Stilton Cheese vs Swiss Cheese

Stilton Cheese

Swiss Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Stilton Cheese and Swiss Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Stilton Cheese and Swiss Cheese?"
  • "Is Stilton Cheese and Swiss Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Stilton Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Stilton Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese?"
  • "Is Stilton Cheese or Swiss Cheese better?"

Stilton Cheese Overview

Stilton is one of the best-known British blue cheeses, traditionally made in two varieties: blue and white. Blue Stilton is creamy and crumbly with a distinctively sharp, rich flavor produced by the blue veins. White Stilton, less common, is the milder of the two and does not have the blue veining.

Swiss Cheese Overview

Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Stilton Cheese comes from England. Swiss Cheese originated from United States.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Stilton Cheese has a PDO (1996). Swiss is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Stilton Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Swiss Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Stilton's texture can be described as "hard, blue-veined". Swiss Cheese has a fat content of ~28-32% and a moisture content of none. Swiss's texture can be described as "semi-firm".

Taste and Aroma

Stilton Cheese has a spicy, strong taste. Swiss Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly sweet taste. Swiss's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty".

Appearance and Aging

Stilton Cheese's appearance is colored blue-grey . Swiss Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 1-3 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Stilton Cheese's rind is described as natural . Swiss Cheese's rind is described as none , with microbial or vegetarian rennet.

Ranking

Stilton is ranked #24 out of 996 types based on community views. Swiss is ranked #78 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Stilton Swiss
Best Pairings Barleywine, Madeira Chardonnay, Dijon Mustard, Ham, Pastrami, Tuna, Turkey
Other Good Pairings No additional pairings listed. Cabernet Franc, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Gamay, IPA, Kolsch, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Roast Beef, Salami, Sauvignon Blanc, Steak

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Stilton and Swiss pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Stilton Cheese Swiss Cheese
Country of Origin England United States
Specific Origin Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire Not Specified
Certification PDO (1996) Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Pasteurized
Fat Content Not Specified ~28-32%
Moisture Content Not Specified ~37-41%
Rind Natural None
Texture Hard, blue-veined Semi-Firm
Taste Spicy, strong Mild, Nutty, Slightly Sweet
Aroma Not Specified Mild, Slightly Nutty
Colors Blue-grey Pale Yellow
Forms Not Specified Block, Sliced, Shredded
Age Not Specified Typically 1-3 months
Rennet Type Not Specified Microbial or Vegetarian

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard, blue-veined cheese, go for Stilton. But if you enjoy a semi-firm consistency, Swiss might be the better pick. Stilton has a spicy, strong taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Swiss offers a mild, nutty, slightly sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Stilton Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Swiss Cheese to Other Cheeses

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