Huntsman Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese
Huntsman Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.
What Is Huntsman Cheese?
Huntsman is a British cheese that combines Double Gloucester with Stilton in one wheel. The pairing of mild orange cheese and blue is what it is known for.
What Is Red Leicester Cheese?
Red Leicester is an English cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, close to Cheddar but crumblier. Annatto gives it its orange colour, and four to nine months of ageing takes it from mild and mellow to tangy and slightly nutty.
What's the Difference Between Huntsman Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?
- Texture: Huntsman Cheese (semi-hard), Red Leicester Cheese (Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly)
- Rind: Huntsman Cheese (natural), Red Leicester Cheese (Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial))
- Taste: Huntsman Cheese (buttery, smooth), Red Leicester Cheese (caramel, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Huntsman Cheese | Red Leicester Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | United Kingdom | Leicestershire |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others) |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly |
| Rind | Natural | Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial) |
| Aging | — | 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial |
| Taste | Buttery, smooth | Caramel, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Huntsman Cheese Taste Like Red Leicester Cheese?
Huntsman Cheese reads as buttery, smooth, while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Huntsman Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?
In most recipes, Huntsman Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Huntsman Cheese reads as buttery, smooth while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Huntsman Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Huntsman Cheese. For a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly profile, Red Leicester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Huntsman Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, smooth notes, while Red Leicester Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huntsman Cheese the same as Red Leicester Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Huntsman Cheese similar to Red Leicester Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Huntsman Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Huntsman Cheese taste like Red Leicester Cheese?
Huntsman Cheese reads as buttery, smooth, while Red Leicester Cheese is caramel, sweet.
What is Huntsman Cheese made of?
Huntsman Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in United Kingdom.
What is Red Leicester Cheese made of?
Red Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized (sparkenhoe farm), pasteurized (others)), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Huntsman Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Huntsman Cheese is semi-hard, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly.