Appenzeller Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese

Appenzeller Cheese

Cheddar Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Appenzeller Cheese and Cheddar Cheese, including:

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

Appenzeller Cheese Overview

Appenzeller cheese hails from northeastern Switzerland and is famed for its rich, nutty flavor that intensifies with age. Treated with a secret blend of herbal brine, this cheese develops a smooth yet firm texture. Aged for a minimum of three months, Appenzeller is a key ingredient in fondue and pairs well with robust wines and ales.

Cheddar Cheese Overview

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.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Appenzeller Cheese comes from Switzerland. Cheddar Cheese originated from England.

Milk Type and Treatment

Appenzeller Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized.

Composition and Texture

Appenzeller's texture can be described as "firm". Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of none. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)".

Taste and Aroma

Appenzeller Cheese has a piquant, tangy taste. Appenzeller's aroma can be described as "strong". Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies".

Appearance and Aging

Appenzeller Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow and is available in wheel . Cheddar Cheese has a color of natural or dyed orange , comes in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and has an aging period of a few months to several years .

Rind and Rennet Type

Appenzeller Cheese's rind is described as washed rind . Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .

Ranking

Appenzeller is ranked #87 out of 996 types based on community views. Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Appenzeller Cheddar
Best Pairings No pairings listed. Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey
Other Good Pairings No additional pairings listed. Kombucha, Tomatoes

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Appenzeller and Cheddar pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Appenzeller Cheese Cheddar Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland England
Specific Origin Appenzell Region Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Raw Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized
Fat Content Not Specified At least 50% fat in dry matter
Moisture Content Not Specified Up to 39%
Rind Washed rind Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)
Texture Firm Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)
Taste Piquant, tangy Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory
Aroma Strong Varies
Colors Pale yellow Natural or dyed orange
Forms Wheel Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks
Age Not Specified A few months to several years

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a firm cheese, go for Appenzeller. But if you enjoy a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) consistency, Cheddar might be the better pick. Appenzeller has a piquant, tangy taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Cheddar offers a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Appenzeller Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Cheddar Cheese to Other Cheeses

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