Mont d'Or Cheese vs Pave de Chirac Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Pave de Chirac Cheese is soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in France.
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 Pave de Chirac Cheese?
Pave de Chirac is a soft, artisan cheese made from pasteurized goat's milk in Chirac, France. It has an ivory-colored interior and is known for its natural rind. The cheese offers a mild flavor, making it accessible to a wide range of palates. Its aroma is fresh, adding to its appeal as a simple yet satisfying choice. Pave de Chirac pairs well with light, crisp white wines or fresh fruit, enhancing its gentle taste. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread on bread or crackers for a delightful snack.
What's the Difference Between Mont d'Or Cheese and Pave de Chirac Cheese?
- Milk type: Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk), Pave de Chirac Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw), Pave de Chirac Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft), Pave de Chirac Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind), Pave de Chirac Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent), Pave de Chirac Cheese (mild)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mont d'Or Cheese | Pave de Chirac Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Jura Mountains, Doubs | Chirac |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Washed rind | Natural |
| Aging | 21 to 60 days | — |
| Taste | Resinous, mild to pungent | Mild |
Taste Comparison: Does Mont d'Or Cheese Taste Like Pave de Chirac Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Pave de Chirac Cheese brings mild character.
Can You Substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Pave de Chirac Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese can stand in for Pave de Chirac 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 soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent while Pave de Chirac Cheese brings mild notes.
Which Is Better, Mont d'Or Cheese or Pave de Chirac 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 soft, artisan profile, Pave de Chirac Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese suits recipes that want resinous, mild to pungent notes, while Pave de Chirac Cheese fits dishes calling for mild.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mont d'Or Cheese the same as Pave de Chirac Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk; Pave de Chirac Cheese uses goat.
Is Mont d'Or Cheese similar to Pave de Chirac Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Pave de Chirac Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mont d'Or Cheese taste like Pave de Chirac Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Pave de Chirac Cheese is mild.
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 Pave de Chirac Cheese made of?
Pave de Chirac Cheese is made from goat milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Mont d'Or Cheese or Pave de Chirac Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mont d'Or Cheese is soft, while Pave de Chirac Cheese is soft, artisan.