Cheddar Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.
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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Australia |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Washed |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Nutty, sharp, sweet |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Cheddar Cheese
Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) 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, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
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, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet.
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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?
Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian).