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Cheddar Cheese vs Swiss Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Swiss Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Swiss Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Swiss Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Swiss Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Swiss 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.
Swiss Cheese Overview
Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Swiss Cheese originated from United States.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Swiss 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)". Swiss Cheese has a fat content of ~28-32% and a moisture content of up to 39%. Swiss's texture can be described as "semi-firm".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Swiss Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly sweet taste. Swiss's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty".
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 . Swiss Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 1-3 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Swiss Cheese's rind is described as none , with microbial or vegetarian rennet.
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Swiss is ranked #78 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Swiss | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | Chardonnay, Dijon Mustard, Ham, Pastrami, Tuna, Turkey |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | Cabernet Franc, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Gamay, IPA, Kolsch, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Roast Beef, Salami, Sauvignon Blanc, Steak |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Swiss pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Swiss Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | United States |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | ~28-32% |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | ~37-41% |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | None |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-Firm |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Mild, Nutty, Slightly Sweet |
| Aroma | Varies | Mild, Slightly Nutty |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Pale Yellow |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Block, Sliced, Shredded |
| Age | A few months to several years | Typically 1-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Microbial or Vegetarian |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a semi-firm consistency, Swiss might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Swiss offers a mild, nutty, slightly sweet profile, ideal for different meals.
