Jarlsberg Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese

Q: Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Naboulsi 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 is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.

What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.

What Is Naboulsi Cheese?

Naboulsi is a semi-hard, brined cheese made from pasteurized goat's or sheep's milk, commonly found in the Middle East and Palestine. It has a fresh aroma and a salty flavor, making it a popular choice in various dishes. The cheese is white in color and has a natural rind. Known also as Naboulsieh or Nabulsi, it is often used in both savory and sweet recipes, such as filling for pastries or grilled as a snack. Its firm texture allows it to hold up well when cooked, making it a versatile ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine.

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

Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
Milk type: Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk), Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Naboulsi Cheese (natural)
Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Naboulsi Cheese (salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Jarlsberg Cheese	Naboulsi Cheese
Country of Origin	Norway	Middle East And Palestine
Specific Origin	No Specific Location	—
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Goat's or sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Pasteurized
Texture	Semihard	Semi-hard, brined
Rind	Plastic-covered	Natural
Aging	Three months to twelve months	—
Taste	Mild, sweet, nutty	Salty

Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty character.

Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese can stand in for Naboulsi 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 semi-hard, brined. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty notes.

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

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.

Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Naboulsi Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Naboulsi Cheese is salty.

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 Naboulsi Cheese made of?

Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.

Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined.