Leicester Cheese vs Mimolette Cheese

Leicester Cheese is a firm, dry, crumbly cow-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Leicester Cheese?

Red Leicester is a crumbly cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, England, close to Cheddar and coloured orange with annatto. Young wheels taste very mild and slightly sweet; after about six months the cheese picks up a tang.

What Is Mimolette Cheese?

Mimolette is a hard, bright orange cow's milk cheese made around Lille in northern France. It is sold at several ages, from young wheels that taste like Parmesan to extra-old ones with a hazelnut flavor and a grey, mite-worked rind.

What's the Difference Between Leicester Cheese and Mimolette Cheese?

• Origin: Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom), Mimolette Cheese (France)
• Texture: Leicester Cheese (firm, dry, crumbly), Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body)
• Rind: Leicester Cheese (reddish-orange with a powdery mould), Mimolette Cheese (Natural)
• Aging: Leicester Cheese (6 to 12 months), Mimolette Cheese (6 weeks to 24 months)
• Taste: Leicester Cheese (slightly sweet, mellow, nutty), Mimolette Cheese (Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Leicester Cheese Taste Like Mimolette Cheese?

Leicester Cheese reads as slightly sweet, mellow, nutty, while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel character. More specifically, Leicester Cheese shows very mild when young, tangier after six months, while Mimolette Cheese leans toward mature: dense, waxy, hints of butterscotch; young: mild. Aging plays into this as well. Leicester Cheese at 6 to 12 months develops a different profile than Mimolette Cheese at 6 weeks to 24 months.

Can You Substitute Leicester Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

In most recipes, Leicester Cheese and Mimolette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm, dry, crumbly bite and body where the recipe calls for smooth, creamy body. Flavor-wise, Leicester Cheese reads as slightly sweet, mellow, nutty while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel notes.

Which Is Better, Leicester Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, dry, crumbly cheese, go with Leicester Cheese. For a smooth, creamy body profile, Mimolette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Leicester Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sweet, mellow, nutty notes, while Mimolette Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leicester Cheese the same as Mimolette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Leicester Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Mimolette Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Leicester Cheese is typically aged 6 to 12 months, Mimolette Cheese 6 weeks to 24 months.

Is Leicester Cheese similar to Mimolette Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Leicester Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Leicester Cheese taste like Mimolette Cheese?

Leicester Cheese reads as slightly sweet, mellow, nutty, while Mimolette Cheese is sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel.

What is Leicester Cheese made of?

Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 6 to 12 months. It originates in United Kingdom.

What is Mimolette Cheese made of?

Mimolette Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Leicester Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Leicester Cheese is firm, dry, crumbly, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body.