Cheddar Cheese vs Pas de l'Escalette Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?
Pas de l'Escalette is a semi-hard cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in the Larzac region of France. It has a natural rind and a straw-colored interior. The cheese offers a sweet flavor profile, accompanied by a fresh aroma. Its texture is artisan, reflecting traditional cheese-making techniques. Pas de l'Escalette is well-suited for a cheese board and pairs nicely with a variety of breads and fruits. This cheese is a fine example of the rich dairy heritage of the French countryside.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Pas de l'Escalette Cheese (sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Pas de l'Escalette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Larzac |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Natural |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese brings sweet character.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Pas de l'Escalette 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese brings sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Pas de l'Escalette 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, artisan profile, Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese comes from France.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is sweet.
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 Pas de l'Escalette Cheese made of?
Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Pas de l'Escalette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Pas de l'Escalette Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.