Brie Cheese vs Livarot Cheese
Brie Cheese
Livarot Cheese
Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Livarot Cheese is chewy, melts in the mouth and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Brie Cheese?
Brie is a soft cheese named after the French region from which it originated. It’s famous for its creamy interior and edible white rind. Brie has a rich, buttery flavor with hints of mushrooms and almonds. It’s often served at room temperature on cheese platters or used in cooking for its ability to add depth and creaminess to recipes.
What Is Livarot Cheese?
Livarot is a strong-smelling, washed-rind cheese from Normandy. It is nicknamed "The Colonel" because of the five strips of raffia that encircle the cheese, similar to the stripes on a French army colonel's uniform. This cheese has a spicy, pungent taste with a soft, creamy texture and a reddish-orange rind.
What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Livarot Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Brie Cheese (Raw, Pasteurized), Livarot Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Livarot Cheese (Chewy, Melts in the mouth)
- Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Livarot Cheese (Sticky, Orangey)
- Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Livarot Cheese (Pungent)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie Cheese | Livarot Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Normandy, Pays D’Auge |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Chewy, Melts in the mouth |
| Rind | Bloomy | Sticky, Orangey |
| Aging | — | 21 days |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | Pungent |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Brie Cheese | Livarot Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Apples, Apricot, Asian Pear, Asti Spumante, Beaujolais, Belgian Blonde, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Dried Cranberries, Dried Fruit, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Gamay, Ginger, Grapes, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, Kombucha, Mangoes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Pear, Pecans, Pistachios, Port, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Turkey, Viognier, White Burgundy | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Dijon Mustard, Dried Figs, German Riesling, Green Apple, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Ham, Kiwi, Muscat, Prosciutto, Pumpkin, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Scotch, Sweet Potato | — |
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Where to buy Brie Cheese and Livarot Cheese
Brie Cheese
Livarot Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Livarot Cheese?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Livarot Cheese brings pungent character.
Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Livarot Cheese?
In most recipes, Brie Cheese and Livarot Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for chewy, melts in the mouth. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Livarot Cheese brings pungent notes.
Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Livarot Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie Cheese. For a chewy, melts in the mouth profile, Livarot Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Livarot Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie Cheese the same as Livarot Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Brie Cheese similar to Livarot Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Livarot Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brie Cheese taste like Livarot Cheese?
Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Livarot Cheese is pungent.
What is Brie Cheese made of?
Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It originates in France.
What is Livarot Cheese made of?
Livarot Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Livarot Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Livarot Cheese is chewy, melts in the mouth.
See full profiles: Brie Cheese and Livarot Cheese.