Idiazabal Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese

Idiazabal Cheese is a firm, slightly elastic sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Idiazabal Cheese?

Idiazabal is a pressed sheep's milk cheese from the Basque Country, made with unpasteurized milk and named after a town in Gipuzkoa. It is usually sold unsmoked, tastes strong and slightly piquant, and has held a Denomination of Origin since 1987.

What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?

Mont d'Or is a seasonal soft cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of France and Switzerland, wrapped in a band of spruce that gives it its flavor. It sells from September 10 to May 10 and is usually warmed in its spruce box and eaten like fondue.

What's the Difference Between Idiazabal Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?

• Origin: Idiazabal Cheese (Spain), Mont d'Or Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Idiazabal Cheese (Sheep), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Texture: Idiazabal Cheese (Firm, slightly elastic), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Idiazabal Cheese (Hard, smooth), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
• Aging: Idiazabal Cheese (60 days), Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days)
• Taste: Idiazabal Cheese (Intense, slightly piquant), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Idiazabal Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?

Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character. More specifically, Idiazabal Cheese shows ranging from lactic and roasted notes to distinctive "acid" aromas due to lipolytic activity., while Mont d'Or Cheese leans toward known for its creamy taste and powerful aroma; gets resinous flavor from spruce bark. Aging plays into this as well. Idiazabal Cheese at 60 days develops a different profile than Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days.

Can You Substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?

Idiazabal Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect firm, slightly elastic bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.

Which Is Better, Idiazabal Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, slightly elastic cheese, go with Idiazabal Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Idiazabal Cheese suits recipes that want intense, slightly piquant notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Idiazabal Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Idiazabal Cheese originates in Spain, while Mont d'Or Cheese comes from France. Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk; Mont d'Or Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Idiazabal Cheese is typically aged 60 days, Mont d'Or Cheese 21 to 60 days.

Is Idiazabal Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?

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

Does Idiazabal Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?

Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.

What is Idiazabal Cheese made of?

Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using traditional lamb rennet. It's typically aged 60 days. It originates in Spain.

What is Mont d'Or Cheese made of?

Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Idiazabal Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Idiazabal Cheese is firm, slightly elastic, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.