Jarlsberg Cheese vs Laguiole Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Laguiole Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Laguiole Cheese is firm and supple and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
What Is Laguiole Cheese?
Laguiole is a pressed, uncooked cheese from the Aubrac plateau in southern France, made only from raw Simmental or Aubrac cow's milk. Protected by AOC since 1961, it is the main cheese in aligot, the regional dish of mashed potatoes with cream and butter.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Laguiole Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Laguiole Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Laguiole Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Laguiole Cheese (Firm and supple)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Laguiole Cheese (Dry whitish to light gray, aging to amber-brown to granite gray)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Laguiole Cheese (4-10+ months)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Laguiole Cheese (Medium to intense)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Laguiole Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | France |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Aveyron Department |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semihard | Firm and supple |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Dry whitish to light gray, aging to amber-brown to granite gray |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | 4-10+ months |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Medium to intense |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Laguiole Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Laguiole Cheese brings medium to intense character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Laguiole Cheese's milky and fresh grass, dried meat. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Laguiole Cheese leans toward dry whitish to light gray rind transitioning to amber-brown to granite gray as aged. the body is ivory to straw yellow. flavor ranges from milky and fresh grass to nuts, with a lactic flavor varying by age. consumed as a table cheese, in salads, or for cooking. noted for use in aligot de l’aubrac.. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Laguiole Cheese at 4-10+ months.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Laguiole Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Laguiole Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for firm and supple. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Laguiole Cheese brings medium to intense notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Laguiole Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semihard cheese, go with Jarlsberg Cheese. For a firm and supple profile, Laguiole Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Laguiole Cheese fits dishes calling for medium to intense.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Laguiole Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Laguiole Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Laguiole Cheese 4-10+ months.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Laguiole Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Laguiole Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Laguiole Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Laguiole Cheese is medium to intense. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Laguiole Cheese is closer to milky and fresh grass, dried meat.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
What is Laguiole Cheese made of?
Laguiole Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 4-10+ months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Laguiole Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Laguiole Cheese is firm and supple.