Grevé Cheese vs Maasdam Cheese
Grevé Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Sweden, while Maasdam Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.
What Is Grevé Cheese?
Grevé is a Swedish cow's milk cheese built along the lines of Emmental, first produced in 1964 at Örnsköldsvik. It is semi-hard, tastes nut-like and slightly sweet, and carries a fat content of 30 to 45 percent.
What Is Maasdam Cheese?
Maasdam is a Dutch cheese made in the style of Swiss Emmental, aged at least four weeks and marked by holes that form as it ripens. It tastes nutty and sweet, and it is softer than Emmental because it holds more moisture.
What's the Difference Between Grevé Cheese and Maasdam Cheese?
- Origin: Grevé Cheese (Sweden), Maasdam Cheese (Netherlands)
- Rind: Grevé Cheese (waxed), Maasdam Cheese (smooth, sometimes waxed)
- Taste: Grevé Cheese (mild, nutty), Maasdam Cheese (nutty, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Grevé Cheese | Maasdam Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Sweden | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | Örnsköldsvik, Västernorrland County, Sweden | The Netherlands |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Waxed | Smooth, sometimes waxed |
| Aging | — | At least 4 weeks |
| Taste | Mild, nutty | Nutty, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Grevé Cheese Taste Like Maasdam Cheese?
Grevé Cheese reads as mild, nutty, while Maasdam Cheese brings nutty, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Grevé Cheese for Maasdam Cheese?
In most recipes, Grevé Cheese and Maasdam Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Grevé Cheese reads as mild, nutty while Maasdam Cheese brings nutty, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Grevé Cheese or Maasdam Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Grevé Cheese suits recipes that want mild, nutty notes, while Maasdam Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grevé Cheese the same as Maasdam Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Grevé Cheese originates in Sweden, while Maasdam Cheese comes from Netherlands.
Is Grevé Cheese similar to Maasdam Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Grevé Cheese for Maasdam Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Grevé Cheese taste like Maasdam Cheese?
Grevé Cheese reads as mild, nutty, while Maasdam Cheese is nutty, sweet.
What is Grevé Cheese made of?
Grevé Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Sweden.
What is Maasdam Cheese made of?
Maasdam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least 4 weeks. It originates in Netherlands.
Which should I choose, Grevé Cheese or Maasdam Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.