, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Halloumi Cheese vs Munster Cheese
Halloumi Cheese
Munster Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Halloumi Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Halloumi Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Halloumi Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
- "How does Halloumi Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Halloumi Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Halloumi Cheese or Munster Cheese better?"
Halloumi Cheese Overview
Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.
Munster Cheese Overview
Munster is a strong-smelling, soft cheese from the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France. It has a washed rind, which gives it a red-orange color and a distinctive pungent aroma. The flavor is rich and tangy, often enjoyed with cumin seeds and paired with beers or strong wines.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Halloumi Cheese comes from Cyprus. Munster 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. Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014). Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).
Milk Type and Treatment
Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".
Taste and Aroma
Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty taste. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "strong". Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Halloumi Cheese's appearance is colored white to light yellow and is aged 40 days . Munster Cheese has a color of orangey-pink to orange-red , comes in flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter and has an aging period of 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind and uses animal rennet. Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.
Ranking
Halloumi is ranked #100 out of 996 types based on community views. Munster is ranked #46 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Halloumi | Munster | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | German Riesling, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | Belgian Blonde |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Halloumi and Munster pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Halloumi Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus | France |
| Specific Origin | Cyprus | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
| Certification | PDO (2014) | AOC (1969) |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Not Specified | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | 45-48% |
| Rind | No rind | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Texture | Semihard | Semisoft |
| Taste | Mild, salty | Strong, gamey |
| Aroma | Strong | Gamey, aromatic |
| Colors | White to light yellow | Orangey-pink to orange-red |
| Forms | Not Specified | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter |
| Age | 40 days | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Animal | Traditional rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a semihard cheese, go for Halloumi. But if you enjoy a semisoft consistency, Munster might be the better pick. Halloumi has a mild, salty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Munster offers a strong, gamey profile, ideal for different meals.
