Maasdam Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese
Maasdam Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Maasdam Cheese?
Maasdam is a Dutch cheese made in the style of Swiss Emmental, aged at least four weeks and marked by holes that form as it ripens. It tastes nutty and sweet, and it is softer than Emmental because it holds more moisture.
What Is Saint Felicien Cheese?
Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.
What's the Difference Between Maasdam Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?
- Origin: Maasdam Cheese (Netherlands), Saint Felicien Cheese (France)
- Texture: Maasdam Cheese (semi-hard), Saint Felicien Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Maasdam Cheese (smooth, sometimes waxed), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
- Aging: Maasdam Cheese (at least 4 weeks), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
- Taste: Maasdam Cheese (nutty, sweet), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Maasdam Cheese | Saint Felicien Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | France |
| Specific Origin | The Netherlands | Rhône-Alpes, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Smooth, sometimes waxed | Flower-style (fleurie) casing |
| Aging | At least 4 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Maasdam Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Maasdam Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. Aging plays into this as well. Maasdam Cheese at at least 4 weeks develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Maasdam Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
In most recipes, Maasdam Cheese and Saint Felicien 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 soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Maasdam Cheese reads as nutty, sweet while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Maasdam Cheese or Saint Felicien 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 Maasdam Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Maasdam Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, sweet notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Maasdam Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Maasdam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Saint Felicien Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Maasdam Cheese is typically aged at least 4 weeks, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.
Is Maasdam Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Maasdam Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Maasdam Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Maasdam Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy.
What is Maasdam Cheese made of?
Maasdam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least 4 weeks. It originates in Netherlands.
What is Saint Felicien Cheese made of?
Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Maasdam Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Maasdam Cheese is semi-hard, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan.