Gouda Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese

Gouda Cheese is a solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.

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 Is Naboulsi Cheese?

Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.

What's the Difference Between Gouda Cheese and Naboulsi Cheese?

• Origin: Gouda Cheese (Netherlands), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
• Milk type: Gouda Cheese (cow's milk), Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Gouda Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Naboulsi Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Gouda Cheese (solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged), Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
• Rind: Gouda Cheese (Durable), Naboulsi Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Gouda Cheese (Sweet to nutty), Naboulsi Cheese (salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Gouda Cheese Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Can You Substitute Gouda Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

Gouda Cheese can stand in for Naboulsi Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, brined. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty notes.

Which Is Better, Gouda Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gouda Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Gouda Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.

Is Gouda Cheese similar to Naboulsi Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Gouda Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Gouda Cheese taste like Naboulsi Cheese?

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

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.

What is Naboulsi Cheese made of?

Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.

Which should I choose, Gouda Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?

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