What is the difference between Brie and Camembert?

What is the difference between Brie vs Camembert? We researched and tested both in our home kitchen to find out!

Jump to:

• Camembert Vs Brie: Two similar cheeses but with distinctly unique qualities
• Brie and Camembert cheese look different
• The two cheeses have unmistakably different tastes
• Brie and Camembert both have delicious, edible white rind
• What is best to serve each one with?
• What goes with Brie Cheese?
• What goes with Camembert?
• Is the texture the same when Brie and Camembert are baked?
• So which cheese should I serve?
• The favorite with our taste testers
• Dips & Spreads

Camembert Vs Brie: Two similar cheeses but with distinctly unique qualities

Yes, Brie and Camembert are similar in a lot of ways. At first glance, they might even seem like they are the same thing!

They're both soft-ripened cheeses with a creamy texture that originated in northern France. They both have a flowery, white rind which is completely edible.

They're both made from cow's milk and in the world of cheeses, they're both relatively mild tasting.

But, there are some differences between Camembert and Brie that you will want to be aware of before you buy and plan your entertaining.

Brie and Camembert cheese look different

Traditional bries are made into a bigger wheel of cheese. What you buy is a wedge cut from that wheel of brie.

"Baby Brie" is available in a small wheel for a smaller size, and that's what we've used for our comparison study. Camembert is always made in the small cheese wheel, and we wanted an "apples to apples" comparison.

The inside of the cheese has very subtle color differences, too. Brie has a slightly grayish tone and Camembert is more of an ivory color, so yellowish tones.

The two cheeses have unmistakably different tastes

The main difference between the two types of cheese is in the unique taste. Brie has had cream added, which contributes to its light, bright, almost fruity taste. You could even say it's got a buttery flavor.

Camembert on the other hand is best described as earthy. Some people would describe the aroma as similar to mushrooms. Camembert is most definitely the more intensely flavored of the two cheeses.

Brie and Camembert both have delicious, edible white rind

The rind is part of the cheese and enhances the enjoyment of the flavors. But, there are some people who just don't like the idea of eating it.

In our Baked Brie with Bacon and Apples recipe, as well as the Brie with Sundried Tomatoes we've just scraped the top of the rind off. Some people will slice it off.

Either method will still leave bloomy white rind around the edges and on the bottom for those who love it, but it can get a little tricky to get cheese and rind in one bite.

We also love this method: Score the top rind before putting the cheese in the oven. That makes it easy for everyone to get what they like. We suggest that for Baked Camembert with Honey, Pears & Pecans, but you could also slice the soft rind off the top.

What is best to serve each one with?

Fruits and nuts are typically served with both types of creamy cheeses, but we wanted to go a little more in-depth here, so we consulted our Flavor Bible.

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Not familiar with the Flavor Bible? It's a kitchen resource that we wouldn't consider being without.

Thousands of foods are listed with the other foods that complement their flavor. We checked both brie and camembert in our Flavor Bible and came up with the complementary foods that were unique to each.

A few that really stood out are listed here:

Keep in mind that both soft cheeses are wonderful with most nuts, fruits, red wine, and crusty bread.

For your own copy of the Flavor Bible you can order one here.

Is the texture the same when Brie and Camembert are baked?

We didn't find a discernable difference. With either cheese you're going to get varying amounts of "melt" depending on whether you start with cold or room temperature cheese, your oven setting and how long you leave it in.

In the photo below is a Brie which was in a 250 degree oven for 10 minutes. It was room temperature when it went in the oven.

So which cheese should I serve?

At the end of the day, it's not really a brie vs. camembert debate at all. Each of these kinds of cheese has a marvelous taste and will be well received by your guests.

If you know your group tends to like mild, lighter flavors, you'll probably want to go with Brie. If they are bolder and a bit more adventurous, choose the Camembert for a stronger flavor.

When serving at room temperature the Brie will hold it's texture better, though there certainly nothing wrong with gooey room temperature Camembert either.

For baking either one will be melty cheesey goodness. Just consider if you need to contain it somehow to keep from running into other foods. A small dish with sides works well.

The favorite with our taste testers

We served both to a family group of 10 at room temperature and then baked. When they first heard what we were up to there were shouts of "Brie! We love Brie!"

In the end we decided that most of them were just more familiar with brie and that's why they thought it would be their favorite.

Truthfully, when it was all said and done most everyone in our group did love the Brie. But they loved the Camembert even more!

Keep in mind that we are a family of adventurous eaters. Spicy, bold flavors are favored around here so it would make sense that the more intense cheese would win out.

For some real fun of your own serve both and see what your people like the most. Then come back and leave a comment and let us know. Or tag us with a photo on Instagram or Facebook.