Mont d'Or Cheese vs Tête de Moine Cheese

Mont d'Or Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Tête de Moine Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

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 Tête de Moine Cheese?

Tête de Moine AOP is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the Swiss Jura, first made by the canons of Bellelay abbey in the 12th century. It is not sliced but pared into thin rosettes with a Girolle.

What's the Difference Between Mont d'Or Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese?

• Origin: Mont d'Or Cheese (France), Tête de Moine Cheese (Switzerland)
• Milk treatment: Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw), Tête de Moine Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft), Tête de Moine Cheese (Semi-hard)
• Rind: Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind), Tête de Moine Cheese (firm, grainy natural crust)
• Aging: Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days), Tête de Moine Cheese (at least 2½ months)
• Taste: Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent), Tête de Moine Cheese (nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Mont d'Or Cheese Taste Like Tête de Moine Cheese?

Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Tête de Moine Cheese brings nutty character. Aging plays into this as well. Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days develops a different profile than Tête de Moine Cheese at at least 2½ months.

Can You Substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Tête de Moine Cheese?

In most recipes, Mont d'Or Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. 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 Tête de Moine Cheese brings nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Mont d'Or Cheese or Tête de Moine 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, Tête de Moine Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese suits recipes that want resinous, mild to pungent notes, while Tête de Moine Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mont d'Or Cheese the same as Tête de Moine Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Mont d'Or Cheese originates in France, while Tête de Moine Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Mont d'Or Cheese is typically aged 21 to 60 days, Tête de Moine Cheese at least 2½ months.

Is Mont d'Or Cheese similar to Tête de Moine Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Tête de Moine Cheese?

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

Does Mont d'Or Cheese taste like Tête de Moine Cheese?

Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Tête de Moine Cheese is nutty.

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 Tête de Moine Cheese made of?

Tête de Moine Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 2½ months. It originates in Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Mont d'Or Cheese or Tête de Moine Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mont d'Or Cheese is soft, while Tête de Moine Cheese is semi-hard.