Cabrales Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
Cabrales Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Cabrales Cheese is a crumbly, open paste cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) and made from cow milk, originating in England.
What Is Cabrales Cheese?
Cabrales is a strong, pungent blue cheese from the Asturias region in northern Spain. It is traditionally made from a mixture of raw cow's, goat’s, and sheep's milk that is aged in natural limestone caves, facilitating the development of its intense flavor and blue veining. Cabrales is known for its deep, spicy earthiness and can be quite sharp, making it a favorite among blue cheese aficionados.
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 Cabrales Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?
- Origin: Cabrales Cheese (Spain), Cheddar Cheese (England)
- Milk treatment: Cabrales Cheese (unpasteurized), Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized)
- Texture: Cabrales Cheese (Crumbly, open paste), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline))
- Rind: Cabrales Cheese (Natural), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic))
- Aging: Cabrales Cheese (2 to 3 months), Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years)
- Taste: Cabrales Cheese (Intense, piquant), Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cabrales Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | England |
| Specific Origin | Asturias | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized |
| Texture | Crumbly, open paste | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) |
| Rind | Natural | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) |
| Aging | 2 to 3 months | A few months to several years |
| Taste | Intense, piquant | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cabrales 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 Cabrales Cheese and Cheddar Cheese
Cabrales Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Cheddar Cheese?
Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Cheddar Cheese brings mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory character. More specifically, Cabrales Cheese shows hints of hazelnuts, dark cocoa, sharp, metallic finish; intensely acid curd, while Cheddar Cheese leans toward from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer. Aging plays into this as well. Cabrales Cheese at 2 to 3 months develops a different profile than Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years.
Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Cabrales Cheese and Cheddar Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect crumbly, open paste bite and body where the recipe calls for varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline). Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant while Cheddar Cheese brings mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes.
Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, open paste cheese, go with Cabrales Cheese. For a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) profile, Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese suits recipes that want intense, piquant notes, while Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cabrales Cheese originates in Spain, while Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Aging also differs: Cabrales Cheese is typically aged 2 to 3 months, Cheddar Cheese a few months to several years.
Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Cheddar Cheese?
Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Cheddar Cheese is mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory.
What is Cabrales Cheese made of?
Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using kid rennet. It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Spain.
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, Cabrales Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cabrales Cheese is crumbly, open paste, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline).
See full profiles: Cabrales Cheese and Cheddar Cheese.