Herve Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese

Q: Is Herve Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?

No. Herve Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese are distinct cheeses from Belgium and Montenegro respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Herve Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Herve Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Herve Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Herve Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Herve Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from Belgium, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.

What Is Herve Cheese?

Herve is a traditional Belgian cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It features a soft, artisan texture and is known for its smooth yet spicy flavor. The cheese has a strong, pungent aroma that can be quite intense. Herve is typically orange in color, giving it a distinctive appearance. Often referred to as Fromage de Herve, it is a staple in Belgian cheese-making traditions. This cheese is commonly enjoyed with bread or as part of a cheese platter, where its bold characteristics can be appreciated.

What Is Pljevlja Cheese?

Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.

What's the Difference Between Herve Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?

Origin: Herve Cheese (Belgium), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
Milk type: Herve Cheese (cow's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
Texture: Herve Cheese (soft, artisan), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Herve Cheese	Pljevlja Cheese
Country of Origin	Belgium	Montenegro
Specific Origin	—	Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	—
Texture	Soft, artisan	Soft to semihard
Aging	—	4 to 8 weeks
Taste	Smooth, spicy	—

Taste Comparison: Does Herve Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Herve Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

Herve Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to semihard.

Which Is Better, Herve Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Herve Cheese. For a soft to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Herve Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Herve Cheese originates in Belgium, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Herve Cheese is made from cow milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep.

Is Herve Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Herve Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Does Herve Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Herve Cheese made of?

Herve Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Belgium.

What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?

Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.

Which should I choose, Herve Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Herve Cheese is soft, artisan, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.