Patrick Oconnell
Irish Dubliner cheese is a sweet, nutty, granular cheese made from pasteurised cow's milk. It is named after the city of Dublin, although it is produced in various regions of Ireland. The cheese is aged for around 12 months and has a firm, buttery texture. It is known for its sharp, nutty, and sweet flavours with subtle notes adding to the overall taste experience. The original recipe for Dubliner cheese is a closely guarded secret, but it is known to be made using grass-fed, full-fat, pasteurised cow's milk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | Sweet, nutty, sharp, tangy, peppery |
| Texture | Firm, smooth, buttery, creamy |
| Fat content | High, light version with 33% less fat |
| Protein | High |
| Colour | Red, white |
| Calcium | High |
| Type of milk | Pasteurised cow's milk |
| Manufacturer | Carbery |
| Brand | Kerrygold |
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What You'll Learn
Taste and texture
Irish Dubliner cheese is a complex, diverse cheese with a unique taste and texture. It is known for its sweet, nutty, and sharp flavours, with subtle notes that add to the overall experience. The cheese is made from pasteurised cow's milk, with milk from grass-fed cows providing a diverse range of flavours. The original recipe calls for grass-fed, full-fat, pasteurised cow's milk, resulting in higher levels of beta-carotene.
The texture of Dubliner cheese is described as firm, smooth, and buttery. It is aged for at least 12 months, contributing to its firm and buttery texture. The ageing process also enhances the flavour, resulting in a combination of sharpness, nuttiness, and sweetness. The cheese may contain natural calcium lactate crystals, which appear as small white pieces.
The taste of Dubliner cheese has been likened to a combination of flavours, including elements of cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan. It is said to have the sharpness of mature cheddar and the buttery sweetness of Parmigiano, with a noticeable peppery tang. The cheese is named after the city of Dublin, although it is produced in various regions of Ireland, primarily in County Cork.
Dubliner cheese is available in different varieties, such as Red Dubliner, which is coloured with annatto, and Light Dubliner, which has a reduced fat content. Vintage Dubliner, aged for around 18 months, has a more mature and sharper taste with well-pronounced nuttiness and umami notes. The cheese is versatile and can be sliced, grated, melted, or enjoyed on its own. It pairs well with fruits, crackers, and fruity wines, especially those of Irish origin.
Overall, Irish Dubliner cheese offers a delightful sensory experience with its unique combination of flavours and textures, making it a beloved classic in the world of cheese.
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Ingredients and production
Irish Dubliner cheese is made from pasteurised cow's milk, which comes from grass-fed cows. The milk is full-fat and contains higher levels of beta-carotene. The cheese is then aged for at least 12 months, with vintage varieties aged for around 18 months. The longer ageing process results in a more mature, sharper taste with more pronounced nuttiness and umami notes.
The cheese gets its name from the city of Dublin, although it is produced in various regions of Ireland, including County Cork. The production process is similar to that of Irish Cheddar cheese, as the creator, John Lucey, used the same technology while experimenting with his recipe. Lucey's goal was to produce an alternative to Cheddar cheese that could be manufactured using existing equipment. He was primarily interested in mineral content and texture, rather than flavour. However, the resulting cheese had a unique and delightful taste.
Dubliner cheese is known for its sweet and nutty flavour, with a combination of sharpness and buttery sweetness. It is often described as having elements of Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses. The texture is firm and smooth, making it ideal for slicing or grating. It pairs well with fruits, crackers, and fruity wines, especially those of Irish origin.
The original Dubliner cheese recipe is held secret by Kerrygold, the company that purchased it from its creator. However, many independent producers have been able to recreate it with varying levels of success. Kerrygold's Dubliner cheese is made with milk from Irish grass-fed cows, which provides a diverse range of flavours, from nutty to sharp to sweet. The company is known for its sustainable practices, such as turning precious whey into nutritious produce and bio-energies.
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Cheese alternatives
Irish Dubliner cheese is a sweet, granular cheese with a sharp, nutty flavour. It is made from pasteurised cow's milk and aged for over a year. The cheese combines the sharpness of mature cheddar with the sweetness of Parmigiano. If you're looking for an alternative to Irish Dubliner cheese, here are some options that are similar in taste and texture:
Gouda
A Dutch cheese with a semi-hard texture and a rich, nutty flavour. Gouda has a creamy and slightly sweet taste with a hint of caramelisation, adding a unique twist to dishes. It has a smoother and more buttery texture than cheddar due to its shorter ageing process. Gouda is a good melting cheese, but its distinct flavour may only suit certain recipes that call for cheddar.
