Kasseri Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)

Kasseri Cheese is a hard goat or sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.

What Is Kasseri Cheese?

Kasseri is a pale yellow, medium-hard to hard Greek cheese made from sheep milk with at most 20% goat's milk. It belongs to the pasta filata family and is best known as the cheese in saganaki and kasseropita.

What Is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.

What's the Difference Between Kasseri Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

• Origin: Kasseri Cheese (Greece), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
• Milk type: Kasseri Cheese (Sheep's milk, sometimes with goat's milk), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Cow's milk)
• Texture: Kasseri Cheese (Hard), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Semi-soft, washed-rind)
• Rind: Kasseri Cheese (Develops as ages), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
• Taste: Kasseri Cheese (Rich), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Kasseri Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Kasseri Cheese reads as rich, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character. On the nose, Kasseri Cheese offers flowery, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)'s earthy, strong.

Can You Substitute Kasseri Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Kasseri Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, washed-rind. Flavor-wise, Kasseri Cheese reads as rich while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Kasseri Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Kasseri Cheese. For a semi-soft, washed-rind profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Kasseri Cheese suits recipes that want rich notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kasseri Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Kasseri Cheese originates in Greece, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia. Kasseri Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) uses cow.

Is Kasseri Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Kasseri Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Kasseri Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Kasseri Cheese reads as rich, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Kasseri Cheese leans flowery, and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is closer to earthy, strong.

What is Kasseri Cheese made of?

Kasseri Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (traditionally raw, increasingly pasteurized), using natural rennet. It's typically aged at least 3 months. It originates in Greece.

What is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?

Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.

Which should I choose, Kasseri Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Kasseri Cheese is hard, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind.