What is La Vache Qui Rit? The Laughing Cow Cheese
La Vache Qui Rit, also known as ‘The Laughing Cow,’ is a globally recognized brand of processed cheese produced by Fromageries Bel, a multinational cheese marketer based in France. This cheese, renowned for its spreadable wedges, was a pioneer in the processed cheese category and holds the distinction of being the first trademarked French cheese.
Invented by Léon Bel in 1921, this iconic cheese is now savored in 136 countries worldwide under various names. It’s not just a cheese; it’s a symbol of delightful and creamy snacking enjoyed at home or on-the-go.
Quick Facts About La Vache Qui Rit Cheese
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Introduced | 1921 |
| Creator | Léon Bel |
| Type | Processed Cheese |
| Texture | Creamy and Soft |
| Flavor | Mild, Slightly Sweet |
| Color | Pale Yellow |
| Shape | Individual Portions are Wedge-shaped |
| Packaging | Trademark Round Box |
| Logo | A Laughing Cow |
| Global Presence | Sold in Over 120 Countries |
| Varieties | Original, Light, Ultra Light, and More |
| Serving Suggestions | Sandwiches, Snacks, Cooking |
| Nutrition | High in Calcium and Protein |
What is La Vache Qui Rit?
La Vache Qui Rit, known to many as The Laughing Cow, is far more than just a cheese; it’s an icon of French culinary innovation that has brought smiles to faces worldwide. This brand of processed cheese products, masterfully crafted by Fromageries Bel since 1921, has etched its place in the annals of cheese history.
The brainchild of Léon Bel, La Vache Qui Rit was a groundbreaker in its category, earning the distinction of being one of the first processed cheeses and the first trademarked French cheese. Its creation was not just about producing a delicious cheese, but also about introducing a new, convenient way of enjoying this beloved dairy product.
But what truly sets La Vache Qui Rit apart is its unique taste and texture. Mild yet slightly sweet, soft yet creamy, this pale yellow cheese offers a delightful gustatory experience. Packaged in individual wedge-shaped portions enclosed in a trademark round box, it’s a familiar sight in grocery stores in over 120 countries.
While the cheese itself is undoubtedly delicious, it’s the brand’s iconic logo—a jovial, earring-wearing cow—that has endeared it to consumers of all ages. This playful image perfectly encapsulates the brand’s commitment to bringing joy through its products.
Despite its French origins, La Vache Qui Rit has a significant presence in the United States, where its products have been proudly crafted in Leitchfield, Kentucky since 1975. Today, the brand offers several varieties, ensuring there’s a Laughing Cow cheese for every palate.
So, is La Vache Qui Rit real cheese? Absolutely. Made with rehydrated skim milk, cow’s milk, and cow’s milk fat, it passes the criteria of what constitutes real cheese. But more than that, La Vache Qui Rit is a testament to the enduring appeal of cheese and the limitless possibilities it presents in the culinary world.
What Does La Vache Qui Rit Taste Like?
La Vache Qui Rit is a delightful cheese experience that charms the palate with its unique flavor profile. Its taste is characterized by a very smooth, creamy texture and a slightly salty flavor that is inherent in processed cheese.
This cheese is made from a blend of real cheeses including Comté, Emmental, Gouda, and Cheddar, which contributes to its distinct taste. Despite being a processed cheese, it does not entirely mimic the taste of aged cheddar, offering instead a uniquely rich flavor undergirded by a subtle tartness.
The brand also offers flavored versions, with some tasting exotic thanks to ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes. Overall, La Vache Qui Rit offers a soft, spreadable cheese experience that is both sweet and mild with a butter-like texture.
La Vache Qui Rit Tasting Notes
- Texture: Creamy and smooth. La Vache Qui Rit is known for its soft, spreadable consistency that melts in your mouth.
- Flavor: Mild yet slightly sweet. The cheese has a subtle, salty undertone that rounds out its flavor profile.
- Aroma: Mild and milky. This cheese does not have a strong or pungent aroma, making it a gentle introduction to cheese for many.
- Color: Pale yellow. The color is consistent throughout the cheese, with no rind or variations.
- Appearance: Packaged in individual, foil-wrapped wedges, each portion of La Vache Qui Rit is wedge-shaped and easy to spread.
- Aftertaste: Clean and short. The cheese leaves a pleasant, lingering creaminess without any overpowering aftertaste.
- Pairings: Versatile in pairings, it can be enjoyed with crackers, fruits, or used as a spread on sandwiches. It also pairs well with light wines and beers.
Why is Laughing Cow Cheese so Delicious?
- Unique Blend of Cheeses: Laughing Cow Cheese is made from a blend of real cheeses including Comté, Emmental, Gouda, and Cheddar. This combination of cheeses gives it a unique and complex flavor profile.
- Creamy Texture: The cheese is known for its soft, rich, and creamy texture. This consistency makes it a delightful culinary experience and enhances the overall taste.
- Mild Yet Flavorful: Despite being a processed cheese, it does not mimic the taste of aged cheddar. Instead, it offers a mild yet distinct flavor that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- Versatility: The Laughing Cow is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be spread on crackers, used as a filling for sandwiches, or eaten straight from the pack. Its adaptability makes it a delicious addition to many meals.
