Gouda Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Gouda Cheese is a solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
What Is Gouda Cheese?
Gouda is a yellow cow's milk cheese from the Netherlands, named after the city of Gouda in South Holland. It runs from young and elastic to old and hard, picking up a caramel sweetness and small crunchy crystals with age.
What Is Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Gouda Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Gouda Cheese (cow's milk), Sheep's Milk Cheese (sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gouda Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | — |
| Specific Origin | Southern Holland | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged | — |
| Rind | Durable | — |
| Aging | 4 weeks to 21 months | — |
| Taste | Sweet to nutty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Gouda Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Gouda Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Gouda Cheese can stand in for Sheep's Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Gouda Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gouda Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk; Sheep's Milk Cheese uses sheep.
Is Gouda Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Gouda Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Gouda Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Gouda Cheese made of?
Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged 4 weeks to 21 months. It originates in Netherlands.
What is Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Gouda Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.