Leicester Cheese vs Stilton Cheese

Leicester Cheese is a semi-hard, crumbly cow-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Stilton Cheese is semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in England.

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 Stilton Cheese?

Stilton is an English cheese made in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, in a blue version and a white one. The blue kind gets its veins from Penicillium roqueforti. Both hold PDO status, so no cheese made elsewhere can use the name.

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

• Origin: Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom), Stilton Cheese (England)
• Texture: Leicester Cheese (Semi-hard, crumbly), Stilton Cheese (Semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined)
• Rind: Leicester Cheese (reddish-orange with a powdery mould), Stilton Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Leicester Cheese (6 to 12 months), Stilton Cheese (9 to 12 weeks)
• Taste: Leicester Cheese (slightly sweet, mellow, nutty), Stilton Cheese (spicy, strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Leicester Cheese Taste Like Stilton Cheese?

Leicester Cheese reads as slightly sweet, mellow, nutty, while Stilton Cheese brings spicy, strong character. Aging plays into this as well. Leicester Cheese at 6 to 12 months develops a different profile than Stilton Cheese at 9 to 12 weeks.

Can You Substitute Leicester Cheese for Stilton Cheese?

In most recipes, Leicester Cheese and Stilton Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, crumbly bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Leicester Cheese reads as slightly sweet, mellow, nutty while Stilton Cheese brings spicy, strong notes.

Which Is Better, Leicester Cheese or Stilton Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, crumbly cheese, go with Leicester Cheese. For a semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined profile, Stilton Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Leicester Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sweet, mellow, nutty notes, while Stilton Cheese fits dishes calling for spicy, strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Leicester Cheese the same as Stilton Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Leicester Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Stilton Cheese comes from England. Aging also differs: Leicester Cheese is typically aged 6 to 12 months, Stilton Cheese 9 to 12 weeks.

Is Leicester Cheese similar to Stilton Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Leicester Cheese for Stilton Cheese?

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

Does Leicester Cheese taste like Stilton Cheese?

Leicester Cheese reads as slightly sweet, mellow, nutty, while Stilton Cheese is spicy, strong.

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 Stilton Cheese made of?

Stilton Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 9 to 12 weeks. It originates in England.

Which should I choose, Leicester Cheese or Stilton Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Leicester Cheese is semi-hard, crumbly, while Stilton Cheese is semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined.