Mont d'Or Cheese vs Sfela Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Sfela Cheese is semi-hard and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Greece.
What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or, or Vacherin Mont d'Or, is a seasonal, soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. Available from September to May, it has a delicate, creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Mont d'Or is traditionally eaten warmed in the box it comes in, making the interior deliciously runny.
What Is Sfela Cheese?
Sfela is a semi-hard cheese from the Peloponnese region of Greece. Made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat milk, it is often fried due to its high melting point. Sfela has a salty, tangy flavor, making it a popular choice for traditional Greek fried cheese dishes.
What's the Difference Between Mont d'Or Cheese and Sfela Cheese?
- Origin: Mont d'Or Cheese (France), Sfela Cheese (Greece)
- Milk type: Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk), Sfela Cheese (Raw sheep’s milk or combination with goat’s milk)
- Texture: Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft), Sfela Cheese (Semi-hard)
- Taste: Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent), Sfela Cheese (Unique personality)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mont d'Or Cheese | Sfela Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Jura Mountains, Doubs | Messinia And Laconia, Peloponnese |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Raw sheep’s milk or combination with goat’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Washed rind | — |
| Aging | 21 to 60 days | — |
| Taste | Resinous, mild to pungent | Unique personality |
Taste Comparison: Does Mont d'Or Cheese Taste Like Sfela Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Sfela Cheese brings unique personality character. More specifically, Mont d'Or Cheese shows known for its creamy taste and powerful aroma; gets resinous flavor from spruce bark, while Sfela Cheese leans toward harder than feta, excellent aroma, unique personality.
Can You Substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Sfela Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese can stand in for Sfela 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. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent while Sfela Cheese brings unique personality notes.
Which Is Better, Mont d'Or Cheese or Sfela 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 profile, Sfela Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese suits recipes that want resinous, mild to pungent notes, while Sfela Cheese fits dishes calling for unique personality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mont d'Or Cheese the same as Sfela Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mont d'Or Cheese originates in France, while Sfela Cheese comes from Greece. Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk; Sfela Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Mont d'Or Cheese similar to Sfela Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Sfela Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mont d'Or Cheese taste like Sfela Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Sfela Cheese is unique personality.
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 Sfela Cheese made of?
Sfela Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw), using traditional rennet. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Mont d'Or Cheese or Sfela Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mont d'Or Cheese is soft, while Sfela Cheese is semi-hard.