What is Gouda cheese?
Part of our Frequently Asked Culinary Questions. Click to see more answers to your questions.
Gouda cheese originates from the Netherlands
specifically from the city of Gouda in the province of South Holland. It is one of the country’s most famous exports, with a history dating back to the 12th century. The cheese is traditionally made from cow’s milk, although variations using goat or sheep’s milk are also available. The production process involves curdling the milk, pressing the curds into molds, and then aging the cheese wheels in controlled environments. The aging period can range from a few weeks to several years, which significantly influences the flavor and texture of the cheese.
Young Gouda
The taste of Gouda cheese can vary widely depending on its age. Young Gouda is mild, soft, and almost sweet, while older Gouda becomes harder, crumblier, and develops complex flavors ranging from caramel to a sharp, almost butterscotch taste. Young Gouda is excellent for melting in dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches and quesadillas, whereas aged Gouda can be savored on its own, paired with wine, or used as a flavorful addition to cheese boards and sauces.
Smoked Gouda
is a variant of the traditional Dutch Gouda cheese that has been exposed to smoke to imbue it with a distinct, smoky flavor. This process occurs after the cheese has been made and typically aged for a short period. The smoking is not done with the cheese directly exposed to flames but rather through a method where the smoke is generated from smoldering wood chips—commonly beech, oak, or hickory. This smoke envelops the cheese in specially designed smoking chambers, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply into the cheese.
The result is a cheese that retains the creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet base notes of young Gouda but adds a rich layer of smoky, almost meaty flavors. The exterior of Smoked Gouda often has a darker, sometimes almost brownish color, distinguishing it visually from its non-smoked counterparts. This distinctive taste and appearance make Smoked Gouda a popular choice for adding depth to cheese platters, sandwiches, and burgers. It melts well, making it suitable for a variety of cooked dishes where a smoky element can enhance the overall flavor profile.
Gouda cheese is widely available in supermarkets, cheese shops, and online stores worldwide. In the Netherlands, it’s often sold in traditional cheese markets and specialized cheese stores, where buyers can find a wide range of Gouda from artisan producers. Outside the Netherlands, many grocery stores and international food markets carry Gouda cheese, offering both domestic versions and imports from the Netherlands. For the authentic taste of Dutch Gouda, look for labels that say “Noord-Hollandse Gouda” can guarantee the cheese’s origin and quality, as this designation is protected by European law.
