Cheddar Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese

Cheddar Cheese

Monterey Jack Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?"
  • "Is Cheddar Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese?"
  • "Is Cheddar Cheese or Monterey Jack 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.

Monterey Jack Cheese Overview

Monterey Jack is a popular American cheese originating from Monterey, California. It's known for its mild flavor and semi-soft texture, making it an excellent melting cheese. Monterey Jack can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes, particularly Mexican and American cuisines, such as quesadillas and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 375 types.

Monterey Jack is ranked #21 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Cheddar Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Monterey Jack Cheese originated from United States.

Milk Type and Treatment

Cheddar Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically 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)". Monterey Jack Cheese has a fat content of not less than 50% on a dry basis and a moisture content of up to 39%. Monterey Jack's texture can be described as "mild to firm".

Flavor and Aroma

Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory flavor. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored flavor.

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 . Monterey Jack Cheese has a color of cream to golden and has an aging period of six weeks to ten months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Cheddar Cheese Monterey Jack Cheese
Country of Origin United Kingdom United States
Specific Origin Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) Monterey County, California
Milk Type Cow's, sometimes goat's, sheep's, or buffalo's Pasteurized cow's milk
Milk Treatment Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized Pasteurized
Fat Content At least 50% fat in dry matter Not less than 50% on a dry basis
Moisture Content Up to 39% Not more than 44%
Rind Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)
Texture Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) Mild to firm
Flavor Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory Mild to full-flavored
Aroma Varies
Colors Natural or dyed orange Cream to golden
Forms Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks
Age A few months to several years Six weeks to ten months
Rennet Type Animal

Compare Cheddar Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses