Maroilles Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese

Q: Is Maroilles Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?

No. Maroilles Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and Montenegro respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Maroilles Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Maroilles Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Maroilles Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Maroilles Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Maroilles Cheese

Pljevlja Cheese

Maroilles Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.

What Is Maroilles Cheese?

Maroilles, also known as Marolles, is a strong-smelling, washed-rind cheese from northern France. It has a soft, moist texture and a rich, intense flavor with earthy notes. Maroilles is often used in cooking, especially in regional dishes like "flamiche aux maroilles," a traditional tart.

What Is Pljevlja Cheese?

Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.

What's the Difference Between Maroilles Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?

Origin: Maroilles Cheese (France), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
Milk type: Maroilles Cheese (cow's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
Texture: Maroilles Cheese (Semisoft), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
Aging: Maroilles Cheese (5 weeks for 25-oz size), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Maroilles Cheese	Pljevlja Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Montenegro
Specific Origin	Nord And Aisne	Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed
Texture	Semisoft	Soft to semihard
Rind	Reddish-orange color	—
Aging	5 weeks for 25-oz size	4 to 8 weeks
Taste	Creamy taste, powerful aroma	—

Taste Comparison: Does Maroilles Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Maroilles Cheese at 5 weeks for 25-oz size develops a different profile than Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.

Can You Substitute Maroilles Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

Maroilles Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja 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 to semihard.

Which Is Better, Maroilles Cheese or Pljevlja 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 to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maroilles Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Maroilles Cheese originates in France, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Maroilles Cheese is made from cow milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Maroilles Cheese is typically aged 5 weeks for 25-oz size, Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.

Is Maroilles Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Maroilles Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Maroilles Cheese taste like Pljevlja 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, using calf rennet. It's typically aged 5 weeks for 25-oz size. It originates in France.

What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?

Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.

Which should I choose, Maroilles Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Maroilles Cheese is semisoft, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.