Cheddar Cheese vs Driftwood Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England.
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 Is Driftwood Cheese?
Driftwood is an artisan cheese from England made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It features a semi-soft texture and is known for its creamy color and ash-coated rind. The cheese offers a citrusy and salty flavor profile, making it a refreshing choice. Its unpasteurized nature adds depth to its taste, appealing to those who enjoy traditional cheese-making methods. Driftwood pairs well with light, crisp wines and is an excellent addition to cheese boards. Its distinctive rind and flavor make it a standout option for cheese enthusiasts.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Driftwood Cheese?
- Milk type: Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk), Driftwood Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Driftwood Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Driftwood Cheese (ash coated)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Driftwood Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | England |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Ash coated |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Citrusy, salty |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Driftwood 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 Cheddar Cheese and Driftwood Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Driftwood Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Driftwood Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty character.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Driftwood 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 semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Driftwood Cheese brings citrusy, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Driftwood 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 semi-soft, artisan profile, Driftwood Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Driftwood Cheese fits dishes calling for citrusy, salty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Driftwood Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk; Driftwood Cheese uses goat.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Driftwood Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Driftwood Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Driftwood Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Driftwood Cheese is citrusy, salty.
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.
What is Driftwood Cheese made of?
Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Driftwood Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and Driftwood Cheese.