, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Cheddar Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Parmesan Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Parmesan Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Parmesan Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Parmesan Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Parmesan 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.
Parmesan Cheese Overview
Parmesan, often referred to by its Italian name, Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese known for its rich flavor and grainy texture. Made from cow's milk, it's aged for a minimum of 12 months, often much longer, to develop its distinct nutty and savory profile. Parmesan is a staple in Italian cuisine, commonly grated over pasta dishes, stirred into soups, or eaten on its own.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Parmesan Cheese originated from Italy.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Parmesan Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
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)". Parmesan's texture can be described as "hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Parmesan Cheese has a salty, savory taste. Parmesan's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong".
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 . Parmesan Cheese has a color of straw .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Parmesan Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Parmesan is ranked #42 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Parmesan | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | Shrimp |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Parmesan pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Parmesan Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Natural |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Hard, artisan |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Salty, savory |
| Aroma | Varies | Nutty, strong |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Straw |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a hard, artisan consistency, Parmesan might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Parmesan offers a salty, savory profile, ideal for different meals.
