Ackawi Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
Ackawi Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) and made from cow milk, originating in England.
What Is Ackawi Cheese?
Ackawi is a soft, brined cheese that originates from the Middle East, including countries such as Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is made from pasteurized cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. The cheese has a mild, milky flavor with a noticeable salty taste, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a gentle yet savory cheese experience. Its aroma is similarly mild and milky, complementing its white color. The texture is soft, making it easy to slice and use in various dishes. Ackawi is often compared to feta but is less crumbly and more elastic. It is used in both savory dishes and desserts, and can be eaten fresh or melted. Alternative spellings include Akkawi, Akawieh, and Akawi.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?
- Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Cheddar Cheese (England)
- Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Ackawi Cheese (pasteurized), Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized)
- Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline))
- Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic))
- Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ackawi Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East And Syria | England |
| Specific Origin | — | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, brined | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) |
| Rind | Natural | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) |
| Aging | — | A few months to several years |
| Taste | Mild, milky, salty | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Ackawi Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Kombucha, Tomatoes |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Ackawi Cheese and Cheddar Cheese
Ackawi Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Cheddar Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Cheddar Cheese brings mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory character.
Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Cheddar Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline). Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Cheddar Cheese brings mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes.
Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, brined cheese, go with Ackawi Cheese. For a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) profile, Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Cheddar Cheese uses cow.
Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Cheddar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Cheddar Cheese?
Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Cheddar Cheese is mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory.
What is Ackawi Cheese made of?
Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized). It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline).
See full profiles: Ackawi Cheese and Cheddar Cheese.