Munster Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese

Munster Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 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 Munster Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Munster Cheese (unpasteurized), Saint Felicien Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Munster Cheese (Semisoft), Saint Felicien Cheese (soft, artisan)
• Rind: Munster Cheese (Washed, saltwater solution), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
• Aging: Munster Cheese (4-6 weeks to 2-3 months), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
• Taste: Munster Cheese (Strong, gamey), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Munster Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Munster Cheese reads as strong, gamey, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Munster Cheese offers gamey, aromatic, contrasted with Saint Felicien Cheese's nutty. More specifically, Munster Cheese shows strong smell, sticky orange-red rind, mellow creamy finish, heightened bite. traditionally enjoyed with rye bread or biscuits with cumin seeds., while Saint Felicien Cheese leans toward similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier. Aging plays into this as well. Munster Cheese at 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.

Can You Substitute Munster Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

In most recipes, Munster Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semisoft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Munster Cheese reads as strong, gamey while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Munster Cheese or Saint Felicien 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 soft, artisan profile, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Munster Cheese suits recipes that want strong, gamey notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Munster Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Munster Cheese is typically aged 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.

Is Munster Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Munster Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

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

Does Munster Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Munster Cheese reads as strong, gamey, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Munster Cheese leans gamey, aromatic, and Saint Felicien Cheese is closer to nutty.

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 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, Munster Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Munster Cheese is semisoft, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan.