Cheddar Cheese vs Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Cheddar Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.
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 Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (France)
- Milk type: Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | France, Especially The Loire Valley And Poitou |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Light colored |
| Aging | A few months to several years | Not aged for long |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pairs well with | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey, Kombucha, Tomatoes | Albariño, Asparagus, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Honey and more |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy character. More specifically, Cheddar Cheese shows from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans toward mild, creamy, sometimes fruity. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Chèvre (Goat Cheese) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a soft profile, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) comes from France. Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk; Chèvre (Goat Cheese) uses goat. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) not aged for long.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is tangy.
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.
What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft.