Naboulsi Cheese vs Nokkelost Cheese

Naboulsi Cheese is a semi-hard, brined goat or sheep-milk cheese from Middle East and Palestine, while Nokkelost Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.

What Is Naboulsi Cheese?

Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.

What Is Nokkelost Cheese?

Nokkelost is a Norwegian cow's milk cheese flavoured with cumin and cloves. It is semi-hard and yellow, sold in wheels or blocks, and matured for three months.

What's the Difference Between Naboulsi Cheese and Nokkelost Cheese?

• Origin: Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine), Nokkelost Cheese (Norway)
• Milk type: Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Nokkelost Cheese (cow's milk)
• Texture: Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined), Nokkelost Cheese (semi-hard)
• Taste: Naboulsi Cheese (salty), Nokkelost Cheese (nutty, spicy, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Naboulsi Cheese Taste Like Nokkelost Cheese?

Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty, while Nokkelost Cheese brings nutty, spicy, tangy character.

Can You Substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Nokkelost Cheese?

Naboulsi Cheese can stand in for Nokkelost Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty while Nokkelost Cheese brings nutty, spicy, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Naboulsi Cheese or Nokkelost Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, brined cheese, go with Naboulsi Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Nokkelost Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Naboulsi Cheese suits recipes that want salty notes, while Nokkelost Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, spicy, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Naboulsi Cheese the same as Nokkelost Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Naboulsi Cheese originates in Middle East and Palestine, while Nokkelost Cheese comes from Norway. Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Nokkelost Cheese uses cow.

Is Naboulsi Cheese similar to Nokkelost Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Nokkelost Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Naboulsi Cheese taste like Nokkelost Cheese?

Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty, while Nokkelost Cheese is nutty, spicy, tangy.

What is Naboulsi Cheese made of?

Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.

What is Nokkelost Cheese made of?

Nokkelost Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Naboulsi Cheese or Nokkelost Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined, while Nokkelost Cheese is semi-hard.