Queijo São Jorge vs Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese

Queijo São Jorge is a firm consistency, hard or semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Portugal, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Queijo São Jorge?

Queijo São Jorge is a semi-hard to hard cow's milk cheese made only on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. It is known for its firm, brittle yellowish paste, small irregular holes, and a strong, slightly spicy flavor that sharpens with age.

What Is Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

Vacherin Mont d'Or is a soft, seasonal cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of Switzerland and France. It is bound in a strip of spruce bark, sold in a round spruce box, and often warmed in that box and eaten like fondue.

What's the Difference Between Queijo São Jorge and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

• Origin: Queijo São Jorge (Portugal), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (Switzerland)
• Milk treatment: Queijo São Jorge (Raw), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (thermized (Swiss), raw (French))
• Texture: Queijo São Jorge (Firm consistency, hard or semi-hard), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (soft)
• Rind: Queijo São Jorge (Natural), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (washed rind)
• Aging: Queijo São Jorge (minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (at least 2 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Queijo São Jorge Taste Like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Queijo São Jorge at minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions develops a different profile than Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at at least 2 weeks.

Can You Substitute Queijo São Jorge for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

In most recipes, Queijo São Jorge and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm consistency, hard or semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.

Which Is Better, Queijo São Jorge or Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm consistency, hard or semi-hard cheese, go with Queijo São Jorge. For a soft profile, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Queijo São Jorge the same as Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Queijo São Jorge originates in Portugal, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Queijo São Jorge is typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at least 2 weeks.

Is Queijo São Jorge similar to Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Queijo São Jorge for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

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

Does Queijo São Jorge taste like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Queijo São Jorge made of?

Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions. It originates in Portugal.

What is Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese made of?

Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (thermized (swiss), raw (french)). It's typically aged at least 2 weeks. It originates in Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Queijo São Jorge or Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft.