Double Gloucester Cheese vs Maasdam Cheese
Double Gloucester Cheese
Maasdam Cheese
Double Gloucester Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from England, while Maasdam Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.
What Is Double Gloucester Cheese?
Double Gloucester is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese made in Gloucestershire, England, since the 16th century. It ages longer than Single Gloucester, giving it a stronger, more savoury flavour, and it is the cheese sent rolling down Cooper's Hill each spring.
What Is Maasdam Cheese?
Maasdam is a Dutch cheese made in the style of Swiss Emmental, aged at least four weeks and marked by holes that form as it ripens. It tastes nutty and sweet, and it is softer than Emmental because it holds more moisture.
What's the Difference Between Double Gloucester Cheese and Maasdam Cheese?
- Origin: Double Gloucester Cheese (England), Maasdam Cheese (Netherlands)
- Texture: Double Gloucester Cheese (hard, artisan), Maasdam Cheese (semi-hard)
- Rind: Double Gloucester Cheese (natural), Maasdam Cheese (smooth, sometimes waxed)
- Taste: Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy), Maasdam Cheese (nutty, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Double Gloucester Cheese | Maasdam Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | Gloucestershire, England | The Netherlands |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized in supermarket versions | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Hard, artisan | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Natural | Smooth, sometimes waxed |
| Aging | — | At least 4 weeks |
| Taste | Smooth, tangy | Nutty, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Double Gloucester Cheese Taste Like Maasdam Cheese?
Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Maasdam Cheese brings nutty, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Maasdam Cheese?
In most recipes, Double Gloucester Cheese and Maasdam Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy while Maasdam Cheese brings nutty, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Double Gloucester Cheese or Maasdam Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, artisan cheese, go with Double Gloucester Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Maasdam Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, tangy notes, while Maasdam Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Double Gloucester Cheese the same as Maasdam Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Double Gloucester Cheese originates in England, while Maasdam Cheese comes from Netherlands.
Is Double Gloucester Cheese similar to Maasdam Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Maasdam Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Double Gloucester Cheese taste like Maasdam Cheese?
Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Maasdam Cheese is nutty, sweet.
What is Double Gloucester Cheese made of?
Double Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized in supermarket versions). It originates in England.
What is Maasdam Cheese made of?
Maasdam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least 4 weeks. It originates in Netherlands.
Which should I choose, Double Gloucester Cheese or Maasdam Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Double Gloucester Cheese is hard, artisan, while Maasdam Cheese is semi-hard.