Five Counties Cheese vs Gouda Cheese

Five Counties Cheese is a semi-firm cow-milk cheese from England, while Gouda Cheese is solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.

What Is Five Counties Cheese?

Five Counties cheese, originating from Somerset, England, is a semi-firm cheese made from cow's milk. It is known for its layered appearance, featuring five different types of English cheeses stacked together. The flavor is buttery and mild, with a touch of saltiness, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy a balanced taste. Its aroma is subtle, adding to its approachable nature. This cheese is also referred to as Five Territories, Five Shires, or Saxonshire. It is often enjoyed on cheese boards or paired with crackers and fruits for a simple yet satisfying snack.

What Is Gouda Cheese?

Gouda is a yellow cow's milk cheese from the Netherlands, named after the city of Gouda in South Holland. It runs from young and elastic to old and hard, picking up a caramel sweetness and small crunchy crystals with age.

What's the Difference Between Five Counties Cheese and Gouda Cheese?

• Origin: Five Counties Cheese (England), Gouda Cheese (Netherlands)
• Texture: Five Counties Cheese (semi-firm), Gouda Cheese (solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged)
• Taste: Five Counties Cheese (buttery, mild, salty), Gouda Cheese (Sweet to nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Five Counties Cheese Taste Like Gouda Cheese?

Five Counties Cheese reads as buttery, mild, salty, while Gouda Cheese brings sweet to nutty character. On the nose, Five Counties Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Gouda Cheese's sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note.

Can You Substitute Five Counties Cheese for Gouda Cheese?

In most recipes, Five Counties Cheese and Gouda Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-firm bite and body where the recipe calls for solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged. Flavor-wise, Five Counties Cheese reads as buttery, mild, salty while Gouda Cheese brings sweet to nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Five Counties Cheese or Gouda Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-firm cheese, go with Five Counties Cheese. For a solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged profile, Gouda Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Five Counties Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, salty notes, while Gouda Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet to nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Five Counties Cheese the same as Gouda Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Five Counties Cheese originates in England, while Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands.

Is Five Counties Cheese similar to Gouda Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Five Counties Cheese for Gouda Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Five Counties Cheese taste like Gouda Cheese?

Five Counties Cheese reads as buttery, mild, salty, while Gouda Cheese is sweet to nutty. Aromas also diverge. Five Counties Cheese leans mild, and Gouda Cheese is closer to sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note.

What is Five Counties Cheese made of?

Five Counties Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in England.

What is Gouda Cheese made of?

Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged 4 weeks to 21 months. It originates in Netherlands.

Which should I choose, Five Counties Cheese or Gouda Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Five Counties Cheese is semi-firm, while Gouda Cheese is solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged.