Jarlsberg Cheese vs Murazzano Cheese

Q: Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Murazzano Cheese?

No. Jarlsberg Cheese and Murazzano Cheese are distinct cheeses from Norway and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Murazzano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Jarlsberg Cheese for Murazzano Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Murazzano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Jarlsberg Cheese

Murazzano Cheese

Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Murazzano Cheese is fresh and made from cow and sheep 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 Murazzano Cheese?

Murazzano is a PDO cheese from the Alta Langa hills in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont. It is made mostly from the milk of a native Langhe sheep breed, with up to 40 percent cow's milk, and can be eaten after only four days of ripening.

What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Murazzano Cheese?

Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Murazzano Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk), Murazzano Cheese (Ewe’s (up to 60%) and Cow’s (up to 40%))
Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Murazzano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Murazzano Cheese (Fresh)
Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Murazzano Cheese (washed, very thin, sometimes bloomy)
Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Murazzano Cheese (4–10 days to 2 months)
Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Murazzano Cheese (Sweet to savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Jarlsberg Cheese	Murazzano Cheese
Country of Origin	Norway	Italy
Specific Origin	Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway	Piedmont Region, Specifically Murazzano Town
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Ewe’s (up to 60%) and Cow’s (up to 40%)
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Raw
Texture	Semihard	Fresh
Rind	Plastic-covered	Washed, very thin, sometimes bloomy
Aging	Three months to twelve months	4–10 days to 2 months
Taste	Mild, sweet, nutty	Sweet to savory

Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Murazzano Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Murazzano Cheese brings sweet to savory character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Murazzano Cheese's milk and cream-like. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Murazzano Cheese leans toward pleasant, with milk and cream characteristics. sweet for fresh products, more savory and intense when aged.. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Murazzano Cheese at 4–10 days to 2 months.

Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Murazzano Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese can stand in for Murazzano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for fresh. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Murazzano Cheese brings sweet to savory notes.

Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Murazzano 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 fresh profile, Murazzano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Murazzano Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet to savory.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Murazzano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Murazzano Cheese comes from Italy. Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk; Murazzano Cheese uses cow and sheep. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Murazzano Cheese 4–10 days to 2 months.

Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Murazzano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Murazzano Cheese?

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

Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Murazzano Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Murazzano Cheese is sweet to savory. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Murazzano Cheese is closer to milk and cream-like.

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 Murazzano Cheese made of?

Murazzano Cheese is made from cow and sheep milk (raw), using liquid rennet. It's typically aged 4–10 days to 2 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Murazzano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Murazzano Cheese is fresh.