Jarlsberg Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese

Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft 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 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 Jarlsberg Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?

• Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Mont d'Or Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
• Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days)
• Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., 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. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days.

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

In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Mont d'Or 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.

Which Is Better, Jarlsberg 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 semihard cheese, go with Jarlsberg Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Mont d'Or Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Mont d'Or Cheese 21 to 60 days.

Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

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

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.

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 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, Jarlsberg Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.