, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Edam Cheese vs Gruyere Cheese
Edam Cheese
Gruyere Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Edam Cheese and Gruyere Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Edam Cheese and Gruyere Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese and Gruyere Cheese the same?"
- "How does Edam Cheese compare to Gruyere Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Edam Cheese compare to Gruyere Cheese?"
- "Is Edam Cheese or Gruyere Cheese better?"
Edam Cheese Overview
Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese that is recognizable by its typically red or yellow wax coating. Made from partially skimmed cow's milk, it has a mild, slightly salty flavor and a firm but creamy texture. Edam ages well and does not spoil; instead, it hardens, which makes it an excellent cheese for long-term storage.
Gruyere Cheese Overview
American Gruyere is inspired by the classic Swiss cheese but made in the United States. It replicates the sweet, slightly nutty flavor of traditional Gruyere. This version is typically smoother and creamier, with fewer age-induced cracks and holes. It is commonly used in cooking, especially in fondues, gratins, and baked dishes.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Gruyere Cheese originated from United States.
Milk Type and Treatment
Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Gruyere Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline". Gruyere Cheese has a fat content of ~30-34% and a moisture content of none. Gruyere's texture can be described as "semi-firm".
Taste and Aroma
Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste. Gruyere Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly buttery taste. Gruyere's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty, buttery".
Appearance and Aging
Edam Cheese's appearance is colored red , is available in round and is aged 3 months to longer . Gruyere Cheese has a color of pale yellow to golden , comes in block, wheel, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 3-6 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed . Gruyere Cheese's rind is described as natural or brushed, sometimes waxed , with microbial or vegetarian (varies by producer) rennet.
Ranking
Edam is ranked #14 out of 996 types based on community views. Gruyere is ranked #42 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Edam | Gruyere | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Dijon Mustard, Grilled Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Roast Beef |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | Pastrami |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Edam and Gruyere pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Edam Cheese | Gruyere Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | United States |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | ~30-34% |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | ~36-40% |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | Natural or Brushed, Sometimes Waxed |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | Semi-Firm |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Mild, Nutty, Slightly Buttery |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Mild, Slightly Nutty, Buttery |
| Colors | Red | Pale Yellow to Golden |
| Forms | Round | Block, Wheel, Sliced, Shredded |
| Age | 3 months to longer | Typically 3-6 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Microbial or Vegetarian (varies by producer) |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go for Edam. But if you enjoy a semi-firm consistency, Gruyere might be the better pick. Edam has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Gruyere offers a mild, nutty, slightly buttery profile, ideal for different meals.
