Jarlsberg Cheese vs Morlacco Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Morlacco Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Morlacco Cheese?
Morlacco is a soft, low-fat cow's milk cheese from Monte Grappa in Italy's Veneto region, made with an uncooked curd. It is known for the milk of the Burlina cow, a piebald local breed now at risk of extinction.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Morlacco Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Morlacco Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Morlacco Cheese (skimmed or whole)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Morlacco Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Morlacco Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Morlacco Cheese (20 days to 3 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Morlacco Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Monte Grappa, Veneto, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Skimmed or whole |
| Texture | Semihard | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Natural |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | 20 days to 3 months |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Morlacco Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Morlacco Cheese's fresh. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Morlacco Cheese at 20 days to 3 months.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Morlacco Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Morlacco 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, artisan.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Morlacco 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, artisan profile, Morlacco Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Morlacco Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Morlacco Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Morlacco Cheese 20 days to 3 months.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Morlacco Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Morlacco Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Morlacco Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Morlacco Cheese made of?
Morlacco Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or whole). It's typically aged 20 days to 3 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Morlacco Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Morlacco Cheese is soft, artisan.