Camembert vs Brie: Spotting the Subtle Differences
A delicious guide to two of France's most iconic cheeses and how to enjoy them like a true gourmet.
Saunter into a fine gourmet store or browse a beautifully laid out cheese board, and you're sure to encounter the two French classics Brie and Camembert, right next to each other.
At first glance, they are un-seemingly identical as they are both covered in a snowy white rind, have irresistibly creamy interiors, and both have a permanent place on cheese boards around the world. Despite all their similarities, each of these two iconic cheeses with their distinct personalities are worth discovering.
Whether you're a seasoned cheese aficionado, a frequent party host, or simply seeking to add a new dimension to your next cheese board, knowing the difference between Brie and Camembert will help you appreciate them even more.
Let's take a closer look.
A Tale of Two French Icons
From the family of soft ripened cheeses, both Brie and Camembert are made from cow's milk and get their characteristic white bloomy rind and luxuriously creamy texture due to a carefully controlled aging process.
Brie originated in the ÃŽle-de-France region in the vicinity of Paris and is known for its elegance and refinement. Often referred to as the Queen of Cheeses, Brie has been enjoyed by the French royalty and gourmands for centuries.
On the other hand, Camembert comes from Normandy, an area known for its lush pastures and rich dairy industry. Centuries of cheesemaking traditions have given it a distinctive character that many cheese enthusiasts find irresistible. Although younger than Brie in historical terms, Camembert has gained in popularity as one of France's most renowned cheeses.
Despite sharing similar appearances, flavor profiles, textures, and serving styles, they tell very different stories and remain staples of gourmet entertaining and European style dining.
Difference #1: Flavor
The most noticeable difference between Brie and Camembert lies in their flavor.
Brie: Gentle and Buttery
Brie is popularly known for its approachable nature.
The flavors you can expect to taste are:
- Mild
- Buttery
- Creamy
- Slightly nutty
Its refined flavor profile makes it incredibly versatile and easy to pair with a myriad of foods.
For many people, Brie is the gateway that introduces them to artisanal cheese.
Camembert: Earthy and Rich
Camembert has a more robust taste.
Anticipate notes which are:
- Earthy
- Mushroom-like
- Rich
- Slightly savory
Camembert's aroma and flavor become deeper and more complex as it matures.
Camembert is confident and expressive, whereas Brie is elegant and understated.
Difference #2: Texture
Both cheeses are beautifully creamy in their ripened stage, although their texture differs subtly.
Brie: Brie has a silky, smooth and creamy consistency. It is luxuriously soft and spreadable when served at room temperature.
Camembert: The Camembert’s texture is slightly denser. As it matures, it gets wonderfully gooey in the center, while maintaining its character around the edges. This makes it a great choice for baking.
Difference #3: Size
Many people forget that there's another thing that sets them apart from one another and that is their size.
Traditional Brie is made in large wheels, and is frequently sold as wedges.
Camembert is generally made in a smaller wheel. The smaller size enables Camembert to mature in a different manner, resulting in a more concentrated and intense taste.
Which Cheese Should You Choose?
The answer for this much asked question, depends on the occasion.
Opt for Brie if you're looking for:
✓ A crowd pleasing cheese
✓ A soft flavor profile
✓ Elegant entertaining
✓ Easy pairings
Opt for Camembert if you like:
✓ Richer flavours
✓ More complexity
✓ Earthy aromas
✓ Baked cheese dishes
But of course, the answer is quite simple, serve both!
Perfect Pairings for Brie
Brie is a show-stopper when it's served with lighter, sweeter accompaniments.
Consider pairing it with:
- Fresh strawberries
- Grapes
- Honey
- Fig jam
- Crackers
- Toasted sourdough
- Frozen blueberries
- Sparkling wine
Brie's creamy character also pairs well with fresh fruit and artisan crackers on a summer cheese board.
Perfect Pairings for Camembert
Camembert is a favorite of richer accompaniment.
Pair it with:
- Pears
- Apples
- Walnuts
- Rustic bread
- Honey
- Chutneys
It also pairs well with gourmet charcuterie like Prosciutto, Salami Milano or Mortadella.
They make up the kind of board that guests naturally gravitate to.
Recipe: Summer Brie & Burrata Board
Looking for a quick and fun recipe?
Ingredients
- Brie
- Burrata
- Fresh strawberries
- Frozen blueberries
- Honey
- Crackers
- Sourdough
- Fresh basil
Method
- On a serving board arrange Brie and Burrata.
- Sprinkle fresh strawberries and blueberries around the cheeses.
- Add a few crackers, hand torn sourdough and a small bowl of honey.
- Top it with fresh basil.
Simple, elegant, and yet sure to impress.
Recipe: Baked Camembert with Pesto & Sundried Tomatoes
This is the easiest gourmet dish that you'll ever make.
Ingredients
- Camembert
- Pesto
- Sundried tomatoes
- Crackers
- Rustic bread
Method
- Put the Camembert in an oven safe dish.
- Top it with some pesto and chopped sundried tomatoes.
- Bake till it is soft and molten.
- Serve with warm bread and crackers.
Definitely don't expect any leftovers.
Building a Cheese Board with Both
A truly memorable cheese board is one that has contrast.
Combine:
Cheese:
- Brie
- Camembert
- Gouda
- Parmesan
Charcuterie:
Accompaniments:
- Honey
- Fig jam
- Fresh berries
- Grapes
- Olives
- Sundried tomatoes
- Artisan crackers
- Sourdough
This combination makes an abundant yet balanced board.
Common Mistake: Serving Cheese Too Cold
The biggest mistake that people make is to serve cheese directly from the refrigerator. Cold temperatures mute flavor. Take Brie and Camembert out of the fridge 30-45 minutes before serving. The texture becomes soft, the aroma intensifies and the flavor becomes much more pronounced.
This is a small detail that makes a big difference.
Why Do These Cheeses Remain Timeless?
The food industry is rapidly changing. Trends come and go!
Despite these changes, Brie and Camembert are still present on restaurant menus, embassy receptions, weekend brunch menus, and on elegant dinner tables all over the world.
Why?
They embody everything we love about good cheese:
- Simplicity
- Craftsmanship
- Versatility
- Pleasure
They can be served casually or be dressed up for the most sophisticated gathering and that's exactly why they have remained favourites for generations.
Final Thoughts
The choice between Brie and Camembert isn't about which is better, it's about figuring out what makes them unique.
Brie is creamy and has a universal appeal while Camembert has depth, character and complexity. They represent the best of French cheesemaking.Â
Next time you're making a cheese board, assembling a charcuterie spread, or just enjoying a relaxing night at home, don’t just pick just one.
Invite them both to your table.
FAQs
Is Camembert stronger than Brie?
Yes. The flavor and aroma of camembert is generally richer and earthier compared to the milder and creamier profile of Brie.
Can you bake Brie and Camembert?
Absolutely. Both cheeses can be baked, but the smaller wheel size of Camembert is quite a rage for baked cheese recipes.
What pairs best with Brie and Camembert?
Strawberries, honey, grapes, crackers and sparkling wine are all great pairings with brie. Pear, walnut and crusty bread, and charcuterie like Prosciutto and Salami Milano are perfect matches for Camembert.Â
Foodsmith Tip: Brie and Camembert are just like Paris and Normandy. Unapologetically French!
Both have their own charm, and picking a favorite is impossible. The best solution is to put both on the board and let your guests choose their pick!
Â
Written by Simran Salwan
