Jarlsberg Cheese vs Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese is semi-hard 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 Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese?
Mimolette, or boule de Lille, is a pasteurized cow's milk cheese from around Lille in northern France. It is known for its orange paste, its cantaloupe-like sphere, and a grey rind pitted by the cheese mites that live on it.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese (France)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese (semi-hard)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese (natural, pitted by cheese mites)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese (Parmesan-like when young, hazelnut when extra-old)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | France |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Lille, Northern France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semihard | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Natural, pitted by cheese mites |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | — |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Parmesan-like when young, hazelnut when extra-old |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese brings parmesan-like when young, hazelnut when extra-old character. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese leans toward parmesan, hazelnut.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Mimolette (Boule de Lille) 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 semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese brings parmesan-like when young, hazelnut when extra-old notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Mimolette (Boule de Lille) 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 semi-hard profile, Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese fits dishes calling for parmesan-like when young, hazelnut when extra-old.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese comes from France.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese is parmesan-like when young, hazelnut when extra-old.
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 Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese made of?
Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Mimolette (Boule de Lille) Cheese is semi-hard.