Reblochon Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Reblochon Cheese is a ivory-colored, creamy and supple cow-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

What Is Reblochon Cheese?

Reblochon is a soft, washed-rind cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. It tastes nutty, holds an AOC designation, and is the cheese that makes tartiflette work.

What Is Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Reblochon Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Reblochon Cheese (Ivory-colored, creamy and supple), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Reblochon Cheese (Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Reblochon Cheese (creamy, nutty), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Reblochon Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Reblochon Cheese reads as creamy, nutty, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character.

Can You Substitute Reblochon Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Reblochon Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect ivory-colored, creamy and supple bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to hard. Flavor-wise, Reblochon Cheese reads as creamy, nutty while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Reblochon Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a ivory-colored, creamy and supple cheese, go with Reblochon Cheese. For a soft to hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Reblochon Cheese suits recipes that want creamy, nutty notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reblochon Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Reblochon Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Reblochon Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Does Reblochon Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Reblochon Cheese reads as creamy, nutty, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive.

What is Reblochon Cheese made of?

Reblochon Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using natural rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.

What is Washed Rind Cheese made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Reblochon Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.