Gruyere Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gruyere Cheese and Roquefort Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Gruyere Cheese and Roquefort Cheese?"
• "Is Gruyere Cheese and Roquefort Cheese the same?"
• "How does Gruyere Cheese compare to Roquefort Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Gruyere Cheese compare to Roquefort Cheese?"
• "Is Gruyere Cheese or Roquefort Cheese better?"

Gruyere Cheese Overview

American Gruyere is inspired by the classic Swiss cheese but made in the United States. It replicates the sweet, slightly nutty flavor of traditional Gruyere. This version is typically smoother and creamier, with fewer age-induced cracks and holes. It is commonly used in cooking, especially in fondues, gratins, and baked dishes.

Roquefort Cheese Overview

Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Gruyere Cheese comes from United States. Roquefort Cheese originated from France.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Gruyere is not a protected cheese. Roquefort Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1925).

Milk Type and Treatment

Gruyere Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Roquefort Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Gruyere Cheese has a fat content of ~30-34% and a moisture content of ~36-40%. Gruyere's texture can be described as "semi-firm". Roquefort's texture can be described as "moist, very creamy".

Taste and Aroma

Gruyere Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly buttery taste. Gruyere's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty, buttery". Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong taste. Roquefort's aroma can be described as "sweet".

Appearance and Aging

Gruyere Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow to golden , is available in block, wheel, sliced, shredded and is aged typically 3-6 months . Roquefort Cheese has a color of blue-veined , comes in wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil and has an aging period of minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Gruyere Cheese's rind is described as natural or brushed, sometimes waxed and uses microbial or vegetarian (varies by producer) rennet. Roquefort Cheese uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Gruyere is ranked #42 out of 996 types based on community views. Roquefort is ranked #17 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Gruyere and Roquefort pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-firm cheese, go for Gruyere. But if you enjoy a moist, very creamy consistency, Roquefort might be the better pick. Gruyere has a mild, nutty, slightly buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Roquefort offers a mild to strong profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Gruyere Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Roquefort Cheese to Other Cheeses