Maroilles Cheese vs Vlašić Cheese
Maroilles Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Vlašić Cheese is solid, spreadable and made from sheep milk, originating in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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 Vlašić Cheese?
Vlašić, also sold as Travnik cheese, is a white brined cheese from the Vlašić mountain above Travnik in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. Traditionally made from sheep milk, it ripens in brine and comes out mostly dry and quite salty.
What's the Difference Between Maroilles Cheese and Vlašić Cheese?
- Origin: Maroilles Cheese (France), Vlašić Cheese (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Milk type: Maroilles Cheese (cow's milk), Vlašić Cheese (Ewe’s milk)
- Milk treatment: Maroilles Cheese (pasteurized and unpasteurized), Vlašić Cheese (Strained)
- Texture: Maroilles Cheese (Semisoft), Vlašić Cheese (Solid, spreadable)
- Aging: Maroilles Cheese (5 weeks for 25-oz size), Vlašić Cheese (Minimum 60 days)
- Taste: Maroilles Cheese (Creamy taste, powerful aroma), Vlašić Cheese (Milky sour, moderately salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Maroilles Cheese | Vlašić Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Bosnia And Herzegovina |
| Specific Origin | Nord And Aisne | Vlašić Mountain |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Ewe’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized and unpasteurized | Strained |
| Texture | Semisoft | Solid, spreadable |
| Rind | Reddish-orange color | — |
| Aging | 5 weeks for 25-oz size | Minimum 60 days |
| Taste | Creamy taste, powerful aroma | Milky sour, moderately salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Maroilles Cheese Taste Like Vlašić Cheese?
Maroilles Cheese reads as creamy taste, powerful aroma, while Vlašić Cheese brings milky sour, moderately salty character. On the nose, Maroilles Cheese offers cellars, wet brick, undergrowth, contrasted with Vlašić Cheese's pleasant, of sheep’s milk. 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 Vlašić Cheese leans toward pleasant without foreign material, milky sour, and moderately salty taste. Aging plays into this as well. Maroilles Cheese at 5 weeks for 25-oz size develops a different profile than Vlašić Cheese at minimum 60 days.
Can You Substitute Maroilles Cheese for Vlašić Cheese?
Maroilles Cheese can stand in for Vlašić 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 solid, spreadable. Flavor-wise, Maroilles Cheese reads as creamy taste, powerful aroma while Vlašić Cheese brings milky sour, moderately salty notes.
Which Is Better, Maroilles Cheese or Vlašić 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 solid, spreadable profile, Vlašić Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Maroilles Cheese suits recipes that want creamy taste, powerful aroma notes, while Vlašić Cheese fits dishes calling for milky sour, moderately salty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maroilles Cheese the same as Vlašić Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Maroilles Cheese originates in France, while Vlašić Cheese comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Maroilles Cheese is made from cow milk; Vlašić Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Maroilles Cheese is typically aged 5 weeks for 25-oz size, Vlašić Cheese minimum 60 days.
Is Maroilles Cheese similar to Vlašić Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Maroilles Cheese for Vlašić Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Maroilles Cheese taste like Vlašić Cheese?
Maroilles Cheese reads as creamy taste, powerful aroma, while Vlašić Cheese is milky sour, moderately salty. Aromas also diverge. Maroilles Cheese leans cellars, wet brick, undergrowth, and Vlašić Cheese is closer to pleasant, of sheep’s milk.
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 Vlašić Cheese made of?
Vlašić Cheese is made from sheep milk (strained), using local natural calf rennet. It's typically aged minimum 60 days. It originates in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Which should I choose, Maroilles Cheese or Vlašić Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Maroilles Cheese is semisoft, while Vlašić Cheese is solid, spreadable.