Jarlsberg Cheese vs Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Vacherin Mont d'Or is a soft, seasonal cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of Switzerland and France. It is bound in a strip of spruce bark, sold in a round spruce box, and often warmed in that box and eaten like fondue.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (thermized (Swiss), raw (French))
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (washed rind)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (at least 2 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Jura Region, Switzerland And France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Thermized (Swiss), raw (French) |
| Texture | Semihard | Soft |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Washed rind |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | At least 2 weeks |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at at least 2 weeks.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Vacherin 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.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Vacherin 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, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at least 2 weeks.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese made of?
Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (thermized (swiss), raw (french)). It's typically aged at least 2 weeks. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft.