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Cheddar Cheese vs Stilton Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Stilton Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Stilton Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Stilton Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Stilton Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
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.
Stilton Cheese Overview
Stilton is one of the best-known British blue cheeses, traditionally made in two varieties: blue and white. Blue Stilton is creamy and crumbly with a distinctively sharp, rich flavor produced by the blue veins. White Stilton, less common, is the milder of the two and does not have the blue veining.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Stilton Cheese originated from England.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Cheddar is not a protected cheese. Stilton Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Stilton Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Stilton's texture can be described as "hard, blue-veined".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Stilton Cheese has a spicy, strong taste.
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . Stilton Cheese has a color of blue-grey .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Stilton Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Stilton is ranked #24 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Stilton | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | Barleywine, Madeira |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Stilton pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Stilton Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | England |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Natural |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Hard, blue-veined |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Spicy, strong |
| Aroma | Varies | Not Specified |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Blue-grey |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a hard, blue-veined consistency, Stilton might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Stilton offers a spicy, strong profile, ideal for different meals.