Provolone
An Italian cheese with a semi-hard texture and a mild, slightly smoky flavour. Provolone melts well and has a smooth, stretchy texture when melted, making it a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches or as a topping for burgers.
Gruyere
A Swiss-style cheese with a firm yet creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavour. Gruyere may not have the same sharpness as cheddar or Dubliner, but it can still be used as a substitute in recipes. Its savoury and slightly sweet flavour can enhance dishes like mac and cheese or casseroles.
Colby Jack
A blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, Colby Jack is a mild and creamy alternative to cheddar. It has a unique flavour profile that sets it apart from traditional cheddars and Dubliner.
These alternatives can be used in place of Irish Dubliner cheese, depending on the specific recipe and desired flavour profile. Each cheese offers its own distinct characteristics, so choose the one that best suits your taste preferences and the requirements of your dish.
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Serving suggestions
Irish Dubliner cheese is a sweet, nutty, and sharp cheese with a complex flavour profile. It is made from pasteurised cow's milk and aged for at least 12 months, resulting in a firm and buttery texture. The cheese is named after the city of Dublin but is produced in various regions of Ireland. With its unique taste and texture, Dubliner cheese elevates simple dishes and can be served in a variety of ways.
For a classic pairing, serve sliced or grated Dubliner cheese with fresh fruit, crackers, and a glass of fruity wine, especially an Irish variety. The sweetness of the fruit and the crispness of crackers create a delightful contrast with the cheese's nutty and sharp flavours.
Dubliner cheese is also a welcome addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a burst of flavour. Its sharpness pairs particularly well with hearty breads and other sandwich ingredients such as sliced tomatoes, crisp lettuce, or cured meats. For a more indulgent option, Dubliner cheese can be stacked in burgers, adding a savoury kick and a creamy texture.
Dubliner cheese is an excellent choice for those who enjoy macaroni and cheese. Its sharp and nutty flavours enhance the creaminess of the dish, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The cheese's melting properties make it ideal for incorporating into a rich and gooey sauce.
For a lighter option, Dubliner cheese can be grated or shaved over salads to add a salty and nutty kick. Its firm texture makes it easy to sprinkle over a variety of ingredients, and its flavour can stand up to bolder salad dressings.
Whether served as part of a simple snack or incorporated into a heartier dish, Irish Dubliner cheese is a versatile and flavourful option. Its unique combination of sweetness, nuttiness, and sharpness leaves a lasting impression and elevates the dining experience.
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Brand and availability
Kerrygold is the most well-known brand of Dubliner cheese. The cheese was first introduced in the late 1990s by Kerrygold, an Irish dairy cooperative known for its premium dairy products. The cheese is named after Ireland's capital city, Dublin, although it is made in County Cork. Today, Kerrygold is arguably the most recognisable Irish butter and cheese brand worldwide.
Dubliner cheese is available in a few varieties, including the classic version, which is a high-fat, high-calcium, mature cheese that has been aged for at least 12 months. There is also a reduced-fat version of the classic cheese. Red Dubliner cheese is the classic cheese dyed with annatto, which changes the colour without affecting the flavour or texture. Vintage Dubliner cheese is aged for around 18 months and has a more mature, sharper taste with well-pronounced nuttiness and umami notes.
In addition to Kerrygold, some independent producers have also been able to recreate the Dubliner cheese recipe with varying degrees of accuracy.
In terms of availability, Dubliner cheese is marketed internationally by Ornua under the Kerrygold label. It can be found in specialty cheese shops, grocery stores, and retailers like Costco.
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Frequently asked questions
Irish Dubliner cheese is known for its sweet and nutty flavour, with a firm and buttery texture. It is also described as having sharp, tangy and peppery notes.
Irish Dubliner cheese is made from pasteurised cow's milk, specifically from grass-fed cows.
The texture of Irish Dubliner cheese is firm and smooth, making it ideal for slicing or grating.
Classic Irish Dubliner cheese is typically aged for at least 12 months, while Vintage Dubliner cheese is aged for around 18 months, resulting in a sharper and more mature flavour.
Irish Dubliner cheese pairs well with fruits, crackers and fruity wines, especially those of Irish origin. It is also commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers and macaroni cheese.
