Butterkase Cheese vs Derby Cheese

Butterkase Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Austria and Germany, while Derby Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in England and United Kingdom.

What Is Butterkase Cheese?

Butterkase, or Butterkäse, is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese made mostly in Germany. It is known for a buttery, mild taste and a smooth creamy body that slices easily and melts well.

What Is Derby Cheese?

Derby is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Derbyshire, England, with a smooth, mellow texture and a buttery flavour. It sits close to Cheddar in taste but stays softer, and its best known version is the sage-flecked Sage Derby.

What's the Difference Between Butterkase Cheese and Derby Cheese?

• Origin: Butterkase Cheese (Austria and Germany), Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom)
• Texture: Butterkase Cheese (Semi-soft), Derby Cheese (Semi-hard)
• Rind: Butterkase Cheese (natural), Derby Cheese (natural or waxed)
• Aging: Butterkase Cheese (brief), Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months)
• Taste: Butterkase Cheese (buttery, mild), Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Butterkase Cheese Taste Like Derby Cheese?

Butterkase Cheese reads as buttery, mild, while Derby Cheese brings buttery, mild, sweet character. More specifically, Butterkase Cheese shows mildly salty or acidic, close to muenster or gouda, while Derby Cheese leans toward springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age. Aging plays into this as well. Butterkase Cheese at brief develops a different profile than Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months.

Can You Substitute Butterkase Cheese for Derby Cheese?

In most recipes, Butterkase Cheese and Derby 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 semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Butterkase Cheese reads as buttery, mild while Derby Cheese brings buttery, mild, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Butterkase Cheese or Derby 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 Butterkase Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Derby Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Butterkase Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild notes, while Derby Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, mild, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Butterkase Cheese the same as Derby Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Butterkase Cheese originates in Austria and Germany, while Derby Cheese comes from England and United Kingdom. Aging also differs: Butterkase Cheese is typically aged brief, Derby Cheese 1 to 6 months.

Is Butterkase Cheese similar to Derby Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Butterkase Cheese for Derby Cheese?

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

Does Butterkase Cheese taste like Derby Cheese?

Butterkase Cheese reads as buttery, mild, while Derby Cheese is buttery, mild, sweet.

What is Butterkase Cheese made of?

Butterkase Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged brief. It originates in Austria and Germany.

What is Derby Cheese made of?

Derby Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 1 to 6 months. It originates in England and United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Butterkase Cheese or Derby Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Butterkase Cheese is semi-soft, while Derby Cheese is semi-hard.