Gruyère Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese
Gruyère Cheese is a dense, moister cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Gruyère Cheese?
Gruyère is a hard Swiss cheese from the cantons of Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura and Bern. It is sweet with a salty edge, creamy and nutty when young, sharper and earthier with age, and it melts well enough to carry fondue and French onion soup.
What Is Saint Felicien Cheese?
Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.
What's the Difference Between Gruyère Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?
- Origin: Gruyère Cheese (Switzerland), Saint Felicien Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Gruyère Cheese (Raw), Saint Felicien Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Gruyère Cheese (Dense, moister), Saint Felicien Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Gruyère Cheese (Natural, orangy), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
- Aging: Gruyère Cheese (5 months to 24+), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
- Taste: Gruyère Cheese (Nutty, complex), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gruyère Cheese | Saint Felicien Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | France |
| Specific Origin | Switzerland, Specifically The Gruyère Region. | Rhône-Alpes, France |
| Milk Type | Cow’s milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Dense, moister | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Natural, orangy | Flower-style (fleurie) casing |
| Aging | 5 months to 24+ | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Nutty, complex | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Gruyère Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Gruyère Cheese reads as nutty, complex, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Gruyère Cheese offers earthy, fruity, possibly barnyardy, contrasted with Saint Felicien Cheese's nutty. More specifically, Gruyère Cheese shows moister and denser than sbrinz, typically with few to no holes. variants include gruyère d'alpage. flavors range from fruity, earthy, to barnyardy, especially in gruyère d'alpage. aged versions (15-24 months for gruyère, up to 40 months for comté) are drier, more granular, with finer and more complex aromas. younger cheese is more meltable and used in cooking, while older cheese has more intense flavors., while Saint Felicien Cheese leans toward similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier. Aging plays into this as well. Gruyère Cheese at 5 months to 24+ develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Gruyère Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
In most recipes, Gruyère Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect dense, moister bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Gruyère Cheese reads as nutty, complex while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Gruyère Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a dense, moister cheese, go with Gruyère Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Gruyère Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, complex notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gruyère Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Gruyère Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Saint Felicien Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Gruyère Cheese is typically aged 5 months to 24+, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.
Is Gruyère Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Gruyère Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Gruyère Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Gruyère Cheese reads as nutty, complex, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Gruyère Cheese leans earthy, fruity, possibly barnyardy, and Saint Felicien Cheese is closer to nutty.
What is Gruyère Cheese made of?
Gruyère Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 5 months to 24+. It originates in Switzerland.
What is Saint Felicien Cheese made of?
Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Gruyère Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Gruyère Cheese is dense, moister, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan.