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What is Beaufort?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Beaufort is a delicious mountain cheese in the Gruyere family made in France. It is sometimes called the “Prince of Gruyeres” because of the sophisticated creamy flavor. Beaufort has earned itself a protected designation origin, meaning that only cheese produced from Tarentaise cows who are pastured in the summer can be labeled Beaufort. The cheese is often compared to Gruyere and Comte, two other similar cheeses, although Beaufort has a creamier flavor and lacks the characteristic holes that these cheeses possess.

Beaufort has been made for centuries, and is traditionally made in very large wheels which weigh approximately 100 pounds (45 kilograms). The cheese was popular among royalty, and is still popular today among a wide range of consumers who seek after the artisanal cheese. The giant cheeses are aged for eight to twelve months before being brought to market. The most sought after Beaufort comes from the summer milk of the cows, which has strong floral notes that develop over ripening. For this reason, Beaufort is always made from raw milk, as pasteurization will compromise the delicate flavors of the milk.

A slice of Beaufort cheese.
A slice of Beaufort cheese.

Beaufort is often found on cheese platters and served with dessert, although it also complements white wine and salmon particularly well. It is also used to make traditional quiches and fondues, where the slightly salty and strongly floral flavor of the cheese is quite distinctive. The cheese tends to be more mild and buttery than other mountain cheeses like Gruyere, and is a semi firm and fairly supple cheese. Beaufort can also be savored in plain wedges, and is popular with bread and fruit as well.

Beaufort complements salmon well.
Beaufort complements salmon well.

Beaufort is made in large batches, with a single batch making one wheel of cheese. The milk is introduced to rennet and starter cultures and the resulting curds are pressed into giant molds, pressed, and salted. The cheese also has a band strapped around it during the first pressing, which leaves a recognizable impression in the finished cheese. The cheese is pressed to eliminate holes, allowed to set, and then released from the mold and aged in a cheese cave.

Beaufort is often used in quiche recipes.
Beaufort is often used in quiche recipes.

Winter Beaufort will be a pale white color, and has a much more subtle flavor, although it still retains the butterfat rich creaminess of the summer cheese. The summer cheese develops a much more yellow to creamy color, and is more flavorful and aromatic. For this reason, most consumers prefer the summer cheese, although the delicate notes of the winter cheese are quite unique.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Speechie

I will be honest, when I saw the question "What is Beaufort?" I thought it was referring to the dock town on the coast of North Carolina called Beaufort.

I definitely did not know such a remarkable cheese went by the name Beaufort. I would love to try this cheese, as I love cheese. I have not had the privilege of trying most French cheeses, but from what I have heard from my wealthy friends, French cheese is superb.

My favorite types of cheeses are ones that go good with gourmet crackers and something sweet, like cranberry chutney or blackberry jelly, or something of that sort. There are few snacks that are as delicious and satisfying as cheese and some sort of bread product.

That is interesting that traditionally Beaufort cheese was made in large, single batches, which weighed around one hundred pounds. I can not imagine anyone needing this much cheese at once, but then again I have never been rich or royal, so I haven't had any fancy/huge parties to buy for.

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    • A slice of Beaufort cheese.
      A slice of Beaufort cheese.
    • Beaufort complements salmon well.
      By: dulsita
      Beaufort complements salmon well.
    • Beaufort is often used in quiche recipes.
      By: MIGUEL GARCIA SAAVED
      Beaufort is often used in quiche recipes.
    • Beaufort is made from raw milk.
      By: Andrey Kuzmin
      Beaufort is made from raw milk.