Cheddar Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | No Specific Location |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semihard |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | A few months to several years | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Cheddar Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. More specifically, Cheddar Cheese shows from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized). It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese.