Camembert Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Camembert Cheese?

Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.

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 Camembert Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
• Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days)
• Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Mont d'Or Cheese leans toward known for its creamy taste and powerful aroma; gets resinous flavor from spruce bark. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert 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 soft, artisan cheese, go with Camembert Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Mont d'Or Cheese 21 to 60 days.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?

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

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.

What is Camembert Cheese made of?

Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. 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, Camembert Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.