Kanafeh Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Kanafeh Cheese is a soft cheese from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Kanafeh Cheese?
Knafeh is an Arab dessert of spun kadayif pastry layered with soft white cheese and soaked in sugar syrup. Nablus in Palestine is known for its version, made with the city's firm, salty Nabulsi cheese and served hot under crushed pistachios.
What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or is a seasonal soft cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of France and Switzerland, wrapped in a band of spruce that gives it its flavor. It sells from September 10 to May 10 and is usually warmed in its spruce box and eaten like fondue.
What's the Difference Between Kanafeh Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Origin: Kanafeh Cheese (Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey), Mont d'Or Cheese (France)
- Texture: Kanafeh Cheese (soft), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Taste: Kanafeh Cheese (sweet), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Kanafeh Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria And Turkey | France |
| Specific Origin | Levant | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | Soft |
| Rind | — | Washed rind |
| Aging | — | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | Sweet | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Kanafeh Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Kanafeh Cheese reads as sweet, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character. More specifically, Kanafeh Cheese shows sugar syrup with rose water or orange blossom water, salty cheese, crushed pistachio, while Mont d'Or Cheese leans toward known for its creamy taste and powerful aroma; gets resinous flavor from spruce bark.
Can You Substitute Kanafeh Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
Kanafeh Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Kanafeh Cheese reads as sweet while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.
Which Is Better, Kanafeh Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Kanafeh Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Kanafeh Cheese suits recipes that want sweet notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kanafeh Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Kanafeh Cheese originates in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey, while Mont d'Or Cheese comes from France.
Is Kanafeh Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Kanafeh Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Kanafeh Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Kanafeh Cheese reads as sweet, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.
What is Kanafeh Cheese made of?
Kanafeh Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.
What is Mont d'Or Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Kanafeh Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Kanafeh Cheese is soft, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.