Edam Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese
Edam Cheese
Pljevlja Cheese
Edam Cheese is a rubber-textured to crystalline cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.
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 Pljevlja Cheese?
Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.
What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?
- Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
- Milk type: Edam Cheese (cow's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
- Texture: Edam Cheese (Rubber-textured to crystalline), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
- Aging: Edam Cheese (3 months to longer), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Edam Cheese | Pljevlja Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Montenegro |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | Soft to semihard |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | — |
| Aging | 3 months to longer | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Edam Cheese at 3 months to longer develops a different profile than Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.
Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
Edam Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect rubber-textured to crystalline bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to semihard.
Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go with Edam Cheese. For a soft to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edam Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Edam Cheese is made from cow milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Edam Cheese is typically aged 3 months to longer, Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.
Is Edam Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Edam Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Pljevlja Cheese made of?
Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.
Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is rubber-textured to crystalline, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.