Leicester Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese

Leicester Cheese is a firm, dry, crumbly cow-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Leicester Cheese?

Red Leicester is a crumbly cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, England, close to Cheddar and coloured orange with annatto. Young wheels taste very mild and slightly sweet; after about six months the cheese picks up a tang.

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 Leicester Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?

• Origin: Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom), Mont d'Or Cheese (France)
• Texture: Leicester Cheese (firm, dry, crumbly), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Leicester Cheese (reddish-orange with a powdery mould), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
• Aging: Leicester Cheese (6 to 12 months), Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days)
• Taste: Leicester Cheese (slightly sweet, mellow, nutty), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Leicester Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?

Leicester Cheese reads as slightly sweet, mellow, nutty, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character. More specifically, Leicester Cheese shows very mild when young, tangier after six months, while Mont d'Or Cheese leans toward known for its creamy taste and powerful aroma; gets resinous flavor from spruce bark. Aging plays into this as well. Leicester Cheese at 6 to 12 months develops a different profile than Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days.

Can You Substitute Leicester Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?

In most recipes, Leicester Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm, dry, crumbly bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Leicester Cheese reads as slightly sweet, mellow, nutty while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.

Which Is Better, Leicester 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 firm, dry, crumbly cheese, go with Leicester Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Leicester Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sweet, mellow, nutty notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leicester Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Leicester Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Mont d'Or Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Leicester Cheese is typically aged 6 to 12 months, Mont d'Or Cheese 21 to 60 days.

Is Leicester Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Leicester Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Leicester Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?

Leicester Cheese reads as slightly sweet, mellow, nutty, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.

What is Leicester Cheese made of?

Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 6 to 12 months. It originates in United Kingdom.

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, Leicester Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Leicester Cheese is firm, dry, crumbly, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.