Brie vs. Camembert — how these two famous French bloomy-rind cheeses differ in size, flavor, and character, and which to choose.
Brie and Camembert are the two most famous French bloomy-rind cheeses, and they look so similar that many people use the names interchangeably. But there are real differences. Here's a clear comparison of brie vs. Camembert.
Two Famous Bloomy-Rind Cheeses
Brie and Camembert are both soft, surface-ripened French cow's-milk cheeses with edible white bloomy rinds (formed by Penicillium candidum mold) and creamy interiors. They're cousins in the same family, which is why they look and seem so alike — pale, soft, and round, with a velvety white rind. But despite the resemblance, they differ in size, traditional recipe, and flavor character. Understanding these differences helps you appreciate each and choose between them. Here's how they compare.
Size and Format
A clear difference is size and format. Camembert is made in small, individual rounds (typically about 250g), traditionally sold whole in a thin wooden box. Brie is made in large wheels and sold in wedges cut from them (though small "baby brie" rounds also exist). So Camembert is the small whole round, while brie is the large wheel sold in wedges. This size difference also affects ripening and flavor concentration, contributing to their distinct characters.
Flavor and Character
The flavors differ, partly due to size and recipe. Camembert, being smaller and traditionally made, tends to be more intense, earthy, and pungent, with a deeper, more mushroomy, sometimes "farmyard" character when ripe. Brie tends to be milder, creamier, and more buttery, with a gentler, subtly mushroomy flavor. So Camembert is generally the stronger, earthier of the two, and brie the milder, creamier. When fully ripe, Camembert can develop a notably powerful aroma and flavor, while brie stays more refined and mellow.
Texture and Richness
Both are soft and creamy, but there are nuances. Brie, especially richer or double/triple-cream versions, can be lusciously buttery and smooth. Camembert is soft and creamy too but, with its more intense flavor, has a slightly more rustic character. Both ripen from the rind inward, softening toward runny when fully ripe. The textures are similar — soft, supple, creamy — with brie often a touch creamier and milder, Camembert a touch earthier and more robust.
Authenticity and Versions
For both, there's a difference between the protected traditional versions and mass-market imitations. Camembert de Normandie (raw-milk, AOP) and Brie de Meaux/Brie de Melun (AOP) are the authentic, more complex originals, far superior to generic pasteurized "brie" and "camembert" made elsewhere. The genuine traditional versions show the cheeses' true character — earthier and more complex for Camembert, refined and creamy for brie. For the best experience of either, seek out the authentic protected versions.
Brie vs. Camembert: Which to Choose?
In summary: brie and Camembert are similar bloomy-rind cheeses, but Camembert is the smaller whole round, typically earthier, more pungent, and more intense, while brie is the large wheel sold in wedges, typically milder, creamier, and more buttery. Choose Camembert if you want a stronger, earthier, more characterful cheese; choose brie if you want a milder, creamier, more refined one. For either, the authentic protected versions are best. Both are wonderful — it comes down to whether you prefer mild and creamy (brie) or earthy and intense (Camembert).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between brie and Camembert?
They're similar bloomy-rind cheeses, but Camembert is a small whole round, typically earthier and more pungent, while brie is a large wheel sold in wedges, typically milder and creamier.
Is Camembert stronger than brie?
Generally yes — Camembert tends to be earthier, more pungent, and more intense (especially when ripe), while brie is milder, creamier, and more buttery.
Are brie and Camembert made the same way?
They're both soft, bloomy-rind cheeses made similarly, but Camembert is made in small rounds with a more intense traditional character, while brie is made in large wheels and tends to be milder.