Maroilles Cheese vs Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese

Maroilles Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

Vacherin Mont d'Or is a soft, seasonal cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of Switzerland and France. It is bound in a strip of spruce bark, sold in a round spruce box, and often warmed in that box and eaten like fondue.

What's the Difference Between Maroilles Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

• Origin: Maroilles Cheese (France), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (Switzerland)
• Milk treatment: Maroilles Cheese (pasteurized and unpasteurized), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (thermized (Swiss), raw (French))
• Texture: Maroilles Cheese (Semisoft), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (soft)
• Rind: Maroilles Cheese (Reddish-orange color), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (washed rind)
• Aging: Maroilles Cheese (5 weeks for 25-oz size), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (at least 2 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Maroilles Cheese Taste Like Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at at least 2 weeks.

Can You Substitute Maroilles Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

In most recipes, Maroilles Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese 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.

Which Is Better, Maroilles Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maroilles Cheese the same as Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Maroilles Cheese originates in France, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Maroilles Cheese is typically aged 5 weeks for 25-oz size, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at least 2 weeks.

Is Maroilles Cheese similar to Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Maroilles Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Maroilles Cheese taste like Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese made of?

Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (thermized (swiss), raw (french)). It's typically aged at least 2 weeks. It originates in Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Maroilles Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Maroilles Cheese is semisoft, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft.