Brie Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
What Is Brie Cheese?
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region it comes from, pale under a white mould rind. It runs 60 to 75 percent butterfat and tastes creamy, nutty and mushroom-like, with a faint acidity. The rind is eaten along with the paste.
What Is Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Brie Cheese (cow's milk), Sheep's Milk Cheese (sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Brie | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft | — |
| Rind | Bloomy | — |
| Aging | At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir | — |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Brie Cheese can stand in for Sheep's Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie Cheese is made from cow milk; Sheep's Milk Cheese uses sheep.
Is Brie Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brie Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Brie Cheese made of?
Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir. It originates in France.
What is Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.