Swiss Cheese vs Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese
Swiss Cheese
Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese
Swiss Cheese is a semi-firm cow-milk cheese from United States, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Swiss Cheese?
Swiss cheese is the North American name for any cheese made in the style of Emmental, the yellow, medium-hard cheese from the Emmental region of Switzerland. Most versions carry the round holes called eyes and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
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 Swiss Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
- Origin: Swiss Cheese (United States), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: Swiss Cheese (Pasteurized), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (thermized (Swiss), raw (French))
- Texture: Swiss Cheese (Semi-Firm), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Swiss Cheese (None), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (washed rind)
- Aging: Swiss Cheese (Typically 1-3 months), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (at least 2 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Swiss Cheese | Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Emmental, Switzerland; Now Widely Made In The U.S. | Jura Region, Switzerland And France |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Thermized (Swiss), raw (French) |
| Texture | Semi-Firm | Soft |
| Rind | None | Washed rind |
| Aging | Typically 1-3 months | At least 2 weeks |
| Taste | Mild, Nutty, Slightly Sweet | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Swiss Cheese Taste Like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Swiss Cheese at typically 1-3 months develops a different profile than Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at at least 2 weeks.
Can You Substitute Swiss Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
In most recipes, Swiss Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-firm bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Swiss Cheese 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 semi-firm cheese, go with Swiss Cheese. For a soft profile, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swiss Cheese the same as Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Swiss Cheese originates in United States, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Swiss Cheese is typically aged typically 1-3 months, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at least 2 weeks.
Is Swiss Cheese similar to Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Swiss Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Swiss Cheese 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 Swiss Cheese made of?
Swiss Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial or vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged typically 1-3 months. It originates in United States.
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, Swiss Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Swiss Cheese is semi-firm, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft.