Aged Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
Aged Cheese is a cheese, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) and made from cow milk, originating in England.
What Is Aged Cheese?
Aged cheese is cheese that has gone through ripening, the stage after manufacture when enzymes, bacteria and moulds build its taste, texture and body. Ripening runs from about three weeks to more than two years, and all cheese except fresh cheese gets it.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What's the Difference Between Aged Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?
- Aging: Aged Cheese (three weeks to two or more years), Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | England |
| Specific Origin | — | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) |
| Rind | — | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) |
| Aging | Three weeks to two or more years | A few months to several years |
| Taste | — | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Cheese Taste Like Cheddar Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Aged Cheese at three weeks to two or more years develops a different profile than Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years.
Can You Substitute Aged Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
Aged Cheese can stand in for Cheddar Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aged Cheese the same as Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Aged Cheese is typically aged three weeks to two or more years, Cheddar Cheese a few months to several years.
Is Aged Cheese similar to Cheddar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Cheese taste like Cheddar Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Aged Cheese made of?
Aged Cheese is made from milk. It's typically aged three weeks to two or more years.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Aged Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.