What is Bijou Cheese? The Jewel of Vermont Creamery

Bijou Cheese, often referred to as the ‘jewel’ of Vermont Creamery, is a remarkable embodiment of artisanal skill and tradition. Drawing inspiration from a classic French recipe, this delightful cheese is handcrafted from pasteurized goat’s milk, and treated with utmost care and respect.

Quick Facts About Bijou Cheese

Fact	Details
Origin	Crafted by Vermont Creamery in the United States.
Cheese Type	A French-style, aged goat cheese.
Shape	Shaped like a small button or jewel, which is what ‘Bijou’ means in French.
Texture	Creamy and dense texture.
Flavor Profile	Has a bright, tangy flavor that evolves into a rich, nutty taste as it ages.
Rind	Features a bloomy, edible rind.
Pairings	Pairs well with light, fruity wines and robust ales. It also goes great with nuts, fresh fruits, and crusty bread.
Milk Source	Made from pasteurized goat’s milk.
Aging Process	Aged for one to two weeks, developing more complex flavors over time.
Awards	Has won multiple awards, including at the American Cheese Society Competition.
Shelf Life	Unopened Bijou cheese can last for up to 8 weeks. Once cut, it should be consumed within 7-10 days.
Serving Suggestions	Perfect for cheese boards, salads, or melted on a baguette.

What is Bijou Cheese?

Bijou Cheese, a delightful creation from Vermont Creamery in the United States, is a culinary gem waiting to be discovered. The name ‘Bijou’ translates to ‘jewel’ in French, a fitting title for this button-shaped, French-style goat cheese that exudes charm and sophistication.

The texture of Bijou is an experience in itself. Dense yet creamy, it provides a tantalizing mouthfeel that is both indulgent and comforting. The flavor journey begins with the bright, tangy notes typical of goat cheese. However, as the cheese matures, its flavor profile deepens, unveiling rich, nutty undertones that make every bite a surprise.

Bijou has a bloomy, edible rind that adds an extra dimension to its flavor profile. This subtle detail elevates the cheese, making it not just a food item, but a gourmet experience. The versatility of Bijou Cheese extends beyond its taste. It pairs beautifully with a variety of foods and drinks, from light, fruity wines and robust ales to fresh fruits and crusty bread.

Whether you’re planning a sophisticated cheese board for a party or looking for a special ingredient to enhance your salad, Bijou Cheese fits the bill perfectly. Its shelf life is impressive too, lasting up to 8 weeks unopened, and 7-10 days once cut.

Bijou Cheese is not just a dairy product, it’s a celebration of artisanal craftsmanship, a blend of tradition and innovation, and a testament to the rich, diverse world of cheese. Each bite is a journey, a story that unfolds on your palate, making Bijou a must-try for any cheese enthusiast.

What Does Bijou Cheese Taste Like?

Bijou Cheese offers a unique blend of flavors that make it a delight to the palate. Early in its aging process, this cheese presents sweet, slightly nutty, yeasty, and tangy notes. As it matures, these flavors evolve, giving way to a more robust, goaty taste with hints of lemony tartness.

The cheese also carries subtle milky notes and an underlying richness reminiscent of fresh flowers and hazelnuts. Bijou Cheese has a dense texture that is firm yet melts slightly when left out for a while. The rind of Bijou is delicate, thin, slightly wrinkly, and pale cream, adding to its overall appeal.

Bijou Cheese Tasting Notes

Texture: Dense, creamy, and slightly crumbly with a firm, spreadable consistency.
Color: Pale yellow with a thin, wrinkly, edible rind of off-white color.
Aroma: A subtle scent of fresh goat’s milk with a hint of yeasty, fresh bread.
Taste: Starts with bright, tangy notes typical of fresh goat cheese. As it ages, the flavor profile deepens into a rich, nutty character.
Aftertaste: Leaves a lingering taste of fresh flowers and hazelnuts with a slight tartness.
Pairings: Pairs well with light, fruity wines, robust ales, fresh fruits, nuts, and crusty bread.
Uses: Perfect for cheese boards, salads, melted on a baguette, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Shelf Life: Can last up to 8 weeks unopened and around 7-10 days once cut.

10 Best Bijou Cheese Substitutes

Substitute	Description	Best Uses
Brie	A soft, creamy cheese with a mild yet deeply savory flavor, similar to Bijou’s creamy profile.	Cheese boards, sandwiches, baked as a whole
Chèvre	A tangy and slightly sweet goat cheese that shares the same base ingredient with Bijou.	Salads, spreads for bread or crackers
Feta	A crumbly cheese with a tangy and salty flavor that can mimic the tanginess of Bijou.	Salads, topping for pizzas
Valençay	A French goat cheese with a distinctive pyramid shape. It’s slightly tangy and nutty, similar to Bijou.	Cheese platters, salads
Bayley Hazen Blue	A Vermont cheese with a creamy texture and bold, nutty flavor.	Cheese boards, melted on steak
Pawlet	Another Vermonter, this cheese is semi-soft, made from cow’s milk and has a buttery, slightly fruity flavor.	Melting in dishes, cheese boards
Manchego	A Spanish cheese with firm texture and flavors of golden hay and almonds, echoing Bijou’s nutty undertones.	Snacking, pairing with Serrano ham
Cabot Clothbound	This cheddar from Vermont has a crumbly texture and a deeply savory flavor.	Cheese boards, sandwiches, grated over dishes
Harbison	A soft-ripened cheese with a rustic, bloomy rind and a sweet, creamy interior.	Cheese boards, baked as a whole
Crottin	A small, round French cheese that’s similar to Bijou in size and flavor profile.	Cheese platters, salads, melted on bread

What Pairs Well With Bijou Cheese?

Category	Pairs Well With Bijou Cheese
Wine	Light-bodied reds like Beaujolais, medium-bodied whites like Chenin Blanc, or sparkling wines like Champagne.
Beer	Belgian-style ales, wheat beers, or fruity beers.
Bread/Crackers	Baguette, whole grain bread, water crackers, or oatcakes.
Fruits/Vegetables	Fresh apples, pears, grapes, figs, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers.
Jams/Preserves	Fig jam, apricot preserves, or honey.
Meats	Cured meats such as prosciutto or salami.
Nuts	Walnuts, almonds, or pecans.