Maroilles Cheese vs Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya
Maroilles Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is soft, creamy and made from cow milk.
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 Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya?
Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is a young, soft-paste cheese made from pasteurized Friesian cow's milk in La Seu d'Urgell, Catalonia. It is the only Catalan cheese with a Protected Designation of Origin, and it tastes light with a salty aftertaste.
What's the Difference Between Maroilles Cheese and Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya?
- Milk treatment: Maroilles Cheese (pasteurized and unpasteurized), Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Maroilles Cheese (Semisoft), Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (Soft, creamy)
- Rind: Maroilles Cheese (Reddish-orange color), Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (Natural, slightly moist, light brown)
- Aging: Maroilles Cheese (5 weeks for 25-oz size), Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (up to one month)
- Taste: Maroilles Cheese (Creamy taste, powerful aroma), Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya (Soft, clear, pleasant)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Maroilles Cheese | Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Nord And Aisne | Alto Urgel And Cerdanya, Catalonia |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized and unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semisoft | Soft, creamy |
| Rind | Reddish-orange color | Natural, slightly moist, light brown |
| Aging | 5 weeks for 25-oz size | Up to one month |
| Taste | Creamy taste, powerful aroma | Soft, clear, pleasant |
Taste Comparison: Does Maroilles Cheese Taste Like Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya?
Maroilles Cheese reads as creamy taste, powerful aroma, while Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya brings soft, clear, pleasant character. On the nose, Maroilles Cheese offers cellars, wet brick, undergrowth, contrasted with Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya's sweet, penetrating. More specifically, Maroilles Cheese shows pungent smell of cellars, wet brick, undergrowth, light ammoniac, milky, slightly salty, with hints of milk curd, hazelnut, and garlic, while Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya leans toward light, with a salty aftertaste and intense, persistent secondary aromas. Aging plays into this as well. Maroilles Cheese at 5 weeks for 25-oz size develops a different profile than Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya at up to one month.
Can You Substitute Maroilles Cheese for Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya?
In most recipes, Maroilles Cheese and Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semisoft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, creamy. Flavor-wise, Maroilles Cheese reads as creamy taste, powerful aroma while Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya brings soft, clear, pleasant notes.
Which Is Better, Maroilles Cheese or Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya?
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, creamy profile, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Maroilles Cheese suits recipes that want creamy taste, powerful aroma notes, while Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya fits dishes calling for soft, clear, pleasant.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maroilles Cheese the same as Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Maroilles Cheese is typically aged 5 weeks for 25-oz size, Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya up to one month.
Is Maroilles Cheese similar to Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Maroilles Cheese for Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Maroilles Cheese taste like Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya?
Maroilles Cheese reads as creamy taste, powerful aroma, while Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is soft, clear, pleasant. Aromas also diverge. Maroilles Cheese leans cellars, wet brick, undergrowth, and Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is closer to sweet, penetrating.
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 Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya made of?
Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged up to one month.
Which should I choose, Maroilles Cheese or Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Maroilles Cheese is semisoft, while Queso de l'Alt Urgell y la Cerdanya is soft, creamy.