Laguiole Cheese vs Mozzarella Cheese
Laguiole Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Laguiole Cheese is a firm and supple cow-milk cheese from France, while Mozzarella Cheese is soft, creamy and made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Laguiole Cheese?
Laguiole is a pressed, uncooked cheese from the Aubrac plateau in southern France, made only from raw Simmental or Aubrac cow's milk. Protected by AOC since 1961, it is the main cheese in aligot, the regional dish of mashed potatoes with cream and butter.
What Is Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese from southern Italy, made by stretching and kneading the curd. Cow's milk versions are called fior di latte, buffalo milk versions mozzarella di bufala, and it tops most pizza.
What's the Difference Between Laguiole Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese?
- Origin: Laguiole Cheese (France), Mozzarella Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Laguiole Cheese (cow's milk), Mozzarella Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk)
- Milk treatment: Laguiole Cheese (unpasteurized), Mozzarella Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Laguiole Cheese (Firm and supple), Mozzarella Cheese (Soft, creamy)
- Rind: Laguiole Cheese (Dry whitish to light gray, aging to amber-brown to granite gray), Mozzarella Cheese (None)
- Aging: Laguiole Cheese (4-10+ months), Mozzarella Cheese (Eaten fresh)
- Taste: Laguiole Cheese (Medium to intense), Mozzarella Cheese (Mild, milky)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Laguiole Cheese | Mozzarella Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Aveyron Department | Southern Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Firm and supple | Soft, creamy |
| Rind | Dry whitish to light gray, aging to amber-brown to granite gray | None |
| Aging | 4-10+ months | Eaten fresh |
| Taste | Medium to intense | Mild, milky |
Taste Comparison: Does Laguiole Cheese Taste Like Mozzarella Cheese?
Laguiole Cheese reads as medium to intense, while Mozzarella Cheese brings mild, milky character. On the nose, Laguiole Cheese offers milky and fresh grass, dried meat, contrasted with Mozzarella Cheese's mild. More specifically, Laguiole Cheese shows dry whitish to light gray rind transitioning to amber-brown to granite gray as aged. the body is ivory to straw yellow. flavor ranges from milky and fresh grass to nuts, with a lactic flavor varying by age. consumed as a table cheese, in salads, or for cooking. noted for use in aligot de l’aubrac., while Mozzarella Cheese leans toward made globally; often used in pizza and italian dishes; cow's milk versions are most common.. Aging plays into this as well. Laguiole Cheese at 4-10+ months develops a different profile than Mozzarella Cheese at eaten fresh.
Can You Substitute Laguiole Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?
Laguiole Cheese can stand in for Mozzarella Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect firm and supple bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, creamy. Flavor-wise, Laguiole Cheese reads as medium to intense while Mozzarella Cheese brings mild, milky notes.
Which Is Better, Laguiole Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm and supple cheese, go with Laguiole Cheese. For a soft, creamy profile, Mozzarella Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Laguiole Cheese suits recipes that want medium to intense notes, while Mozzarella Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, milky.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laguiole Cheese the same as Mozzarella Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Laguiole Cheese originates in France, while Mozzarella Cheese comes from Italy. Laguiole Cheese is made from cow milk; Mozzarella Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo. Aging also differs: Laguiole Cheese is typically aged 4-10+ months, Mozzarella Cheese eaten fresh.
Is Laguiole Cheese similar to Mozzarella Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Laguiole Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Laguiole Cheese taste like Mozzarella Cheese?
Laguiole Cheese reads as medium to intense, while Mozzarella Cheese is mild, milky. Aromas also diverge. Laguiole Cheese leans milky and fresh grass, dried meat, and Mozzarella Cheese is closer to mild.
What is Laguiole Cheese made of?
Laguiole Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 4-10+ months. It originates in France.
What is Mozzarella Cheese made of?
Mozzarella Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (pasteurized), using calf's or microbial rennet. It's typically aged eaten fresh. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Laguiole Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Laguiole Cheese is firm and supple, while Mozzarella Cheese is soft, creamy.