Appenzeller Cheese vs Herrgardsost Cheese

Appenzeller Cheese is a hard, washed-rind cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Herrgardsost Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Sweden.

What Is Appenzeller Cheese?

Appenzeller is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Appenzellerland region of northeast Switzerland. Its wheels are washed with a herbal brine as they cure, which builds a golden rind, a strong smell, and a flavor that runs from mild and nutty to sharp.

What Is Herrgardsost Cheese?

Herrgardsost is a semi-hard Swedish cheese made from cow's milk, aged three months to two years. It has small round holes, a waxed surface, and a mild, nutty, creamy taste.

What's the Difference Between Appenzeller Cheese and Herrgardsost Cheese?

• Origin: Appenzeller Cheese (Switzerland), Herrgardsost Cheese (Sweden)
• Milk treatment: Appenzeller Cheese (Raw), Herrgardsost Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Appenzeller Cheese (Hard, washed-rind), Herrgardsost Cheese (Semi-hard)
• Rind: Appenzeller Cheese (Washed rind), Herrgardsost Cheese (waxed)
• Aging: Appenzeller Cheese (3 to 6 months or longer), Herrgardsost Cheese (3 to 4 months, up to 2 years)
• Taste: Appenzeller Cheese (Piquant, tangy), Herrgardsost Cheese (mild, nutty, sweet, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Appenzeller Cheese Taste Like Herrgardsost Cheese?

Appenzeller Cheese reads as piquant, tangy, while Herrgardsost Cheese brings mild, nutty, sweet, tangy character. On the nose, Appenzeller Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Herrgardsost Cheese's grassy. More specifically, Appenzeller Cheese shows nutty or fruity, mild when young, tangy with age, while Herrgardsost Cheese leans toward mild, nutty, creamy with age. Aging plays into this as well. Appenzeller Cheese at 3 to 6 months or longer develops a different profile than Herrgardsost Cheese at 3 to 4 months, up to 2 years.

Can You Substitute Appenzeller Cheese for Herrgardsost Cheese?

In most recipes, Appenzeller Cheese and Herrgardsost Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard, washed-rind bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Appenzeller Cheese reads as piquant, tangy while Herrgardsost Cheese brings mild, nutty, sweet, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Appenzeller Cheese or Herrgardsost Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, washed-rind cheese, go with Appenzeller Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Herrgardsost Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Appenzeller Cheese suits recipes that want piquant, tangy notes, while Herrgardsost Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, nutty, sweet, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Appenzeller Cheese the same as Herrgardsost Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Appenzeller Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Herrgardsost Cheese comes from Sweden. Aging also differs: Appenzeller Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 months or longer, Herrgardsost Cheese 3 to 4 months, up to 2 years.

Is Appenzeller Cheese similar to Herrgardsost Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Appenzeller Cheese for Herrgardsost Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Appenzeller Cheese taste like Herrgardsost Cheese?

Appenzeller Cheese reads as piquant, tangy, while Herrgardsost Cheese is mild, nutty, sweet, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Appenzeller Cheese leans strong, and Herrgardsost Cheese is closer to grassy.

What is Appenzeller Cheese made of?

Appenzeller Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 3 to 6 months or longer. It originates in Switzerland.

What is Herrgardsost Cheese made of?

Herrgardsost Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months, up to 2 years. It originates in Sweden.

Which should I choose, Appenzeller Cheese or Herrgardsost Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Appenzeller Cheese is hard, washed-rind, while Herrgardsost Cheese is semi-hard.