Cheddar Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
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.
What Is L'Etivaz Cheese?
L'Etivaz is a hard Alpine cheese from the Vaud region of Switzerland, similar to Gruyère but made in a more artisanal fashion. It is produced only from May to October, using milk from cows grazing on mountain pastures. The cheese has a complex flavor, with fruity, nutty notes and a hint of smokiness, developed during the traditional wood-fired production process.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), L'Etivaz Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), L'Etivaz Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), L'Etivaz Cheese (hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | L'Etivaz Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Hard |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | — |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | — |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | L'Etivaz Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | — |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Cheddar Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
L'Etivaz Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and L'Etivaz 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 hard.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or L'Etivaz 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 hard profile, L'Etivaz Cheese is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as L'Etivaz Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to L'Etivaz Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like L'Etivaz Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized). It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is L'Etivaz Cheese made of?
L'Etivaz Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese.