Cheddar Cheese vs Reblochon Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Reblochon Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
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.
What Is Reblochon Cheese?
Reblochon is a soft washed-rind and smear-ripened French cheese from the Alps region of Savoy. The cheese has a creamy, nutty taste under its orange-colored rind. It was traditionally made using the second milking of cows, which produces a richer milk. Reblochon is famously used in the dish "tartiflette," a gratin made with potatoes, bacon, and onions.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Reblochon Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Reblochon Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Reblochon Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Reblochon Cheese (Ivory-colored, creamy and supple)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Reblochon Cheese (Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Reblochon Cheese (3 to 4 months)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Reblochon Cheese (creamy, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Reblochon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Haute-Savoie And Savoie |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Raw whole cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Ivory-colored, creamy and supple |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold |
| Aging | A few months to several years | 3 to 4 months |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Creamy, nutty |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Reblochon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Cheddar Cheese and Reblochon Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Reblochon Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Reblochon Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty character. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Reblochon Cheese at 3 to 4 months.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Reblochon 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 ivory-colored, creamy and supple. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Reblochon 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 ivory-colored, creamy and supple profile, Reblochon Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Reblochon Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, nutty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Reblochon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Reblochon Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Reblochon Cheese 3 to 4 months.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Reblochon Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Reblochon Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Reblochon Cheese is creamy, nutty.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized). It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Reblochon Cheese made of?
Reblochon Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using natural rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Reblochon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and Reblochon Cheese.