Cheddar Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Saint Felicien Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a hard, crumbly cow-milk cheese from England, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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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 Saint Felicien Cheese?
Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Saint Felicien Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Saint Felicien Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Hard, crumbly), Saint Felicien Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Saint Felicien Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Rhône-Alpes, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Hard, crumbly | Soft |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Flower-style (fleurie) casing |
| Aging | A few months to several years | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy 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 Saint Felicien Cheese leans toward similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard, crumbly bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, crumbly cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a soft profile, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Saint Felicien Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy.
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 Saint Felicien Cheese made of?
Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is hard, crumbly, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft.