Munster Cheese vs Soft Cheese
Munster Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Soft Cheese is spreadable, smooth to runny and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk.
What Is Munster Cheese?
Munster, also called Munster-géromé, is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Vosges of eastern France. Brine washing during aging leaves it with a moist orange rind, a penetrating smell and a very strong taste.
What Is Soft Cheese?
Soft cheese is the moisture category at the wet end of the scale, holding 55 to 80 percent moisture against its dry weight. It covers soft-ripened cheeses like Brie and Camembert, some blue and pasta filata cheeses, and fresh cheeses, and it is known for being spreadable.
What's the Difference Between Munster Cheese and Soft Cheese?
- Milk type: Munster Cheese (cow's milk), Soft Cheese (cow, goat, sheep)
- Texture: Munster Cheese (Semisoft), Soft Cheese (spreadable, smooth to runny)
- Rind: Munster Cheese (Washed, saltwater solution), Soft Cheese (bloomy white mold rind, or washed)
- Aging: Munster Cheese (4-6 weeks to 2-3 months), Soft Cheese (unmatured to about 1 month)
- Taste: Munster Cheese (Strong, gamey), Soft Cheese (mild)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Munster Cheese | Soft Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow, goat, sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semisoft | Spreadable, smooth to runny |
| Rind | Washed, saltwater solution | Bloomy white mold rind, or washed |
| Aging | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months | Unmatured to about 1 month |
| Taste | Strong, gamey | Mild |
Taste Comparison: Does Munster Cheese Taste Like Soft Cheese?
Munster Cheese reads as strong, gamey, while Soft Cheese brings mild character. Aging plays into this as well. Munster Cheese at 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months develops a different profile than Soft Cheese at unmatured to about 1 month.
Can You Substitute Munster Cheese for Soft Cheese?
Munster Cheese can stand in for Soft Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semisoft bite and body where the recipe calls for spreadable, smooth to runny. Flavor-wise, Munster Cheese reads as strong, gamey while Soft Cheese brings mild notes.
Which Is Better, Munster Cheese or Soft Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semisoft cheese, go with Munster Cheese. For a spreadable, smooth to runny profile, Soft Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Munster Cheese suits recipes that want strong, gamey notes, while Soft Cheese fits dishes calling for mild.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Munster Cheese the same as Soft Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Munster Cheese is made from cow milk; Soft Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep. Aging also differs: Munster Cheese is typically aged 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months, Soft Cheese unmatured to about 1 month.
Is Munster Cheese similar to Soft Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Munster Cheese for Soft Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Munster Cheese taste like Soft Cheese?
Munster Cheese reads as strong, gamey, while Soft Cheese is mild.
What is Munster Cheese made of?
Munster Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using traditional rennet. It's typically aged 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months. It originates in France.
What is Soft Cheese made of?
Soft Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk. It's typically aged unmatured to about 1 month.
Which should I choose, Munster Cheese or Soft Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Munster Cheese is semisoft, while Soft Cheese is spreadable, smooth to runny.