Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Cheddar Cheese vs Gorgonzola Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Gorgonzola Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Gorgonzola Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Gorgonzola Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Gorgonzola Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Gorgonzola Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Gorgonzola Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Gorgonzola Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
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.
Gorgonzola Cheese Overview
Gorgonzola is one of the world's oldest blue-veined cheeses, produced in Northern Italy. It's rich and creamy with a sharp, piquant flavor that varies depending on its age. Gorgonzola can be spicy (Piccante) or sweet (Dolce), with the latter being softer and less aged.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Gorgonzola Cheese originated from Italy.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Cheddar is not a protected cheese. Gorgonzola Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Gorgonzola Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Gorgonzola Cheese has a fat content of 25-35%. Gorgonzola's texture can be described as "soft to crumbly".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Gorgonzola Cheese has a sweet to savory taste. Gorgonzola's aroma can be described as "nutty".
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . Gorgonzola Cheese has a color of straw-white, blue-green veins , comes in 13 to 26 pounds and has an aging period of 2 to 3 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Gorgonzola Cheese's rind is described as none .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Gorgonzola is ranked #18 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Gorgonzola | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | Asti Spumante, Dried Fruit, Steak |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | Bresaola |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Gorgonzola pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Gorgonzola Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Lombardy, Piedmont |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | 25-35% |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | None |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft to crumbly |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Sweet to savory |
| Aroma | Varies | Nutty |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Straw-white, blue-green veins |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | 13 to 26 pounds |
| Age | A few months to several years | 2 to 3 months |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a soft to crumbly consistency, Gorgonzola might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Gorgonzola offers a sweet to savory profile, ideal for different meals.
