piccante, sharper with a firm, crumbly body.

What Is Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

Pas de l'Escalette is a semi-hard cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in the Larzac region of France. It has a natural rind and a straw-colored interior. The cheese offers a sweet flavor profile, accompanied by a fresh aroma. Its texture is artisan, reflecting traditional cheese-making techniques. Pas de l'Escalette is well-suited for a cheese board and pairs nicely with a variety of breads and fruits. This cheese is a fine example of the rich dairy heritage of the French countryside.

What's the Difference Between Gorgonzola Cheese and Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

• Origin: Gorgonzola Cheese (Italy), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Gorgonzola Cheese (pasteurized), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Gorgonzola Cheese (Semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (Semi-hard)
• Rind: Gorgonzola Cheese (None), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Gorgonzola Cheese (Sweet to savory), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Gorgonzola Cheese Taste Like Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

Gorgonzola Cheese reads as sweet to savory, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese brings sweet character. On the nose, Gorgonzola Cheese offers nutty, contrasted with Pas de l'Escalette Cheese's fresh.

Can You Substitute Gorgonzola Cheese for Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

In most recipes, Gorgonzola Cheese and Pas de l'Escalette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Gorgonzola Cheese reads as sweet to savory while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese brings sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Gorgonzola Cheese or Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined cheese, go with Gorgonzola Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Gorgonzola Cheese suits recipes that want sweet to savory notes, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gorgonzola Cheese the same as Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Gorgonzola Cheese originates in Italy, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese comes from France.

Is Gorgonzola Cheese similar to Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Gorgonzola Cheese for Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

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

Does Gorgonzola Cheese taste like Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

Gorgonzola Cheese reads as sweet to savory, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is sweet. Aromas also diverge. Gorgonzola Cheese leans nutty, and Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is closer to fresh.

What is Gorgonzola Cheese made of?

Gorgonzola Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Italy.

What is Pas de l'Escalette Cheese made of?

Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Gorgonzola Cheese or Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Gorgonzola Cheese is semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is semi-hard.