Cheddar Cheese vs. Parmesan Cheese: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Published on December 13, 2023
Cheddar is a smooth, firm-textured cheese originally from England, while Parmesan is a hard, granular cheese from Italy, known for its strong flavor.
Key Differences
Cheddar cheese, originating from the English village of Cheddar, is known for its smooth, firm texture. Parmesan cheese, hailing from Italy, is hard and granular.
Cheddar is aged between 9 months to 2 years, offering a range of flavors from mild to sharp. Parmesan, particularly Parmigiano-Reggiano, is aged for a minimum of 12 months, often up to 36 months, developing a complex flavor profile.
Cheddar has a nutty, creamy flavor that intensifies with age. Parmesan is known for its rich, savory, and slightly fruity taste.
Cheddar is versatile, used in sandwiches, burgers, and as a melting cheese. Parmesan is often grated over pasta, used in soups and risottos, and savored in chunks.
Cheddar generally has a higher fat content, while Parmesan is richer in protein and calcium, making it a healthier option for those on specific diets.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Noun
Origin of Word
Named after Cheddar village in England
Named after Parma region in Italy
Syllables
Two (Ched-dar)
Three (Par-me-san)
Use in Sentences
Often used as a subject or object
Commonly used as an object
Pronunciation
/ˈtʃɛdər/
/ˌpɑːrˈmeɪzən/
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Cheddar Cheese and Parmesan Cheese Definitions
Cheddar Cheese
A cheese that becomes crumblier and more flavorful with age.
The aged cheddar cheese had a distinct, robust taste.
Parmesan Cheese
A hard, granular cheese known for its strong flavor.
Parmesan cheese is often grated over pasta dishes.
Cheddar Cheese
A firm, cow's milk cheese that is often orange in color.
The sandwich was filled with slices of cheddar cheese.
Parmesan Cheese
Often used in small quantities due to its strong taste.
A little Parmesan cheese goes a long way in flavoring dishes.
Cheddar Cheese
A cheese that can vary in flavor from mild to extra sharp.
I prefer extra sharp cheddar cheese in my mac and cheese.
Parmesan Cheese
Known for its nutty and fruity undertones.
The salad had a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Cheddar Cheese
Often used in its melted form in various dishes.
The cheddar cheese melted perfectly over the nachos.
Parmesan Cheese
Traditionally Italian, made from unpasteurized cow's milk.
Authentic Parmesan cheese comes from Italy.
Cheddar Cheese
Originating from England, a cheese known for its versatility in cooking.
Cheddar cheese makes a great topping for baked potatoes.
Parmesan Cheese
A cheese that is aged for a long period, enhancing its taste.
The soup was garnished with aged Parmesan cheese.
FAQs
What is Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan is a hard, granular cheese from Italy, known for its strong flavor.
What is cheddar cheese?
Cheddar is a smooth, firm-textured cheese originally from England.
How is cheddar cheese made?
Cheddar is made by heating cow's milk, adding rennet, and then pressing the curds into molds.
What dishes are best with cheddar cheese?
Cheddar is great in sandwiches, burgers, and as a melting cheese.
Is cheddar cheese available in different flavors?
Yes, it ranges from mild to extra sharp.
Is cheddar cheese healthy?
Cheddar is high in calcium but also in fat.
Can cheddar cheese be used in pasta dishes?
Yes, cheddar can be used in pasta, often giving a creamy texture.
Is Parmesan cheese healthy?
Parmesan is rich in protein and calcium.
How is Parmesan cheese made?
Parmesan is made from unpasteurized cow's milk, aged for at least 12 months.
How should cheddar cheese be stored?
Cheddar should be wrapped in wax paper and stored in a cool place.
How should Parmesan cheese be stored?
Parmesan should be wrapped in parchment paper and refrigerated.
Can cheddar cheese be used in baking?
Yes, it's often used in baking for its melting qualities.
What is a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can be substitutes.
What is a substitute for cheddar cheese?
Colby or Gouda can be good substitutes.
How long can Parmesan cheese be stored?
Properly stored, it can last over a year.
Is Parmesan cheese good for grating?
Yes, Parmesan is ideal for grating over dishes due to its hard texture.
What dishes are best with Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan is best grated over pasta, used in soups, and risottos.
What is the texture of Parmesan cheese like?
Parmesan has a hard, granular texture.
Is cheddar cheese used in Italian cooking?
Rarely, as Italian cooking typically uses native cheeses.
How long can cheddar cheese be stored?
Properly stored, it can last for several months.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
