Jarlsberg Cheese vs Stilton Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Stilton Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Stilton Cheese is hard, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in England.
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 Stilton Cheese?
Stilton is an English cheese made in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, in a blue version and a white one. The blue kind gets its veins from Penicillium roqueforti. Both hold PDO status, so no cheese made elsewhere can use the name.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Stilton Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Stilton Cheese (England)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Stilton Cheese (hard, blue-veined)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Stilton Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Stilton Cheese (9 to 12 weeks)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Stilton Cheese (spicy, strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Stilton Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | England |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semihard | Hard, blue-veined |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Natural |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | 9 to 12 weeks |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Spicy, strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Stilton Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Stilton Cheese brings spicy, strong character. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Stilton Cheese at 9 to 12 weeks.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Stilton Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Stilton 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 hard, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Stilton Cheese brings spicy, strong notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Stilton 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 hard, blue-veined profile, Stilton Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Stilton Cheese fits dishes calling for spicy, strong.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Stilton Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Stilton Cheese comes from England. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Stilton Cheese 9 to 12 weeks.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Stilton Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Stilton Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Stilton Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Stilton Cheese is spicy, strong.
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 Stilton Cheese made of?
Stilton Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 9 to 12 weeks. It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Stilton Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Stilton Cheese is hard, blue-veined.