Edam Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese
Edam Cheese
Red Leicester Cheese
Edam Cheese is a rubber-textured to crystalline cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.
What Is Edam Cheese?
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.
What Is Red Leicester Cheese?
Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.
What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?
- Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Red Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
- Milk treatment: Edam Cheese (pasteurized), Red Leicester Cheese (Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others))
- Texture: Edam Cheese (Rubber-textured to crystalline), Red Leicester Cheese (Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly)
- Rind: Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed), Red Leicester Cheese (Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial))
- Aging: Edam Cheese (3 months to longer), Red Leicester Cheese (6 months (traditional), varies for industrial)
- Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), Red Leicester Cheese (caramel, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Edam Cheese | Red Leicester Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Leicestershire |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others) |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial) |
| Aging | 3 months to longer | 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Caramel, sweet |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Edam Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese
Edam Cheese
Red Leicester Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Red Leicester Cheese?
Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet character. Aging plays into this as well. Edam Cheese at 3 months to longer develops a different profile than Red Leicester Cheese at 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial.
Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?
In most recipes, Edam Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect rubber-textured to crystalline bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Red Leicester 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 hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly profile, Red Leicester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes, while Red Leicester Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edam Cheese the same as Red Leicester Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Red Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Aging also differs: Edam Cheese is typically aged 3 months to longer, Red Leicester Cheese 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial.
Is Edam Cheese similar to Red Leicester Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Edam Cheese taste like Red Leicester Cheese?
Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Red Leicester Cheese is caramel, sweet.
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 Red Leicester Cheese made of?
Red Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized (sparkenhoe farm), pasteurized (others)), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Edam Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is rubber-textured to crystalline, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly.
See full profiles: Edam Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese.