Beaufort Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese

Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.

What Is Beaufort Cheese?

Beaufort is a smooth, creamy cheese from the Savoie region of France. Known for its distinct concave wheel shape, it is produced from raw cow's milk and aged in mountain caves for a minimum of five months. Beaufort has a strong, sweet taste and is often used in fondue due to its excellent melting properties.

What Is Red Leicester Cheese?

Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.

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

• Origin: Beaufort Cheese (France), Red Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
• Milk treatment: Beaufort Cheese (Raw), Red Leicester Cheese (Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others))
• Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Red Leicester Cheese (Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly)
• Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Red Leicester Cheese (Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial))
• Aging: Beaufort Cheese (5 to 12+ months), Red Leicester Cheese (6 months (traditional), varies for industrial)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Red Leicester Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Beaufort Cheese offers fruity, nutty, contrasted with Red Leicester Cheese's mild. Aging plays into this as well. Beaufort Cheese at 5 to 12+ months develops a different profile than Red Leicester Cheese at 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial.

Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?

In most recipes, Beaufort Cheese and Red 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 hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly.

Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Red 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 hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly profile, Red Leicester Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Red Leicester Cheese?

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

Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Red Leicester Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?

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

Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Red Leicester Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

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 Red Leicester Cheese made of?

Red Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized (sparkenhoe farm), pasteurized (others)), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial. It originates in United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly.