Cheddar Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
• "Is Cheddar Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
• "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
• "Is Cheddar Cheese or Taleggio 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.

Taleggio Cheese Overview

Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Taleggio Cheese originated from Italy.

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. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.

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)". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Taste and Aroma

Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

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 . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Ranking

Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #56 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Taleggio pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Cheddar Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses