Cheddar Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.
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 Naboulsi Cheese?
Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Naboulsi Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
- Milk type: Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk), Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Naboulsi Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Naboulsi Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Naboulsi Cheese (salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Naboulsi Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Middle East And Palestine |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Nablus, Palestine |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-hard, brined |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Natural |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty character.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Naboulsi Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, brined. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Naboulsi 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 semi-hard, brined profile, Naboulsi Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Naboulsi Cheese fits dishes calling for salty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Naboulsi Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Naboulsi Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Naboulsi Cheese is salty.
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 Naboulsi Cheese made of?
Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined.