Mont d'Or Cheese vs Orla Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Orla Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from sheep milk, originating in Ireland.
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 Is Orla Cheese?
Orla is a semi-hard cheese from Ireland, made with pasteurized sheep's milk. It has a distinct orange color and a washed rind that contributes to its earthy, strong aroma. The flavor profile is salty and sharp, making it a bold choice for cheese lovers. Orla's texture is firm yet slightly pliable, typical of brined cheeses. This cheese is often enjoyed on its own or paired with robust foods that can match its intense flavor. It's a great addition to cheese boards or used as a flavorful ingredient in cooking.
What's the Difference Between Mont d'Or Cheese and Orla Cheese?
- Origin: Mont d'Or Cheese (France), Orla Cheese (Ireland)
- Milk type: Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk), Orla Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw), Orla Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft), Orla Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
- Rind: Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind), Orla Cheese (washed)
- Taste: Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent), Orla Cheese (salty, sharp)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mont d'Or Cheese | Orla Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Ireland |
| Specific Origin | Jura Mountains, Doubs | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Semi-hard, brined |
| Rind | Washed rind | Washed |
| Aging | 21 to 60 days | — |
| Taste | Resinous, mild to pungent | Salty, sharp |
Taste Comparison: Does Mont d'Or Cheese Taste Like Orla Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Orla Cheese brings salty, sharp character.
Can You Substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Orla Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese can stand in for Orla Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, brined. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent while Orla Cheese brings salty, sharp notes.
Which Is Better, Mont d'Or Cheese or Orla Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Mont d'Or Cheese. For a semi-hard, brined profile, Orla Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese suits recipes that want resinous, mild to pungent notes, while Orla Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, sharp.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mont d'Or Cheese the same as Orla Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mont d'Or Cheese originates in France, while Orla Cheese comes from Ireland. Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk; Orla Cheese uses sheep.
Is Mont d'Or Cheese similar to Orla Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Orla Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mont d'Or Cheese taste like Orla Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Orla Cheese is salty, sharp.
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.
What is Orla Cheese made of?
Orla Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Ireland.
Which should I choose, Mont d'Or Cheese or Orla Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mont d'Or Cheese is soft, while Orla Cheese is semi-hard, brined.