Edam Cheese vs Handkäse Cheese
Edam Cheese
Handkäse Cheese
Edam Cheese is a semi-hard, elastic cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Handkäse Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Germany.
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What Is Edam Cheese?
Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese named after the town of Edam in North Holland, sold in flat-ended spheres under a red wax rind. It hardens rather than spoils, which made it the world's most popular cheese from the 14th to the 18th century.
What Is Handkäse Cheese?
Handkäse is a German sour milk cheese from southern Hesse, named for the way it was once shaped by hand. It is small, translucent and yellow, with a pungent aroma and a sour taste, and it is usually served topped with chopped onions.
What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Handkäse Cheese?
- Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Handkäse Cheese (Germany)
- Texture: Edam Cheese (Semi-hard, elastic), Handkäse Cheese (Semi-hard)
- Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), Handkäse Cheese (sour)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Edam Cheese | Handkäse Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Germany |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Southern Hesse, Germany |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-hard, elastic | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | — |
| Aging | 3 months to longer | — |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Sour |
Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Handkäse Cheese?
Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Handkäse Cheese brings sour character. On the nose, Edam Cheese offers almost no smell when young, contrasted with Handkäse Cheese's pungent.
Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Handkäse Cheese?
In most recipes, Edam Cheese and Handkäse Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, elastic bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while Handkäse Cheese brings sour notes.
Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Handkäse Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, elastic cheese, go with Edam Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Handkäse Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes, while Handkäse Cheese fits dishes calling for sour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edam Cheese the same as Handkäse Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Handkäse Cheese comes from Germany.
Is Edam Cheese similar to Handkäse Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Handkäse Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Edam Cheese taste like Handkäse Cheese?
Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Handkäse Cheese is sour. Aromas also diverge. Edam Cheese leans almost no smell when young, and Handkäse Cheese is closer to pungent.
What is Edam Cheese made of?
Edam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 months to longer. It originates in Netherlands.
What is Handkäse Cheese made of?
Handkäse Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Germany.
Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Handkäse Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is semi-hard, elastic, while Handkäse Cheese is semi-hard.