Cheddar Cheese vs Maredsous Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Maredsous Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Belgium.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What Is Maredsous Cheese?
Maredsous is a semi-hard, loaf-shaped cow's milk cheese with a brine-washed orange rind and a pungent aroma. It is known for hand washing every two days and a 22-day cellar maturation.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Maredsous Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Maredsous Cheese (Belgium)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Maredsous Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Maredsous Cheese (washed)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Maredsous Cheese (22 days)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Maredsous Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Belgium |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Washed |
| Aging | A few months to several years | 22 days |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Maredsous Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Maredsous Cheese at 22 days.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Maredsous Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Maredsous 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 soft.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Maredsous 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 soft profile, Maredsous Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Maredsous Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Maredsous Cheese comes from Belgium. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Maredsous Cheese 22 days.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Maredsous Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Maredsous Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Maredsous Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Maredsous Cheese made of?
Maredsous Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 22 days. It originates in Belgium.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Maredsous Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Maredsous Cheese is soft.