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Cheddar Cheese vs Halloumi Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Halloumi Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Halloumi Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Halloumi Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Halloumi Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Halloumi Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Halloumi Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Halloumi 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.
Halloumi Cheese Overview
Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Halloumi Cheese originated from Cyprus.
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. Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014).
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk.
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)". Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty taste. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "strong".
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 . Halloumi Cheese has a color of white to light yellow and has an aging period of 40 days .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind , with animal rennet.
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Halloumi is ranked #100 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Halloumi | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Halloumi pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Halloumi Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Cyprus |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Cyprus |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (2014) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Not Specified |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | No rind |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semihard |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Mild, salty |
| Aroma | Varies | Strong |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | White to light yellow |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | 40 days |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a semihard consistency, Halloumi might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Halloumi offers a mild, salty profile, ideal for different meals.
