Brie Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

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 Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Brie Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Brie Cheese (Bloomy), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Brie Cheese (Nutty, Mushroom), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character. On the nose, Brie Cheese offers ammoniated when overripe, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Brie Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to hard. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie Cheese. For a soft to hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, mushroom notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Brie Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Does Brie Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Brie Cheese reads as nutty, mushroom, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive. Aromas also diverge. Brie Cheese leans ammoniated when overripe, and Washed Rind Cheese is closer to pungent.

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 Washed Rind Cheese made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Brie Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.