Derby Cheese vs Rollot Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Rollot Cheese is soft 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 Rollot Cheese?

Rollot is a soft cow's milk cheese from Picardy in northern France, named for a village in the Somme. Washing in salt water gives it an orange rind, and it comes as a small round or a heart, tasting lightly salty and tangy before turning fruity and strong with age.

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

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Rollot Cheese (France)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (Semi-hard), Rollot Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Rollot Cheese (washed)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Rollot Cheese (3 to 6 weeks)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Rollot Cheese (salty, spicy, strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Rollot Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Rollot Cheese brings salty, spicy, strong character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Rollot Cheese's fruity, yeasty. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Rollot Cheese leans toward lightly salted and tangy, with fruity and spicy notes after longer ripening. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Rollot Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Rollot Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Rollot Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Rollot Cheese?

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

Is Derby Cheese similar to Rollot Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Rollot Cheese?

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

Does Derby Cheese taste like Rollot Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Rollot Cheese is salty, spicy, strong. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and Rollot Cheese is closer to fruity, yeasty.

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 Rollot Cheese made of?

Rollot Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 3 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Rollot Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-hard, while Rollot Cheese is soft.