Maroilles Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese
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 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 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 |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized and unpasteurized | — |
| 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 (pasteurized and unpasteurized), 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.