Gouda Cheese vs Saint Marcellin Cheese
Gouda Cheese is a solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Saint Marcellin Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Saint-Marcellin is a small soft cow's milk cheese from the Dauphiné area of France, weighing about 80 grams. It is sold at three stages of ripening, sec, crémeux and bleu, and turns runnier as it ages.
What's the Difference Between Gouda Cheese and Saint Marcellin Cheese?
- Origin: Gouda Cheese (Netherlands), Saint Marcellin Cheese (France)
- Texture: Gouda Cheese (solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged), Saint Marcellin Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Aging: Gouda Cheese (4 weeks to 21 months), Saint Marcellin Cheese (2 to 3 weeks)
- Taste: Gouda Cheese (Sweet to nutty), Saint Marcellin Cheese (mild, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gouda Cheese | Saint Marcellin Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | France |
| Specific Origin | Southern Holland | Dauphiné, Rhône-Alpes, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Durable | — |
| Aging | 4 weeks to 21 months | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Taste | Sweet to nutty | Mild, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Gouda Cheese Taste Like Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Saint Marcellin Cheese brings mild, tangy character. Aging plays into this as well. Gouda Cheese at 4 weeks to 21 months develops a different profile than Saint Marcellin Cheese at 2 to 3 weeks.
Can You Substitute Gouda Cheese for Saint Marcellin Cheese?
In most recipes, Gouda Cheese and Saint Marcellin Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty while Saint Marcellin Cheese brings mild, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Gouda Cheese or Saint Marcellin 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 soft, artisan profile, Saint Marcellin Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese suits recipes that want sweet to nutty notes, while Saint Marcellin Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gouda Cheese the same as Saint Marcellin Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Gouda Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Saint Marcellin Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Gouda Cheese is typically aged 4 weeks to 21 months, Saint Marcellin Cheese 2 to 3 weeks.
Is Gouda Cheese similar to Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Gouda Cheese for Saint Marcellin Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Gouda Cheese taste like Saint Marcellin Cheese?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Saint Marcellin Cheese is mild, tangy.
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 Saint Marcellin Cheese made of?
Saint Marcellin Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 2 to 3 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Gouda Cheese or Saint Marcellin 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 Saint Marcellin Cheese is soft, artisan.