Cheddar Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Pljevlja Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
What Is Pljevlja Cheese?
Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
- Milk type: Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Pljevlja Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Montenegro |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft to semihard |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | — |
| Aging | A few months to several years | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | — |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Pljevlja Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | — |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Cheddar Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Pljevlja Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja 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 Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to semihard.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Pljevlja 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 to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Pljevlja 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). It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?
Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese.