Aged Gouda Cheese vs Swiss Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Aged Gouda Cheese and Swiss Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Aged Gouda Cheese and Swiss Cheese?"
  • "Is Aged Gouda Cheese and Swiss Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Aged Gouda Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Aged Gouda Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese?"
  • "Is Aged Gouda Cheese or Swiss Cheese better?"

Aged Gouda Cheese Overview

Aged Gouda is a hard cheese from the Netherlands, known for its rich aroma and firm texture. It can be made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk and may be pasteurized or unpasteurized. The cheese has a yellow color and is typically covered with a waxed rind. As it ages, Gouda develops a deeper, caramel-like flavor with hints of nuttiness and a slight crunch from protein crystals. This makes it a popular choice for snacking or serving on cheese platters. Its rich taste pairs well with robust red wines or dark beers. Often referred to as Oud Gouda, this cheese is a staple in both local and international markets.

Swiss Cheese Overview

Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Aged Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands. Swiss Cheese originated from United States.

Milk Type and Treatment

Aged Gouda Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Swiss Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Aged Gouda's texture can be described as "hard". Swiss Cheese has a fat content of ~28-32% and a moisture content of none. Swiss's texture can be described as "semi-firm".

Taste and Aroma

Aged Gouda's aroma can be described as "rich". Swiss Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly sweet taste. Swiss's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty".

Appearance and Aging

Aged Gouda Cheese's appearance is colored yellow . Swiss Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 1-3 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Aged Gouda Cheese's rind is described as waxed . Swiss Cheese's rind is described as none , with microbial or vegetarian rennet.

Ranking

Aged Gouda is ranked #72 out of 996 types based on community views. Swiss is ranked #74 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Aged Gouda Swiss
Best Pairings Almonds, Apples, Apricot, Asian Pear, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Viogniers, Champagne, Crackers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Green Apple, IPA, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Prosciutto, Pumpkin, Salami, Sangiovese, Scotch, Sweet Potato, Viognier Chardonnay, Dijon Mustard, Ham, Pastrami, Tuna, Turkey
Other Good Pairings Amaro, Cava, Dried Figs, Ginger, Mangoes, Pistachios, Port, Roasted Vegetables, Strawberries, Tequila Cabernet Franc, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Gamay, IPA, Kolsch, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Roast Beef, Salami, Sauvignon Blanc, Steak

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Aged Gouda and Swiss pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Aged Gouda Cheese Swiss Cheese
Country of Origin Netherlands United States
Specific Origin Not Specified Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk Cow
Milk Treatment Pasteurized or unpasteurized Pasteurized
Fat Content Not Specified ~28-32%
Moisture Content Not Specified ~37-41%
Rind Waxed None
Texture Hard Semi-Firm
Taste Not Specified Mild, Nutty, Slightly Sweet
Aroma Rich Mild, Slightly Nutty
Colors Yellow Pale Yellow
Forms Not Specified Block, Sliced, Shredded
Age Not Specified Typically 1-3 months
Rennet Type Not Specified Microbial or Vegetarian

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Aged Gouda. But if you enjoy a semi-firm consistency, Swiss might be the better pick.

Compare Aged Gouda Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Swiss Cheese to Other Cheeses

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