Double Gloucester Cheese vs Staffordshire Cheese
Double Gloucester Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from England, while Staffordshire Cheese is hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy and made from cow milk.
What Is Double Gloucester Cheese?
Double Gloucester is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese made in Gloucestershire, England, since the 16th century. It ages longer than Single Gloucester, giving it a stronger, more savoury flavour, and it is the cheese sent rolling down Cooper's Hill each spring.
What Is Staffordshire Cheese?
Staffordshire Cheese is a raw cow's milk cheese from the county of Staffordshire, England, protected by a PDO. It is sold as cloth-wrapped cylinders of 8 to 10 kg and ranges from semi-hard to hard depending on how long it is matured.
What's the Difference Between Double Gloucester Cheese and Staffordshire Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Double Gloucester Cheese (pasteurized in supermarket versions), Staffordshire Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Double Gloucester Cheese (hard, artisan), Staffordshire Cheese (hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy)
- Rind: Double Gloucester Cheese (natural), Staffordshire Cheese (Cloth-bound)
- Taste: Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy), Staffordshire Cheese (Creamy, fresh, lactic)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Double Gloucester Cheese | Staffordshire Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | — |
| Specific Origin | Gloucestershire, England | Staffordshire, England |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized in supermarket versions | Raw |
| Texture | Hard, artisan | Hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy |
| Rind | Natural | Cloth-bound |
| Aging | — | 2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature) |
| Taste | Smooth, tangy | Creamy, fresh, lactic |
Taste Comparison: Does Double Gloucester Cheese Taste Like Staffordshire Cheese?
Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Staffordshire Cheese brings creamy, fresh, lactic character.
Can You Substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Staffordshire Cheese?
In most recipes, Double Gloucester Cheese and Staffordshire Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy while Staffordshire Cheese brings creamy, fresh, lactic notes.
Which Is Better, Double Gloucester Cheese or Staffordshire Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, artisan cheese, go with Double Gloucester Cheese. For a hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy profile, Staffordshire Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, tangy notes, while Staffordshire Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, fresh, lactic.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Double Gloucester Cheese the same as Staffordshire Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Double Gloucester Cheese similar to Staffordshire Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Staffordshire Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Double Gloucester Cheese taste like Staffordshire Cheese?
Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Staffordshire Cheese is creamy, fresh, lactic.
What is Double Gloucester Cheese made of?
Double Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized in supermarket versions). It originates in England.
What is Staffordshire Cheese made of?
Staffordshire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature).
Which should I choose, Double Gloucester Cheese or Staffordshire Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Double Gloucester Cheese is hard, artisan, while Staffordshire Cheese is hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy.