Maroilles Cheese vs Pélardon Cheese
Maroilles Cheese
Pélardon Cheese
Maroilles Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Pélardon Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.
What Is Maroilles Cheese?
Maroilles is a cow's milk cheese from northern France, sold in rectangular blocks with a moist orange-red washed rind. It is known for its strong smell and takes its name from the village of Maroilles, where it has been made since the 10th century.
What Is Pélardon Cheese?
Pélardon is a small round goat's milk cheese from the Cévennes range in France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. It ripens under a white mold rind and has carried AOC status since August 2000.
What's the Difference Between Maroilles Cheese and Pélardon Cheese?
- Milk type: Maroilles Cheese (cow's milk), Pélardon Cheese (goat)
- Texture: Maroilles Cheese (Semisoft), Pélardon Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Maroilles Cheese (Reddish-orange color), Pélardon Cheese (bloomy, white mold)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Maroilles Cheese | Pélardon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Nord And Aisne | Cévennes Range, Languedoc-Roussillon, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized and unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semisoft | Soft |
| Rind | Reddish-orange color | Bloomy, white mold |
| Aging | 5 weeks for 25-oz size | — |
| Taste | Creamy taste, powerful aroma | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Maroilles Cheese Taste Like Pélardon Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Maroilles Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?
Maroilles Cheese can stand in for Pélardon Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semisoft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Maroilles Cheese or Pélardon Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semisoft cheese, go with Maroilles Cheese. For a soft profile, Pélardon Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maroilles Cheese the same as Pélardon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Maroilles Cheese is made from cow milk; Pélardon Cheese uses goat.
Is Maroilles Cheese similar to Pélardon Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Maroilles Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Maroilles Cheese taste like Pélardon Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Maroilles Cheese made of?
Maroilles Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized and unpasteurized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 5 weeks for 25-oz size. It originates in France.
What is Pélardon Cheese made of?
Pélardon Cheese is made from goat milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Maroilles Cheese or Pélardon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Maroilles Cheese is semisoft, while Pélardon Cheese is soft.