Derby Cheese vs Leicester Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Leicester Cheese is firm, dry, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.

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 Leicester Cheese?

Red Leicester is a crumbly cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, England, close to Cheddar and coloured orange with annatto. Young wheels taste very mild and slightly sweet; after about six months the cheese picks up a tang.

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

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Leicester Cheese (firm, dry, crumbly)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Leicester Cheese (reddish-orange with a powdery mould)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Leicester Cheese (6 to 12 months)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Leicester Cheese (slightly sweet, mellow, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Leicester Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Leicester Cheese brings slightly sweet, mellow, nutty character. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Leicester Cheese leans toward very mild when young, tangier after six months. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Leicester Cheese at 6 to 12 months.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Leicester Cheese?

In most recipes, Derby Cheese and Leicester 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 firm, dry, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Leicester Cheese brings slightly sweet, mellow, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Leicester 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 firm, dry, crumbly profile, Leicester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Leicester Cheese fits dishes calling for slightly sweet, mellow, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Leicester Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Leicester Cheese 6 to 12 months.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Leicester Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Leicester Cheese?

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

Does Derby Cheese taste like Leicester Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Leicester Cheese is slightly sweet, mellow, nutty.

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 Leicester Cheese made of?

Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 6 to 12 months. It originates in United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Leicester Cheese?

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