Maroilles Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Maroilles Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

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 Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Maroilles Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Maroilles Cheese (Semisoft), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Maroilles Cheese (Reddish-orange color), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Maroilles Cheese (Creamy taste, powerful aroma), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Maroilles Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Maroilles Cheese reads as creamy taste, powerful aroma, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character. On the nose, Maroilles Cheese offers cellars, wet brick, undergrowth, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Maroilles Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Maroilles Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Maroilles Cheese reads as creamy taste, powerful aroma while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Maroilles Cheese or Washed Rind 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 hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Maroilles Cheese suits recipes that want creamy taste, powerful aroma notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maroilles Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Maroilles Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Maroilles Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Does Maroilles Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Maroilles Cheese reads as creamy taste, powerful aroma, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive. Aromas also diverge. Maroilles Cheese leans cellars, wet brick, undergrowth, and Washed Rind Cheese is closer to pungent.

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 Washed Rind Cheese made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Maroilles Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Maroilles Cheese is semisoft, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.