{"id":6000,"date":"2026-03-26T03:03:51","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T03:03:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sutyo.com\/5-great-authentic-english-cheeses-that-arent-cheddar\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T03:03:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T03:03:51","slug":"5-great-authentic-english-cheeses-that-arent-cheddar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sutyo.com\/tr\/5-great-authentic-english-cheeses-that-arent-cheddar\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Great Authentic English Cheeses That Aren\u2019t Cheddar"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As with any national delicacy, authentic English cheese forms a pivotal cornerstone of today\u2019s dairy industry. As with the equally beloved cheeses found in France or Switzerland, cheeses from the United Kingdom have a distinct set of characteristics unlike any other in the international cheese market. And of course, the breakout star of these U.K. cheeses is none other than the world-famous English cheddar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In contrast to most other cheddar varieties out there, English cheddar remains the go-to choice for countless dairy lovers the world over. As ACS Certified Cheese Professional<\/a> and Certified Salumiere<\/a> Michele Adams of Olsson\u2019s Fine Foods<\/a> puts it, much of the popularity surrounding English cheddar has to do with its straightforward taste, texture, and all-around convenient versatility.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnglish cheddar has a long history,\u201d Adams says. \u201cThey\u2019re usually bandage-wrapped<\/strong>. They kind of have a little bit of a funk to them [because] they come in really big wheels and they coat them in lard. It has kind of almost a dirt flavor to it, but it\u2019s actually a really pleasant flavor.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Cheese expert Michele Adams of Olsson\u2019s Fine Foods. Courtesy of Michele Adams<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While there\u2019s no questioning English cheddar\u2019s appeal among mass consumers, there nevertheless remains dozens of other equally exceptional cheeses to try that originate from the U.K. With help from an incredibly insightful cheesemonger in Adams, here is a list of the absolute best, most authentic English cheeses aside from traditional cheddar.<\/p>\n

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Stilton<\/h2>\n
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Colston Bassett Stilton. Photo credit Colston Bassett Dairy<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If most people were challenged to think of any other English cheese besides cheddar, there\u2019s a more than decent chance they\u2019d instantly think of Stilton<\/a>. A famed English blue cheese<\/a> known for its crumbly texture and earthy flavor, Stilton is traditionally made from pasteurized cow\u2019s milk, which is then aged roughly two months until it reaches the optimal flavor. A fantastic cheese to enjoy on its own, it\u2019s also commonly served with slightly sweeter accompaniments, including fruit, jam, honey, or Port.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the best English cheeses other than cheddar would be a really good Stilton,\u201d Adams explains. \u201cWhen you think of England, everybody thinks of Stilton. People really like Stilton, especially for the holidays with a glass of Port wine. They soak it in there and have a special Stilton spoon to scoop it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Stinking Bishop<\/h2>\n
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Stinking Bishop cheese. Photo credit Charles Martell & Son<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A cheese made famous by an integral scene in 2005\u2019s \u201cWallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit,\u201d Stinking Bishop<\/a> might sound a bit off-putting to the uninitiated. Looking past its eccentric name, however, most people will find a sensational washed-rind cheese characterized by its unmistakable scent and surprisingly mild taste. Creamy, nutty, and with a slightly sweet aftertaste, it\u2019s a wonderful cheese that goes well with a fresh-cut piece of bread and either crisp cider or a glass of strong beer.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverybody knows Stinking Bishop from \u2018Wallace & Gromit,\u2019 and everybody gets the [idea of an odorous cheese] in their mind,\u201d Adams says. \u201cIt\u2019s a little scary for people, but it\u2019s still a really good one.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Red Leicester<\/h2>\n
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Red Leicester is recognizable by its eye-catching color. Photo credit Leicestershire Cheese\/Sparkenhoe<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Named after the East Midlands county of Leicestershire, Red Leicester<\/a> remains perhaps most well-known for its eye-catching reddish-orange color (a trait that comes from the addition of annatto, or achiote seeds). Aside from that, it\u2019s also known for its comparatively mild, nutty, somewhat sweeter taste, all of which has led the cheese to cultivate a loyal following of fans.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s very nutty, almost reminiscent of toasted almonds sometimes, depending on if you get a commercially produced one,\u201d Adams says. \u201cThe Sparkenhoe one is my favorite. It has the natural rind on it. It\u2019s coated in wax, wrapped in cheesecloth, and it just has a nice toasted flavor to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think for people that like cheddar, it\u2019s a little more approachable because it\u2019s funky but not scary. It\u2019s orange and everybody thinks orange cheddar is better,\u201d she goes on to say.<\/p>\n

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Double Gloucester<\/h2>\n
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Double Gloucester is bolder in taste than its single counterpart. Photo credit Charles Martell & Son<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While the milder Single Gloucester<\/a> is certainly worth trying, most people\u2019s attention routinely gravitates towards the more full-bodied and complex-tasting Double Gloucester.<\/a> A full-fat version of its Gloucestershire sister cheese, Double Gloucester\u2019s dense texture and rich, almost buttery taste makes it an easily adaptable cheese perfect for charcuterie boards, cheesy soups, or a quick-and-easy grilled cheese sandwiches.<\/p>\n

\u201cDouble Gloucesters are usually pretty good,\u201d Adams says when asked about more versatile English cheeses. \u201cI think for basic dishes like grilled cheese, I would say a Double Gloucester or even a Wensleydale if you want to go a little crazy.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Shropshire Blue<\/h2>\n
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Shropshire Blue originated in Scotland. Photo credit Cropwell Bishop Creamery<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A spiritual cousin to the far more famous Stilton, Shropshire Blue<\/a> is recognized for its telltale orange coloring (a characteristic that, like the aforementioned Red Leicester, comes courtesy of annatto). Originating in Scotland before migrating south to England, this blue cheese is often seen as a slightly mild alternative to Stilton, maintaining an even-bodied, slightly tangy taste.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome people love it because it has that cheddary taste, but to me, it\u2019s almost bitter,\u201d Adams says of Shropshire. \u201cAnd I think it\u2019s that addition of annatto that makes it bitter.\u201d For this reason, it\u2019s typically advisable to pair Shropshire with either sweet or savory dishes, such as a dessert wine, fresh fruit, or crumbled on top of burgers or steaks.<\/p>\n

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Where to Find Authentic English Cheeses in the U.S.<\/h2>\n

As with almost every regional dairy product, the best place to look for any authentic English cheese is a local cheese shop or specialty market. Most of these suppliers ship in cheeses from all over the world, with many of their key suppliers located among English cheese manufacturers overseas.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, you can try to purchase the aforementioned cheeses online through the manufacturers\u2019 websites. Consumers might incur some hefty international shipping fees, but they\u2019ll also have the chance to secure a variety of worthwhile cheeses across the U.K. This includes all of the cheeses mentioned here, along with similarly worthwhile specialties like Cheshire, Wensleydale,<\/a> Lancashire, Derby, and many, many more.<\/p>\n

Read more: <\/h2>\n