What Does Gouda Cheese Taste Like? What Is It Good With?
Cheese is a type of dairy food that is usually combined with many different kinds of food, and there are many variations with different features. Gouda is a type of yellow cheese that is considered to suit every taste. So, what does gouda cheese taste like, and what food does it usually go well with?
Gouda tastes milky and creamy. Young Gouda is mild and sweet, while aged Gouda and has a rich nutty. It is considered an amazing table cheese since it goes with everything. Its texture is softer than parmesan but harder than Emmental. It is a great ingredient in sandwiches and pizza, but it is also good with crackers.
If you want to learn more about gouda, this is the right article for that purpose. I have discussed the similarities that gouda has with other types of cheese, and I have explained its delicate taste. In addition, I have included some amazing combinations that you can make with gouda cheese, so you can try some new dishes in the comfort of your home.
What Is Gouda Cheese Comparable To?
Gouda is a type of yellow cheese, and it is considered a good table option, especially when served with other appetizers and snacks.
This type of cheese is also taken as cheese that is suitable for every taste since it has balance in softness and texture and taste. Therefore, many people opt for gouda for many recipes, such as snacks, sandwiches, or pizza toppings.
However, if you want to get a clearer idea of the type of cheese gouda is, it is convenient to compare it to other variations and types. This is practical because you might know the other types, so you would easily imagine the taste and texture of this cheese, as you would also know how you could substitute it.
Namely, gouda has a lot of similarities with the following types of cheese:
- Monterey Jack
- Munster
- Edam
- Cheddar
- Gruyere
- Havarti
- Edam
These types of cheese share a lot of features and properties with gouda. Nonetheless, you have to consider that they also have differences, meaning that they are not always interchangeable. Bear in mind that the type of cheese can really distinguish your dishes and recipes, so do not always rely on substitutes if it is not recommended in the recipe you are following.
On the other hand, if you just need cheese with a similar taste, but it will not be included in any special dish or recipe, then you might freely enjoy one of the similar types.
Does Gouda Cheese Taste Like Cheddar?
Since gouda is soft and mild in texture, it is usually compared to cheddar cheese. When you look at these two types of cheese, you might not be able to notice a big difference except in color. This is because they share a lot of properties, so it can be said that gouda tastes a lot like cheddar cheese, but it is definitely not the same thing.
These two are still two distinct cheese variations, meaning they have separate features. That is the main reason why they are separated into two different types, and they have completely different names.
Does Gouda Have a Strong Taste?
Usually, when people think of cheese, they often imagine something with a strong taste and smell. However, this is not the case with gouda cheese. On the contrary, gouda is characterized by a soft and mild texture, and it is kind of sweet.
Nonetheless, it is important to point out that there are different types of gouda. Therefore, there might be slight variations in tastes. For instance, young gouda is more sweet and fudgy. As time passes, the taste of gouda becomes nutty and develops caramel notes and flavors.
In addition, another important feature is that gouda cheese becomes crunchy as it gets older. This is one of the features that cheese lovers enjoy. Therefore, they usually go for gouda that has aged. This means that gouda can have different tastes, but strong is not one of them.
What Does Gouda Cheese Taste Good With?
Well, gouda is cheese, which means that you can pair it with many types of food, and you can make wonderful and delicious combinations.
However, you have to be really careful if you do not want to spoil the taste of either the cheese or the other type of food or drink that comes into question. Remember that although gouda is cheese, it is not a substitute for any kind of cheese, meaning that you have to be really careful in your combinations.
Firstly, you can pair gouda cheese with different kinds of fruit, such as apples, pears, and peaches. A cheeseboard accompanied by fruit is the ideal snack or appetizer, especially when you have people around or just want to enjoy your night by yourself. It does not always have to be fresh fruit in question since gouda can be mixed with dried fruit variations as well, such as dried figs and plums.
Secondly, you can combine gouda cheese with crackers and fruit jam. If you have not tried this combination before, you should not waste any more time. The heavenly taste of gouda cheese, orange or apricot jam, and a cracker will leave you breathless, and you will not be able to stop eating.
However, different kinds of food are not the only things with which you can pair gouda. Namely, gouda cheese can really taste good when accompanied by several types of drinks as well. Many people believe that only wine goes well with cheese, but that is not entirely true if you properly select your beverage.
You Can Pair Gouda With Beer
This is not a popular combination, but it is a possible and delicious one. For instance, lighter beers can easily be paired with gouda cheese, especially young ones. You will achieve a deep flavor that you have not tasted before.
You Can Pair Gouda With Wine
When it comes to wine, you are probably aware that you can make a lot of combinations with gouda and wine. However, do not be hasty when it comes to choosing the type of wine that will pair well with gouda. It is true that you have many options, but you still have to make the appropriate choice.
For instance, if you want to go for white wine, then choose an off-dry type of wine, such as chardonnay or riesling. These types of wine have lighter and fruity notes, meaning that they will go well with the mild and sweet taste of gouda. If you are more of a red-wine type of person, then opt for a lighter kind, such as Beaujolais or pinot grenache.
What Does Gouda Cheese Smell Like?
Usually, most types of cheese have a strong smell, so it is not always pleasant to have cheese sitting in the room for a long time. However, this is not actually the case when it comes to gouda. In fact, gouda cheese does not have any special scent, but the normal dairy one.
If you put gouda in the room, you will not be able to sense the smell of the cheese as you do with other types of cheese, such as goat cheese. People who cannot stand the smell of cheese, usually opt for cheese like gouda and cheddar to avoid strong smells.
What Is Gouda Cheese Good For?
Gouda can make a lot of interesting and delicious combinations, so you can use it to experiment with a lot of dishes and snacks. But, is gouda good for you?
By eating a 1-ounce serving of Gouda, you are intaking 101 calories, which means that you need to be careful with the number of servings you plan to eat. However, gouda can help you if you want to gain muscles since one serving has 7.1 grams of protein.
In addition, due to the high calcium content, gouda, and cheese in general, is good for bone health. Without calcium, your bones could become weak and you wouldn’t be able to perform everyday actions and movements. [1]
In conclusion, gouda is a yellow cheese characterized by a mild and sweet taste. It is usually suitable for every taste, so you will not regret it if you give this type of cheese a try. You will be amazed by the exceptional taste of this type of cheese.
