Cheddar Cheese vs Roule Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Roule Cheese is soft, 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 Roule Cheese?
Roule is a French cheese with a soft, creamy texture, usually flavoured with herbs and garlic. A piece of it has the structure of a slice of Swiss roll.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Roule Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Roule Cheese (France)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Roule Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Roule Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Roule Cheese (spicy, sweet, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Roule Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Centre Region, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Natural |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Spicy, sweet, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Roule Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Roule Cheese brings spicy, sweet, tangy character. More specifically, Cheddar Cheese shows from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer, while Roule Cheese leans toward garlic and herbs.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Roule Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Roule 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 soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Roule Cheese brings spicy, sweet, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Roule 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, artisan profile, Roule Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Roule Cheese fits dishes calling for spicy, sweet, tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Roule Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Roule Cheese comes from France.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Roule Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Roule Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Roule Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Roule Cheese is spicy, sweet, tangy.
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 Roule Cheese made of?
Roule Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Roule Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Roule Cheese is soft, artisan.