Hauts-de-France · France
Maroilles.
Maroilles hits you with a pronounced barnyard funk that gives way to something more complex—meaty, almost broth-like savory notes with a whisper of caramel sweetness beneath. The semi-soft paste yields to the tongue with a supple, slightly sticky texture from its washed rind, releasing waves of earthiness that linger long after you've swallowed.
Origin
50.1°N · 2.7°E
The story
How it's made.
Why it tastes that way.
Maroilles is one of France's most ancient cheeses, with production recorded at the Maroilles Abbey in 960 AD. Monks there made it for the feast of Saint-Jean.
It became one of the most prominent cheeses in Northern France and is key to the regional dish flamiche au Maroilles. It was first granted appellation protection in 1955 and confirmed as AOC in 1976.
Production · spec
- Milk
- Cow · raw
- Family
- Washed-rind
- Rind
- washed
- Age
- 1–4 mo
- Protected
- AOP · since 1996
- Intensity
- 4 / 5
- Texture
- semi-soft
Tasting profile
What it tastes like.
These bars are a visual read of Maroilles's flavour and aroma notes, scaled by the cheese's overall intensity — a quick guide, not a lab measurement.
Aroma
Nutrition · per 100 g serving
What's in a wedge.
A 100 g serving — about a finger-thick wedge. Daily values use the FDA 2020 reference of 2,000 kcal. Expect ±5% variation between wheels.
Serve, cut & store
Out of the fridge,
into its prime.
Guidance for washed-rind cheeses — general practice, not a per-wheel measurement.
Rest
Take it out about 1.5–2 h before serving — cold stiffens the fat and locks up the aromas; cool room temperature is when the flavour shows up.
Cut
Slice in wedges with the rind on — or for a very ripe wheel, take off the top and spoon.
Store
Wrap leftovers in cheese paper or wax paper — never cling film, which suffocates the rind — and keep them in the warmest part of the fridge.
Rule of thumb: the softer and riper, the longer it needs. Thick pieces need longer than thin — and don't leave cheese out much past two hours.
Pairings · Caseo curated
What goes with Maroilles.
45 pairings across 6 categories.
Wine
Where to find it
Cheese counters.
Counter listings for Maroilles are being verified. Check back soon.
Verified counter listings coming soon. Our team updates listings monthly.
Substitutes
No Maroilles at the counter?.
These will play a similar role on the board and in the pan.
Take it with you
Want to remember this one?.
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