- Innovative Processing: The cheese is made by mixing milk powder, cheeses, butter, and emulsifying salts, which results in a product that holds its shape well while remaining creamy.
- Portion Control: The cheese comes in individual, wedge-shaped portions, making it easy to control serving sizes. This convenience adds to the appeal of the product.
- Variety: There are several varieties of Laughing Cow Cheese available, including versions with Blue Cheese. These options cater to different taste preferences, further enhancing its deliciousness.
What is Laughing Cow Cheese Made From?
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Real Cheeses | Laughing Cow Cheese is made from a blend of real cheeses including Comté, Emmental, Gouda, and Cheddar, depending on where it is produced. |
| Whey | Whey is a by-product of cheese making that adds to the creaminess and nutritional value of the cheese. |
| Milk Protein Concentrate | This is a concentrated source of milk protein that contributes to the texture and protein content of the cheese. |
| Butter | Water is used in the cheese-making process and contributes to the spreadable consistency of the product. |
| Water | Water is used in the cheese-making process and contributes to the spreadable consistency of the product. |
| Skim Milk | These are beneficial bacteria that are essential in the cheese-making process. They contribute to the flavor, texture, and shelf life of the cheese. |
| Cultures | Enzymes are used to coagulate the milk and initiate the cheese-making process. |
| Salt | Salt is used for flavor enhancement and as a preservative. |
| Enzymes | Enzymes are used to coagulate the milk and initiate the cheese-making process. |
La Vache Qui Rit (Laughing Cow) Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 239 cal |
| Fat | 18.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6.5 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Sodium | 2153 mg |
| Cholesterol | 300 mg |
10 Best La Vache Qui Rit (Laughing Cow) Substitutes
| Substitute | Description |
|---|---|
| Babybel | Like Laughing Cow, Babybel Cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that’s also portioned into individual servings. It’s available in various flavors. |
| Cream Cheese | Cream cheese can be a good alternative due to its creamy texture and mild flavor. It can be used as a spread or in recipes. |
| Boursin | This is a soft, creamy cheese with added herbs and spices. It has a similar texture to Laughing Cow, but a more robust flavor. |
| Swiss Cheese | Swiss cheese is a hard cheese that has a mild, nutty flavor. It can be sliced thin for sandwiches or melted for recipes. |
| Neufchâtel | This is a soft, slightly crumbly cheese with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. It’s similar to cream cheese but with lower fat content. |
| Gouda | Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a rich, buttery, slightly sweet flavor. It’s versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. |
| Cheddar | Cheddar is a hard, sharp-tasting cheese that’s widely available and can be used in a variety of dishes. |
| Mozzarella | Mozzarella is a soft, mild cheese that’s often used in Italian cooking. It melts well and can be used as a substitute in recipes. |
| Cottage Cheese | Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese curd product with a mild flavor. It can be used as a spread or added to recipes for extra protein. |
| Ricotta | Ricotta is a soft, creamy cheese with a slightly sweet flavor. It can be used as a spread or in recipes that call for a creamy cheese. |
What Pairs Well With La Vache Qui Rit?
- Fruits: The mild, creamy taste of La Vache Qui Rit pairs well with various fruits like apples, grapes, strawberries, and pears. You can also pair it with dried fruits like apricots or figs for a delicious snack.
- Crackers and Bread: The creaminess of the cheese makes it an excellent spread for crackers, toast, bagels, and other types of bread.
- Vegetables: It can be used as a dip for raw vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or cucumbers.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans can provide a delightful crunch that complements the soft texture of the cheese.
- Wine Pairings: White wines, especially those with a hint of sweetness like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, pair well with this cheese. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir could also work.
- Charcuterie: La Vache Qui Rit can be included in a charcuterie board along with a variety of meats, olives, and pickles.
- Jams and Honey: The cheese’s mild flavor pairs excellently with sweet jams, preserves, or honey for a sweet and savory combination.
- Pasta Dishes: Melted into pasta dishes, La Vache Qui Rit adds a creamy, cheesy element that enhances the overall flavor.
- Spreads: La Vache Qui Rit can be mixed with herbs and spices to create a flavorful spread for sandwiches or wraps.
- Baked Goods: La Vache Qui Rit can be used in baking, particularly in stuffed bread or pastry recipes, where it adds a delightful creamy texture and a mild cheesy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Laughing Cow cheese not refrigerated?
Laughing Cow cheese is often found unrefrigerated in stores due to its high-temperature production process which makes it safe to consume even when kept out of the fridge in a cool, dry place. However, for the best quality and taste, Laughing Cow recommends refrigerating the cheese after purchase and opening.
2. Can I eat Laughing Cow cheese by itself?
Yes, you can certainly eat Laughing Cow cheese by itself. Many people enjoy the taste straight from the package, finding it a delicious and convenient snack.
Also read:
- What is Berkswell? The Rustic Gem of English Cheeses
- What is Double Gloucester? The Taste of English Tradition
- What is Longhorn Cheese? The Mild and Buttery Delight from America
- What is Aged Gouda? The Art of Aging
- What is Mozzarella di Bufala? Behind the Creaminess
- What is Mimolette? The Luminous Cheese of Lille
- What is Kefalograviera? A Greek Cheese with a Royal Taste
