Mascares Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Mascares Cheese is a fresh soft, artisan goat and sheep-milk cheese from France, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Mascares Cheese?
Mascares is a fresh, soft cheese made from a blend of goat's and sheep's milk in the Provencale region of France. It has a creamy white interior and is traditionally wrapped in leaves, which adds a touch of rustic appeal. The cheese offers an earthy aroma with floral notes, suggesting a connection to the natural surroundings where it is produced. Its texture is smooth and spreadable, making it ideal for pairing with crusty bread or crackers. The flavor is mild yet tangy, with a subtle hint of sweetness. Mascares is best enjoyed fresh to appreciate its delicate balance of flavors and aromas.
What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or is a seasonal soft cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of France and Switzerland, wrapped in a band of spruce that gives it its flavor. It sells from September 10 to May 10 and is usually warmed in its spruce box and eaten like fondue.
What's the Difference Between Mascares Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Milk type: Mascares Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Texture: Mascares Cheese (fresh soft, artisan), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Mascares Cheese (leaf wrapped), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mascares Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Provencale | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Fresh soft, artisan | Soft |
| Rind | Leaf wrapped | Washed rind |
| Aging | — | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | — | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Mascares Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Mascares Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mascares Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fresh soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Mascares Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh soft, artisan cheese, go with Mascares Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mascares Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mascares Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Mont d'Or Cheese uses cow.
Is Mascares Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mascares Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mascares Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Mascares Cheese made of?
Mascares Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk. It originates in France.
What is Mont d'Or Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Mascares Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mascares Cheese is fresh soft, artisan, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.