Cabrales Cheese vs Goat Cheddar Cheese

Cabrales Cheese is a unctuous, compact, no eyes cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Goat Cheddar Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in Canada, United Kingdom and United States.

What Is Cabrales Cheese?

Cabrales is a blue cheese made by rural dairy farmers in the Asturias mountains of Spain, from raw cow's milk alone or blended with goat and sheep milk. It is known for its strong, sometimes sharply acidic flavor and for ripening in limestone caves.

What Is Goat Cheddar Cheese?

Goat Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized goat's milk, commonly produced in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Its texture is firm yet creamy, offering a smooth bite that distinguishes it from traditional cow's milk cheddar. The cheese has a mild, tangy flavor that is characteristic of goat's milk, with a subtle sharpness that develops as it ages. The natural rind adds a rustic touch, often contributing to its earthy aroma. This cheese can be enjoyed on its own, melted into dishes, or paired with fruits and nuts for a simple snack. Goat Cheddar offers a fresh twist on the classic cheddar experience.

What's the Difference Between Cabrales Cheese and Goat Cheddar Cheese?

• Origin: Cabrales Cheese (Spain), Goat Cheddar Cheese (Canada, United Kingdom and United States)
• Milk type: Cabrales Cheese (cow's milk), Goat Cheddar Cheese (goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: Cabrales Cheese (unpasteurized), Goat Cheddar Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Cabrales Cheese (unctuous, compact, no eyes), Goat Cheddar Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Rind: Cabrales Cheese (Natural), Goat Cheddar Cheese (natural)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Goat Cheddar Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Goat Cheddar Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese can stand in for Goat Cheddar Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect unctuous, compact, no eyes bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan.

Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Goat Cheddar Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a unctuous, compact, no eyes cheese, go with Cabrales Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Goat Cheddar Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Goat Cheddar Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cabrales Cheese originates in Spain, while Goat Cheddar Cheese comes from Canada, United Kingdom and United States. Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk; Goat Cheddar Cheese uses goat.

Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Goat Cheddar Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Goat Cheddar Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Goat Cheddar Cheese?

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

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 Goat Cheddar Cheese made of?

Goat Cheddar Cheese is made from goat milk (pasteurized). It originates in Canada, United Kingdom and United States.

Which should I choose, Cabrales Cheese or Goat Cheddar Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cabrales Cheese is unctuous, compact, no eyes, while Goat Cheddar Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.