Gruyere Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gruyere Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Gruyere Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?"
• "Is Gruyere Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese the same?"
• "How does Gruyere Cheese compare to Red Leicester Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Gruyere Cheese compare to Red Leicester Cheese?"
• "Is Gruyere Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese better?"

Gruyere Cheese Overview

American Gruyere is inspired by the classic Swiss cheese but made in the United States. It replicates the sweet, slightly nutty flavor of traditional Gruyere. This version is typically smoother and creamier, with fewer age-induced cracks and holes. It is commonly used in cooking, especially in fondues, gratins, and baked dishes.

Red Leicester Cheese Overview

Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Gruyere Cheese comes from United States. Red Leicester Cheese originated from United Kingdom.

Milk Type and Treatment

Gruyere Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Gruyere Cheese has a fat content of ~30-34% and a moisture content of ~36-40%. Gruyere's texture can be described as "semi-firm". Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of ~36-40%. Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly".

Taste and Aroma

Gruyere Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly buttery taste. Gruyere's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty, buttery". Red Leicester Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild".

Appearance and Aging

Gruyere Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow to golden , is available in block, wheel, sliced, shredded and is aged typically 3-6 months . Red Leicester Cheese has a color of reddish-orange , comes in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and has an aging period of 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial .

Rind and Rennet Type

Gruyere Cheese's rind is described as natural or brushed, sometimes waxed and uses microbial or vegetarian (varies by producer) rennet. Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Gruyere is ranked #40 out of 996 types based on community views. Red Leicester is ranked #69 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Gruyere and Red Leicester pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-firm cheese, go for Gruyere. But if you enjoy a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly consistency, Red Leicester might be the better pick. Gruyere has a mild, nutty, slightly buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Red Leicester offers a caramel, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Gruyere Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses