Derby Cheese vs Reblochon Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple 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 Reblochon Cheese?

Reblochon is a soft, washed-rind cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. It tastes nutty, holds an AOC designation, and is the cheese that makes tartiflette work.

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

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Reblochon Cheese (France)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Reblochon Cheese (Ivory-colored, creamy and supple)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Reblochon Cheese (Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Reblochon Cheese (3 to 4 months)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Reblochon Cheese (creamy, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Reblochon Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty character. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Reblochon Cheese leans toward nutty taste that lingers in the mouth. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Reblochon Cheese at 3 to 4 months.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?

In most recipes, Derby Cheese and Reblochon 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 ivory-colored, creamy and supple. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Reblochon 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 ivory-colored, creamy and supple profile, Reblochon Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Reblochon Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Reblochon Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Reblochon Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Reblochon Cheese 3 to 4 months.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Reblochon Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?

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

Does Derby Cheese taste like Reblochon Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Reblochon Cheese is creamy, 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 Reblochon Cheese made of?

Reblochon Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using natural rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Reblochon Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple.