Brie is traditionally made from cow’s milk. However, there are goat milk cheeses made in the style of brie. These cheeses are not technically brie, but they are similar in texture and flavor.
Introduction on Is Brie Goat Cheese
Have you ever been to a party with a beautifully arranged cheese platter, overflowing with tempting morsels?
You reach for a wedge of the creamy-looking cheese with the bloomy rind, only to be met with a friend’s surprised declaration, “Wait, that’s not goat cheese!”
This common confusion highlights the popularity of both brie and goat cheese, two distinct yet delightful cheeses that often share the spotlight on cheese boards.
While both offer a luxurious, spreadable texture, brie and goat cheese have unique characteristics that deserve to be recognized.
Is Brie Goat Cheese?
No, brie cheese is not always made from goat milk. Traditionally, brie is made from cow’s milk. However, there are many brie-style cheeses made from goat’s milk, which are sometimes referred to as “goat brie”.
Goat brie tends to have a slightly tangier flavor than cow’s milk brie, and it may also be a bit lighter in body. Both types of brie have a bloomy rind, which is a soft, white mold that is perfectly safe to eat.
Brie vs. Goat Cheese – Let’s Differentiate
Brie and goat cheese are both delicious soft cheeses, but they have distinct characteristics.
What is Brie?
Brie, a French cheese with a long history, is traditionally made from cow’s milk. Its fame lies in its texture: a buttery, creamy center that gets progressively softer as it ripens.
The rind, edible mold, can develop a slight ammonia aroma, which some find unpleasant but others appreciate for its complexity.
What is Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese, on the other hand, takes its name literally – it’s crafted from goat’s milk. This difference in milk source is key.
Goat cheese can range in texture from crumbly and spreadable to surprisingly creamy, depending on the variety and age.
The flavor profile is typically tangy and sometimes described as having a “goaty” characteristic, which can be mild or more pronounced depending on the cheese.
The Key Differences – Brie Vs Goat Cheese
The key difference between brie and goat cheese lies in the milk they’re made from.
Traditional brie is a French cheese with a rich history, relying solely on cow’s milk for its creamy texture and buttery flavor.
As brie ripens, the edible rind develops a characteristic and sometimes controversial ammonia aroma.
On the other hand, goat cheese, as the name suggests, is crafted entirely from goat’s milk. This difference in milk source leads to distinct characteristics.
Goat cheese can come in a variety of textures, from crumbly and spreadable to surprisingly creamy depending on the age and style.
The flavor profile of goat cheese leans towards tangy, sometimes described as having a pleasant “goaty” character that can vary in intensity.
Comparison Between Brie and Goat Cheese Visually
Ever wondered how to tell brie and goat cheese apart at a glance? They may be creamy and delicious, but visually these cheeses have some key differences.
Let’s dive in and see how to identify brie and goat cheese based on their appearance
Brie and Goat Cheese
Brie and goat cheese are two popular soft cheeses enjoyed for their creamy texture and distinct flavors. While both are delicious, they have some key differences.
Appearance
Brie: Brie is a whole-milk cheese with a bloomy rind, a rind that is white and moldy in appearance. The rind is edible and contributes to the flavor of the cheese.
The interior flesh of Brie is pale yellow to ivory in color and becomes softer and creamier as it ripens.
Goat Cheese: Goat cheese is made from goat’s milk and typically comes in logs or rounds. It has a natural rind that can be white, gray, or even black depending on the variety.
The rind is edible but some people prefer to remove it before eating. The interior flesh of goat cheese is typically white and can be crumbly or creamy depending on the age.
In short, Brie has a bloomy, white rind and a smoother texture, while goat cheese has a natural rind that can vary in color and a crumblier or creamier texture depending on age.
What are the Alternatives of Goat Milk Brie?
While brie is traditionally made from cow’s milk, there are delicious alternatives made from goat’s milk! Look for labels like “chèvre brie” or “goat brie” at your local cheese shop.
These brie-style cheeses will offer a similar creamy texture to classic brie, but with a slightly different flavor profile due to the goat’s milk.
They can range from tangier than cow’s milk brie, depending on the specific cheese, to milder and slightly grassy. It all depends on your preference!
FAQs
What kind of cheese is brie?
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese typically made from cow’s milk. It has a bloomy white rind and a rich, buttery flavor.
What type of cheese is goat cheese?
Goat cheese is a type of cheese made from, you guessed it, goat’s milk! It comes in many textures, from crumbly to creamy, and has a tangy flavor.
Is Bree a goat cheese?
Not always! Traditional Brie is made from cow’s milk. However, there are also Brie-style cheeses made from goat’s milk.
What French cheese is made of goat’s milk?
There are many French cheeses made from goat’s milk! Some famous examples include Chèvre, Crottin de Chavignol, and Valençay.
Is Brie a cow or goat cheese?
Traditionally, Brie is a cow’s milk cheese. But there are Brie-style varieties made with goat’s milk too, they are: Crottin de Chèvre, Buche de Chevre, Chavignol etc.
Is it healthy to eat Brie cheese?
Brie can be part of a healthy diet in moderation. It has nutrients but also high fat content.
What type of cheese is similar to Brie?
Camembert is most similar to Brie. It’s a soft cheese with a bloomy rind, but slightly stronger flavor.
Conclusion
Brie and goat cheese are both delicious cheeses, but with distinct origins. Traditional brie is made from cow’s milk, while goat cheese, as the name suggests, comes from goat’s milk.
This difference leads to variations in flavor and texture. Don’t limit yourself though! If you’re a brie lover, there are also brie-like cheeses made with goat’s milk, offering a new twist on a familiar favorite.
So, the next time you’re at the cheese counter, be adventurous and try both brie and goat cheese (or goat milk brie!) to discover your new cheese preference.
