Beaufort Cheese vs Leicester Cheese

Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Leicester Cheese is firm, dry, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.

What Is Beaufort Cheese?

Beaufort is a firm raw cow's milk cheese from the Savoie region of the French Alps, part of the gruyère family. Its wheels take a concave shape from the beechwood hoop, and the cheese melts easily enough to be a standard choice for fondue.

What Is Leicester Cheese?

Red Leicester is a crumbly cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, England, close to Cheddar and coloured orange with annatto. Young wheels taste very mild and slightly sweet; after about six months the cheese picks up a tang.

What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Leicester Cheese?

• Origin: Beaufort Cheese (France), Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
• Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Leicester Cheese (firm, dry, crumbly)
• Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Leicester Cheese (reddish-orange with a powdery mould)
• Aging: Beaufort Cheese (5 to 12+ months), Leicester Cheese (6 to 12 months)
• Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), Leicester Cheese (slightly sweet, mellow, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Leicester Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Leicester Cheese brings slightly sweet, mellow, nutty character. More specifically, Beaufort Cheese shows ivory or slightly yellow color, occasional small eyes and thin slits, while Leicester Cheese leans toward very mild when young, tangier after six months. Aging plays into this as well. Beaufort Cheese at 5 to 12+ months develops a different profile than Leicester Cheese at 6 to 12 months.

Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Leicester Cheese?

In most recipes, Beaufort Cheese and Leicester Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for firm, dry, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese reads as strong while Leicester Cheese brings slightly sweet, mellow, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Leicester Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Beaufort Cheese. For a firm, dry, crumbly profile, Leicester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Leicester Cheese fits dishes calling for slightly sweet, mellow, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Leicester Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese originates in France, while Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Aging also differs: Beaufort Cheese is typically aged 5 to 12+ months, Leicester Cheese 6 to 12 months.

Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Leicester Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Leicester Cheese?

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

Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Leicester Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Leicester Cheese is slightly sweet, mellow, nutty.

What is Beaufort Cheese made of?

Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using dried calves’ abomasum in recuite rennet. It's typically aged 5 to 12+ months. It originates in France.

What is Leicester Cheese made of?

Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 6 to 12 months. It originates in United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Leicester Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Leicester Cheese is firm, dry, crumbly.