Bartlett Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
Bartlett Cheese is a soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) and made from cow milk, originating in England.
What Is Bartlett Cheese?
Bartlett is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk in Somerset, England. It has a mold-ripened rind, which contributes to its aromatic and strong scent. The cheese is white in color and features a buttery and milky flavor profile. Its soft texture makes it an inviting choice for cheese boards or spreading on bread. Bartlett is appreciated for its rich taste and aromatic presence, offering a true taste of traditional English cheese-making.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
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.
What's the Difference Between Bartlett Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?
- Origin: Bartlett Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Cheddar Cheese (England)
- Milk type: Bartlett Cheese (sheep's milk), Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Bartlett Cheese (unpasteurized), Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized)
- Texture: Bartlett Cheese (soft, artisan), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline))
- Rind: Bartlett Cheese (mold ripened), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic))
- Taste: Bartlett Cheese (buttery, milky), Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bartlett Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom | England |
| Specific Origin | Somerset | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) |
| Rind | Mold ripened | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) |
| Aging | — | A few months to several years |
| Taste | Buttery, milky | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Bartlett Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Kombucha, Tomatoes |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Bartlett Cheese and Cheddar Cheese
Bartlett Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Bartlett Cheese Taste Like Cheddar Cheese?
Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky, while Cheddar Cheese brings mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory character.
Can You Substitute Bartlett Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
Bartlett Cheese can stand in for Cheddar Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline). Flavor-wise, Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky while Cheddar Cheese brings mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes.
Which Is Better, Bartlett 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 Bartlett Cheese. For a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) profile, Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bartlett Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, milky notes, while Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bartlett Cheese the same as Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bartlett Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Bartlett Cheese is made from sheep milk; Cheddar Cheese uses cow.
Is Bartlett Cheese similar to Cheddar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Bartlett Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Bartlett Cheese taste like Cheddar Cheese?
Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky, while Cheddar Cheese is mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory.
What is Bartlett Cheese made of?
Bartlett Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized). It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Bartlett Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bartlett Cheese is soft, artisan, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline).
See full profiles: Bartlett Cheese and Cheddar Cheese.