Gouda Cheese vs Stawley Cheese
Gouda Cheese is a solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Stawley Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
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 Stawley Cheese?
Stawley is a soft cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Somerset, England. It has a pale yellow color and a mold-ripened rind that contributes to its unique aroma of mushroom and nutty scents. The flavor profile of Stawley includes notes of caramel, floral, milky, and sweet, creating a pleasant and balanced taste experience. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread or enjoy on its own. Ideal for cheese boards, it pairs well with fresh bread or a light wine. This cheese reflects the traditional methods and quality of the region's cheesemaking.
What's the Difference Between Gouda Cheese and Stawley Cheese?
- Origin: Gouda Cheese (Netherlands), Stawley Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Gouda Cheese (cow's milk), Stawley Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Gouda Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Stawley Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Gouda Cheese (solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged), Stawley Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Gouda Cheese (Durable), Stawley Cheese (mold ripened)
- Taste: Gouda Cheese (Sweet to nutty), Stawley Cheese (caramel, floral, milky, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gouda Cheese | Stawley Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Southern Holland | Stawley, Near Wellington, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged | Soft |
| Rind | Durable | Mold ripened |
| Aging | 4 weeks to 21 months | — |
| Taste | Sweet to nutty | Caramel, floral, milky, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Gouda Cheese Taste Like Stawley Cheese?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet character. On the nose, Gouda Cheese offers sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note, contrasted with Stawley Cheese's mushroom, nutty.
Can You Substitute Gouda Cheese for Stawley Cheese?
Gouda Cheese can stand in for Stawley 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Gouda Cheese or Stawley 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 profile, Stawley Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Gouda Cheese suits recipes that want sweet to nutty notes, while Stawley Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, floral, milky, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gouda Cheese the same as Stawley Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Gouda Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Stawley Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk; Stawley Cheese uses goat.
Is Gouda Cheese similar to Stawley Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Gouda Cheese for Stawley Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Gouda Cheese taste like Stawley Cheese?
Gouda Cheese reads as sweet to nutty, while Stawley Cheese is caramel, floral, milky, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Gouda Cheese leans sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note, and Stawley Cheese is closer to mushroom, nutty.
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 Stawley Cheese made of?
Stawley Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Gouda Cheese or Stawley 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 Stawley Cheese is soft.