Cheddar Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

What Is Cheddar Cheese?

Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.

What Is Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character.

Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Washed Rind 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 hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese 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 fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive.

What is Cheddar Cheese made of?

Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.

What is Washed Rind Cheese made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

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 is soft to hard.