Maroilles Cheese vs Pyramide Cheese

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Maroilles Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Pyramide Cheese is soft, artisan 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 Pyramide Cheese?

Pyramide is a soft, artisan cheese made from pasteurized goat's milk in the Loire Valley, France. It has an ivory color and a natural rind that adds to its rustic appearance. The cheese has a pungent aroma, which is typical of goat cheeses from this region. Its flavor is creamy and tangy, offering a rich taste experience. The texture is smooth, making it easy to spread on bread or crackers. Pyramide is often enjoyed as part of a cheese platter or paired with a crisp white wine, enhancing its fresh and bright flavors.

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

  • Milk type: Maroilles Cheese (cow's milk), Pyramide Cheese (goat's milk)
  • Milk treatment: Maroilles Cheese (pasteurized and unpasteurized), Pyramide Cheese (pasteurized)
  • Texture: Maroilles Cheese (Semisoft), Pyramide Cheese (soft, artisan)
  • Rind: Maroilles Cheese (Reddish-orange color), Pyramide Cheese (natural)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Maroilles Cheese Pyramide Cheese
Country of Origin France France
Specific Origin Nord And Aisne Loire Valley
Milk Type Cow's milk Goat's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized and unpasteurized Pasteurized
Texture Semisoft Soft, artisan
Rind Reddish-orange color Natural
Aging 5 weeks for 25-oz size —
Taste Creamy taste, powerful aroma —

Taste Comparison: Does Maroilles Cheese Taste Like Pyramide Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Maroilles Cheese offers cellars, wet brick, undergrowth, contrasted with Pyramide Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Maroilles Cheese for Pyramide Cheese?

Maroilles Cheese can stand in for Pyramide 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, artisan.

Which Is Better, Maroilles Cheese or Pyramide 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, artisan profile, Pyramide Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maroilles Cheese the same as Pyramide Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Maroilles Cheese is made from cow milk; Pyramide Cheese uses goat.

Is Maroilles Cheese similar to Pyramide Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Maroilles Cheese for Pyramide Cheese?

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

Does Maroilles Cheese taste like Pyramide 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 Pyramide Cheese made of?

Pyramide Cheese is made from goat milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Maroilles Cheese or Pyramide Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Maroilles Cheese is semisoft, while Pyramide Cheese is soft, artisan.