Derby Cheese vs Mimolette Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 Mimolette Cheese?

Mimolette is a hard, bright orange cow's milk cheese made around Lille in northern France. It is sold at several ages, from young wheels that taste like Parmesan to extra-old ones with a hazelnut flavor and a grey, mite-worked rind.

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

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Mimolette Cheese (France)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Mimolette Cheese (Natural)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Mimolette Cheese (6 weeks to 24 months)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Mimolette Cheese (Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Mimolette Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Mimolette Cheese's butterscotch. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Mimolette Cheese leans toward mature: dense, waxy, hints of butterscotch; young: mild. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Mimolette Cheese at 6 weeks to 24 months.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

In most recipes, Derby Cheese and Mimolette 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 smooth, creamy body. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Mimolette 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 smooth, creamy body profile, Mimolette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Mimolette Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Mimolette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Mimolette Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Mimolette Cheese 6 weeks to 24 months.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Mimolette Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

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

Does Derby Cheese taste like Mimolette Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Mimolette Cheese is sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and Mimolette Cheese is closer to butterscotch.

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 Mimolette Cheese made of?

Mimolette Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body.