Monterey Jack Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Monterey Jack Cheese and Roquefort Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Monterey Jack Cheese and Roquefort Cheese?"
• "Is Monterey Jack Cheese and Roquefort Cheese the same?"
• "How does Monterey Jack Cheese compare to Roquefort Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Monterey Jack Cheese compare to Roquefort Cheese?"
• "Is Monterey Jack Cheese or Roquefort Cheese better?"

Monterey Jack Cheese Overview

Monterey Jack is a popular American cheese originating from Monterey, California. It's known for its mild flavor and semi-soft texture, making it an excellent melting cheese. Monterey Jack can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes, particularly Mexican and American cuisines, such as quesadillas and burgers.

Roquefort Cheese Overview

Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Monterey Jack Cheese comes from Mexico and United States. Roquefort Cheese originated from France.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Monterey Jack is not a protected cheese. Roquefort Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1925).

Milk Type and Treatment

Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Roquefort Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Monterey Jack Cheese has a fat content of not less than 50% on a dry basis and a moisture content of not more than 44%. Monterey Jack's texture can be described as "mild to firm". Roquefort's texture can be described as "moist, very creamy".

Taste and Aroma

Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored taste. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic". Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong taste. Roquefort's aroma can be described as "sweet".

Appearance and Aging

Monterey Jack Cheese's appearance is colored cream to golden and is aged six weeks to ten months . Roquefort Cheese has a color of blue-veined , comes in wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil and has an aging period of minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet. Roquefort Cheese uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Monterey Jack is ranked #21 out of 996 types based on community views. Roquefort is ranked #19 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Monterey Jack and Roquefort pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a mild to firm cheese, go for Monterey Jack. But if you enjoy a moist, very creamy consistency, Roquefort might be the better pick. Monterey Jack has a mild to full-flavored taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Roquefort offers a mild to strong profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Roquefort Cheese to Other Cheeses