Beaumont Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
Beaumont Cheese is a semi-soft 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 Beaumont Cheese?
Beaumont is a semi-soft cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region in France, made from unpasteurized cow's milk. With a fat content of 50%, it has a rich and creamy texture. The cheese is pale yellow and features a washed rind, which contributes to its earthy and barnyardy aroma. Its flavor profile is mild yet nutty, offering a rich taste that pairs well with rustic breads and light red wines. Beaumont's combination of textures and flavors makes it a popular choice among cheese enthusiasts seeking a balance of earthiness and creaminess.
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 Beaumont Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?
- Origin: Beaumont Cheese (France), Cheddar Cheese (England)
- Milk treatment: Beaumont Cheese (unpasteurized), Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized)
- Texture: Beaumont Cheese (semi-soft), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline))
- Rind: Beaumont Cheese (washed), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic))
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beaumont Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England |
| Specific Origin | Rhône-Alpes | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) |
| Rind | Washed | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) |
| Aging | — | A few months to several years |
| Taste | — | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Beaumont Cheese Taste Like Cheddar Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Beaumont Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Beaumont Cheese and Cheddar Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline).
Which Is Better, Beaumont Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Beaumont Cheese. For a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) profile, Cheddar Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaumont Cheese the same as Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaumont Cheese originates in France, while Cheddar Cheese comes from England.
Is Beaumont Cheese similar to Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Beaumont Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Beaumont Cheese taste like Cheddar Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Beaumont Cheese made of?
Beaumont Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). 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, Beaumont Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaumont Cheese is semi-soft, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline).