Baguette Laonnaise Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese

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Baguette Laonnaise Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) and made from cow milk, originating in England.

What Is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese?

Baguette laonnaise is a washed-rind cow's milk cheese from Thiérache and the city of Laon in Picardie, France. It is a variation of Maroilles with black pepper and tarragon worked into the curd, sold as a rectangular loaf that gives the cheese its name.

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 Baguette Laonnaise Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?

  • Origin: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (France), Cheddar Cheese (England)
  • Milk treatment: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (pasteurized), Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized)
  • Texture: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (soft, artisan), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline))
  • Rind: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (washed), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic))
  • Aging: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (3 to 4 months), Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years)
  • Taste: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (spicy), Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese Cheddar Cheese
Country of Origin France England
Specific Origin Thiérache And Laon, Picardie, France Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized
Texture Soft, artisan Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)
Rind Washed Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)
Aging 3 to 4 months A few months to several years
Taste Spicy Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory

Taste Comparison: Does Baguette Laonnaise Cheese Taste Like Cheddar Cheese?

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese reads as spicy, while Cheddar Cheese brings mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory character. More specifically, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese shows black pepper, tarragon, while Cheddar Cheese leans toward from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer. Aging plays into this as well. Baguette Laonnaise Cheese at 3 to 4 months develops a different profile than Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years.

Can You Substitute Baguette Laonnaise Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?

In most recipes, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese and Cheddar Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline). Flavor-wise, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese reads as spicy while Cheddar Cheese brings mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes.

Which Is Better, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Baguette Laonnaise Cheese. For a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) profile, Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese suits recipes that want spicy notes, while Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese the same as Cheddar Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Baguette Laonnaise Cheese originates in France, while Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Aging also differs: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese is typically aged 3 to 4 months, Cheddar Cheese a few months to several years.

Is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese similar to Cheddar Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Baguette Laonnaise Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?

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

Does Baguette Laonnaise Cheese taste like Cheddar Cheese?

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese reads as spicy, while Cheddar Cheese is mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory.

What is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese made of?

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.

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, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Baguette Laonnaise Cheese is soft, artisan, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline).