Cheddar Cheese vs Pélardon Cheese

Q: Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Pélardon Cheese?

No. Cheddar Cheese and Pélardon Cheese are distinct cheeses from England and France respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Cheddar Cheese for Pélardon Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Pélardon Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Pélardon Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Cheddar Cheese

Pélardon Cheese

Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Pélardon Cheese is soft and made from goat 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 Pélardon Cheese?

Pélardon is a small round goat's milk cheese from the Cévennes range in France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. It ripens under a white mold rind and has carried AOC status since August 2000.

What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Pélardon Cheese?

Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Pélardon Cheese (France)
Milk type: Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk), Pélardon Cheese (goat)
Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Pélardon Cheese (soft)
Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Pélardon Cheese (bloomy, white mold)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Cheddar Cheese	Pélardon Cheese
Country of Origin	England	France
Specific Origin	Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester)	Cévennes Range, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Goat
Milk Treatment	Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized	—
Texture	Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)	Soft
Rind	Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)	Bloomy, white mold
Aging	A few months to several years	—
Taste	Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory	—

Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Pélardon Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?

Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Pélardon 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 soft.

Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Pélardon 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, Pélardon Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Pélardon Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Pélardon Cheese comes from France. Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk; Pélardon Cheese uses goat.

Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Pélardon Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Pélardon Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

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 Pélardon Cheese made of?

Pélardon Cheese is made from goat milk. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Pélardon Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Pélardon Cheese is soft.