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Cheddar Cheese vs Kasseri Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Kasseri Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Kasseri Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Kasseri Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Kasseri Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Kasseri Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Kasseri Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Kasseri 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.
Kasseri Cheese Overview
Kasseri is a semi-hard cheese made predominantly from sheep's milk, with up to 20% goat's milk allowed. Originating in Greece, it is smooth and pale yellow, known for its elastic texture and mild, buttery flavor with a slight tang. Kasseri is often used in pies, pastries, and as a table cheese, especially in Greek and Turkish cuisines.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Kasseri Cheese originated from Greece.
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. Kasseri Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Kasseri Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or 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)". Kasseri's texture can be described as "firm to 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". Kasseri Cheese has a rich taste. Kasseri's aroma can be described as "flowery".
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 . Kasseri Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in wheels and has an aging period of at least 2 months, peak at 10+ months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Kasseri Cheese's rind is described as develops as ages , with natural rennet.
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Kasseri is ranked #113 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Kasseri | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Kasseri pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Kasseri Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Thrace, Macedonia, Thessaly, Lesbos |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Traditionally raw, increasingly pasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Develops as ages |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Firm to hard |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Rich |
| Aroma | Varies | Flowery |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Pale yellow |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Wheels |
| Age | A few months to several years | At least 2 months, peak at 10+ months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Natural rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a firm to hard consistency, Kasseri might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Kasseri offers a rich profile, ideal for different meals.
