Asiago Cheese vs Maasdam Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Maasdam Cheese
Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Maasdam Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.
What Is Asiago Cheese?
Asiago is a cow's milk cheese from the Asiago plateau in Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, made either young and soft (Asiago pressato) or aged and crumbly (Asiago d'allevo). It carries Italian DOP status, though the name is treated as generic in the U.S. and Australia.
What Is Maasdam Cheese?
Maasdam is a Dutch cheese made in the style of Swiss Emmental, aged at least four weeks and marked by holes that form as it ripens. It tastes nutty and sweet, and it is softer than Emmental because it holds more moisture.
What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Maasdam Cheese?
- Origin: Asiago Cheese (Italy), Maasdam Cheese (Netherlands)
- Milk treatment: Asiago Cheese (raw (Asiago d'allevo)), Maasdam Cheese (pasteurized)
- Rind: Asiago Cheese (thin, elastic (Asiago pressato)), Maasdam Cheese (smooth, sometimes waxed)
- Aging: Asiago Cheese (20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged), Maasdam Cheese (at least 4 weeks)
- Taste: Asiago Cheese (sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old), Maasdam Cheese (nutty, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago Cheese | Maasdam Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | Veneto And Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy | The Netherlands |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw (Asiago d'allevo) | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Thin, elastic (Asiago pressato) | Smooth, sometimes waxed |
| Aging | 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged | At least 4 weeks |
| Taste | Sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old | Nutty, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Maasdam Cheese?
Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Maasdam Cheese brings nutty, sweet character. Aging plays into this as well. Asiago Cheese at 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged develops a different profile than Maasdam Cheese at at least 4 weeks.
Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Maasdam Cheese?
Asiago Cheese can stand in for Maasdam Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old while Maasdam Cheese brings nutty, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Maasdam Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese suits recipes that want sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old notes, while Maasdam Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asiago Cheese the same as Maasdam Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Asiago Cheese originates in Italy, while Maasdam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Aging also differs: Asiago Cheese is typically aged 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged, Maasdam Cheese at least 4 weeks.
Is Asiago Cheese similar to Maasdam Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Maasdam Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago Cheese taste like Maasdam Cheese?
Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Maasdam Cheese is nutty, sweet.
What is Asiago Cheese made of?
Asiago Cheese is made from milk (raw (asiago d'allevo)), using rennet. It's typically aged 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged. It originates in Italy.
What is Maasdam Cheese made of?
Maasdam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least 4 weeks. It originates in Netherlands.
Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Maasdam Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.