Cheddar Cheese vs Kernhem Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Kernhem Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What Is Kernhem Cheese?
Kernhem is a soft cheese from the Netherlands, made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a fat content of 60%, giving it a rich and creamy texture. The flavor profile is mild, with nutty and sweet notes that make it appealing to many palates. The cheese has a yellow hue and is known for its aromatic presence. It features a washed rind, which contributes to its distinctive aroma. Kernhem is versatile in use, suitable for both snacking and cooking.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Kernhem Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Kernhem Cheese (Netherlands)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Kernhem Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Kernhem Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Kernhem Cheese (washed)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Kernhem Cheese (mild, nutty, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Kernhem Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Kernhem |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Washed |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Mild, nutty, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Kernhem Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Kernhem Cheese brings mild, nutty, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Kernhem Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Kernhem Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Kernhem Cheese brings mild, nutty, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Kernhem 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 soft profile, Kernhem Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Kernhem Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, nutty, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Kernhem Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Kernhem Cheese comes from Netherlands.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Kernhem Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Kernhem Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Kernhem Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Kernhem Cheese is mild, nutty, sweet.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Kernhem Cheese made of?
Kernhem Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Netherlands.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Kernhem Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Kernhem Cheese is soft.