Derby Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.

What Is Derby Cheese?

Derby is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Derbyshire, England, with a smooth, mellow texture and a buttery flavour. It sits close to Cheddar in taste but stays softer, and its best known version is the sage-flecked Sage Derby.

What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.

What's the Difference Between Derby Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

In most recipes, Derby Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-firm, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-firm, artisan cheese, go with Derby Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Derby Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.

What is Derby Cheese made of?

Derby Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 1 to 6 months. It originates in England and United Kingdom.

What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?

Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.