Cheddar Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or, or Vacherin Mont d'Or, is a seasonal, soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. Available from September to May, it has a delicate, creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Mont d'Or is traditionally eaten warmed in the box it comes in, making the interior deliciously runny.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Mont d'Or Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Washed rind |
| Aging | A few months to several years | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Cheddar Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character. More specifically, Cheddar Cheese shows from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer, while Mont d'Or Cheese leans toward known for its creamy taste and powerful aroma; gets resinous flavor from spruce bark. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Mont d'Or 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 Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Mont d'Or 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, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Mont d'Or Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Mont d'Or Cheese 21 to 60 days.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.
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 Mont d'Or Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese.