Derby Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy and made from sheep 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 Roquefort Cheese?

Roquefort is a blue cheese made from raw Lacaune sheep's milk in southern France. Only cheese ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon may carry the name. It is tangy and creamy, with no rind and a sharp bite from the blue veins.

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

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Roquefort Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Derby Cheese (cow's milk), Roquefort Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Roquefort Cheese (Moist, very creamy)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Roquefort Cheese (none)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Roquefort Cheese (Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Roquefort Cheese (Mild to strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Roquefort Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Roquefort Cheese's sweet. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, while Roquefort Cheese leans toward buttercream smooth to salty and sharp. Aging plays into this as well. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Roquefort Cheese at minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?

Derby Cheese can stand in for Roquefort Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-firm, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for moist, very creamy. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Roquefort 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 moist, very creamy profile, Roquefort Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Roquefort Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Roquefort Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Roquefort Cheese comes from France. Derby Cheese is made from cow milk; Roquefort Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Roquefort Cheese minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Roquefort Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Derby Cheese taste like Roquefort Cheese?

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

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 Roquefort Cheese made of?

Roquefort Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Derby Cheese or Roquefort Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy.