, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Cheddar Cheese vs Iberico Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Iberico Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Iberico Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Iberico Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Iberico Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Iberico Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Iberico 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.
Iberico Cheese Overview
Queso Iberico is a hard cheese from Spain made using a blend of cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk. It can be crafted from either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk, contributing to its rich and aromatic profile. This cheese has a buttery and nutty flavor with a strong taste that captures the essence of its mixed milk origins. The cheese is typically white in color and features a natural rind. Known also as Iberico Cheese, it offers a satisfying density and a complex taste that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its rich aroma and firm texture make it a popular choice for cheese lovers seeking a traditional Spanish flavor.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Iberico Cheese originated from Spain.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Iberico Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.
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)". Iberico's texture can be described as "hard".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Iberico Cheese has a buttery, nutty, strong taste. Iberico's aroma can be described as "aromatic, rich".
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 . Iberico Cheese has a color of white .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Iberico Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Iberico is ranked #85 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Iberico | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | Vinho Verde |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Iberico pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Iberico Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Natural |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Hard |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Buttery, nutty, strong |
| Aroma | Varies | Aromatic, rich |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | White |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Iberico might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Iberico offers a buttery, nutty, strong profile, ideal for different meals.
