English cheeses have long been renowned for their unique and varied flavors, textures, and appearances. The United Kingdom has a long and rich history of cheese making, with a wide variety of cheeses produced nationwide.
The UK offers diverse flavors and textures, from the sharp, tangy Cheddar to the creamy, buttery Stilton.
Top 10 Best British Cheeses and What To Know
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 British kinds of cheese, their origins, and the best ways to enjoy them.
1. Cheddar
Cheddar is a hard, sharp, tangy cheese that ranks among the top ten British kinds of cheese. It has been produced for over 900 years in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. The cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a distinct flavor that strengthens and becomes sharper as it ages.
Cheddar cheese provides limitless opportunities for culinary creativity. From enjoying it simply with a crusty loaf to incorporating it into a delectable sandwich, its versatility makes it an ideal addition to various dishes.
This cheese is also great in popular dishes like mac and cheese, omelets, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
2. Appleby’s Chesire
Appleby’s Cheshire is a traditional English cheese produced in the county of Cheshire since the 12th century. It is a crumbly, mild cheese with a slightly tangy flavor.
This cheese is particularly popular in the United Kingdom, and it is made from cow’s milk and is similar to the traditional Cheshire cheese that has been produced in the area for centuries.
This cheese is a popular choice for salads and sandwiches and is used as a base in cooking. It pairs well with chutneys, fruits, fruits, and nuts. It can also be used in fondues.
3. Beauvale
Beauvale is a British cheese that has earned its place among the top 10 British kinds of cheese due to its excellent flavor, texture, and versatility.
This cheese is made from pasteurized cow’s milk and is considered semi-hard. It has a firm interior that is creamy and smooth, with a hint of salt and sweetness. The rind is a light golden color and is slightly chewy.
Beauvale has been produced in Nottinghamshire since the late 1970s. It was originally made by the Cropwell Bishop Creamery and is now produced by the Long Clawson Dairy. It is available in waxed and unwaxed versions, giving it a unique appearance.
Beauvale pairs well with various foods and can be enjoyed in many ways. It works well as a topping for crackers, bread, and roasted vegetables and can also be used in salads and sandwiches. Beauvale pairs well with sweet wines, like a dessert wine or port, and a crisp, refreshing beer when served on its own.
4. Cornish Yarg
Cornish Yarg is one of the top 10 British kinds of cheese from the late 1980s.
This unique cheese gets its name from the surname of the family that created it, the Gray family. It is a semi-hard cheese made with nettle-wrapped curd, giving it a distinctive flavor and texture. The cheese has a creamy texture with a crumbly, edible rind. The flavor is tangy and slightly acidic, with a distinct nutty note.
When pairing Cornish Yarg with food, it pairs best with fruits such as pears and apples. It also pairs well with onions and garlic and can be served with salad greens, roasted vegetables, and smoked meats.
5. Keen’s Cheddar
Keen’s Cheddar is a traditional British cheese made in Somerset, England. It is a hard cheese known for its tangy and robust flavor, and it is widely considered one of the finest examples of British cheese.
Keen’s Cheddar is made using traditional methods passed down for generations. The cheese is made from the milk of local cows that graze on the lush pastures of Somerset. The milk is then curdled and formed into cheese, which is then matured for several months to allow it to develop its distinctive flavor and texture.
Keen’s Cheddar is a versatile cheese in various sweet and savory dishes. It is deliciously served on its own, either as a snack or as part of a cheese platter, and it also pairs well with various foods, such as crackers, bread, fruit, and nuts.
6. Tunworth
Tunworth is a soft cheese made in Hampshire, England, renowned for its distinctive flavor and texture. It is made from pasteurized cow’s milk and has a milky, sweet taste that is often compared to Keen’s cheddar.
Tunworth is made using a traditional method that starts with high-quality milk from local herds. The milk is carefully curdled and formed into cheese, which is then matured for several weeks to allow it to develop its flavor and texture. The result is a cheese that is smooth, creamy, and has a subtle, earthy flavor.
Tunworth is flavorful enough to be enjoyed independently but can also be a delicious addition to a cheese board. It can also be used in cooking, providing a mild, milky flavor to various dishes.
7. Dunlop
Dunlop is a traditional Scottish cheese made from cows’ milk named after the town of Dunlop in East Ayrshire. The cheese is known for its mild flavor and creamy texture.
It is a hard cheese that is usually pale yellow to golden. Dunlop is a semi-hard cheese with a slightly crumbly texture and an open texture that is slightly moist.
The cheese is aged for around four months, during which time it is regularly washed, causing the cheese to develop its characteristic flavor. Dunlop cheese is often used as a table cheese and is often served as part of a traditional Scottish breakfast. It is also commonly served as a snack with oatcakes.
8. Caboc
Caboc is a type of Scottish cheese traditionally made from cream and oatmeal. The cream is usually from cows grazed on Scotland’s lush green pastures. The oatmeal is added to the cream to create a thick, rich, creamy cheese.
The cheese is made by mixing the cream and oatmeal, then molding the mixture into small rounds. These rounds are then coated with toasted oatmeal and left to mature for a few days. The maturing process allows the flavors to develop and the cheese to become firm and crumbly.
Caboc cheese is commonly used as a spread or a dip and is often served with crackers or bread. It can also be used as an ingredient in cooking, adding a rich, creamy flavor to soups, sauces, and stews.
9. Stilton
Stilton is a British cheese with a rich and distinct flavor. It is produced mostly in Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire and is usually sold as a crumbly cheese.
It has a blue-green or grey-blue marbled color and a strong, pungent aroma. The cheese gets its name from the village of Stilton in Cambridgeshire, where it was originally sold in the 18th century.
Stilton is produced through a traditional cheese-making method combining milk, rennet, and starter cultures. The milk is then heated to a temperature of 31°C before adding the starter cultures.
10. Red Leicester
Red Leicester is a traditional British cheese originating from the county of Leicestershire. It is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized cow’s milk and is often recognized for its distinctive orange color.
Red Leicester cheese has a variety of uses in the kitchen and is often used in place of mild cheddar in recipes. It can be used to make a classic cheese sauce. It can also be used as an ingredient in cooking, adding a nutty flavor to sandwiches, crackers, and cheese boards.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom is home to a rich and diverse cheese-making tradition and is renowned for its wide variety of cheeses.
From tangy cheddar to creamy Somerset Brie and from pungent Stilton to nutty Red Leicester, there is a British cheese to suit every taste. These top 10 British/English kinds of cheese are some of the most popular and well-known varieties and are widely used in cooking, as a snack, or as part of a cheese board.
Each cheese has its unique flavor, texture, and history, making them an important part of British cuisine and culture. Whether you are a cheese lover or want to try something new, these top 10 British/English cheeses are worth trying.
