Andy Montoya
Cotswold cheese is a variety of English cheese from the Cotswold region in South Central England. It is a variation of Double Gloucester cheese, which originated in the city of Gloucester, England, in 1498. To make Double Gloucester into Cotswold, chopped onions and chives are added, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavour. This smooth, semi-firm cheese is popular in English pubs, giving it the nickname Pub Cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | England and United Kingdom |
| Region | Gloucestershire County |
| Texture | Creamy, smooth, semi-firm to firm |
| Flavour | Sweet, tangy, strong, sharp |
| Colour | Pale yellow, golden yellow, orange |
| Type of milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk treatment | Pasteurized |
| Milk fat content | Full fat |
| Cheese family | Double Gloucester |
| Added ingredients | Chopped/minced onion, chives, annatto |
| Age | Minimum 3-4 months |
| Storage | Can be stored for at least a month in the refrigerator |
| Melting properties | Melts well |
| Common pairings | Beer, crusty bread, crackers, fresh fruits, burgers, sandwiches |
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What You'll Learn
How is Cotswold cheese made?
Cotswold cheese is a variation of Double Gloucester cheese, which is itself made from the rich milk of the black cattle of Gloucester. To make Cotswold cheese, cheesemakers blend in freshly chopped onions and chives to the Double Gloucester base. The cheese is then left to mature for around 8 to 12 weeks, although it can be aged for up to three to four months. This maturation process allows the flavours to develop and intensify, resulting in a bold and irresistible cheese.
Cotswold cheese is made from whole cow's milk, which can be pasteurised or unpasteurised. Annatto is added to the milk, creating a bright yellow paste that is peppered with green accents from the chives and onions. The cheese is semi-firm to firm, with a creamy and smooth texture. It is easy to slice and crumbles well.
Cotswold cheese is named after the Cotswolds region in South Central England, which spans Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. The cheese is often referred to as "Pub Cheese" due to its popularity in traditional English pubs. It pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, cold meats, and English ales, making it a perfect choice for a cheese platter.
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What is its texture and flavour like?
Cotswold cheese is a semi-firm to firm cheese with a smooth, creamy texture. It is a little softer than cheddar and is easy to slice, crumble, and melt well. It is aged for a minimum of three to four months, which makes it milder, less sharp, and less firm than a well-aged cheddar.
The cheese has a tangy, sweet, and slightly sharp flavour. The addition of chopped onions and chives gives it a strong taste and a distinctive appearance with its pale yellow to orange hue and visible specks of green. The onion and chives also add a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the cheese, with some comparing the flavour to sour cream and onion chips.
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How is it served and paired?
Cotswold cheese is a versatile cheese that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions on how to serve and pair this delicious cheese:
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Cotswold cheese is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its creamy texture and savoury flavour make it a perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience. Spread the cheese generously on your favourite bread, add some crispy bacon or slices of tomato, and grill it to perfection. You can also try melting it over eggs or burgers for a tasty treat.
Cheeseboard
Cotswold cheese is a great addition to any cheeseboard, offering a unique flavour and texture combination. Pair it with complementary flavours like crusty bread, juicy grapes, tangy pickles, and a drizzle of honey to balance the sweet and savoury notes. Its bold and irresistible taste makes it a favourite among cheese enthusiasts.
Pasta
Elevate your pasta dishes by incorporating Cotswold cheese. Its creamy texture and savoury flavour are perfect for a classic carbonara or a comforting mac and cheese. The cheese's smooth and buttery characteristics will enhance the overall taste of your pasta creations.
Snacking
Cotswold cheese is so flavourful that it can be enjoyed on its own as a snack. Simply slice it up and indulge in its mouthwatering taste. Its semi-firm to firm texture makes it easy to slice and savour.
Ploughman's Lunch
The ploughman's lunch is a traditional British pub snack that pairs perfectly with Cotswold cheese. This simple yet delicious combination includes a cut of hard cheese, a homemade bread roll, pickled onions, and a pint of beer. It's a classic way to enjoy the unique flavour of Cotswold cheese.
Pairings
When it comes to pairings, Cotswold cheese is quite versatile. It goes well with crusty bread, crackers, cold meats, and traditional English ales. It also pairs beautifully with fresh fruits, adding a touch of sweetness to the overall tasting experience.
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What is its origin?
Cotswold cheese is named after the Cotswolds, a picturesque region in South Central England, primarily located in Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, but also extending into sections of Wiltshire, Somerset, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire. In 1966, an area of approximately 790 square miles of the Cotswolds was designated an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" to conserve and enhance the region's natural beauty.
Cotswold cheese is a variation of "Double Gloucester", which has origins dating back to 1498 and was originally made from the rich milk of the nearly extinct Old Gloucester cows in the city of Gloucester, England. To make Double Gloucester into Cotswold cheese, onion and chives are added, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavour. This blend gives the cheese its distinctive appearance, with visible specks of green onions and chives throughout the pale yellow to orange hue.
Cotswold cheese is often referred to as "Pub Cheese" due to its popularity in English pubs. It pairs well with beer, crusty bread, crackers, and fresh fruits. It is also commonly used in dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and omelettes, or melted as a dip for crackers.
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Where can you buy it?
If you're in South Dakota, you can head to Farm Life Creamery to pick up a block of their Double Gloucester with Onion and Chives, or their "super flavorful English Pub Cheese".
For those in New York, Murray's Cheese sells Cotswold cheese for $22.00 per pound.
If you can't make it to a physical store, you can order Cotswold Cheese online from Amazon. A 16-ounce block of cheese is $32.99, and shipping is free.
You can also try specialist cheese websites, such as Cheese of the Month Club and Cheese.com, which may be able to deliver to your location.
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Frequently asked questions
Cotswold cheese is a variation of Double Gloucester cheese, made from cow's milk and blended with chopped onions and chives.
Cotswold cheese has a sweet and tangy flavour. It is also described as having a strong, smooth, almost sharp cheese taste.
Cotswold cheese has a pale yellow to orange hue, with visible specks of green onions and chives throughout.
Cotswold cheese typically ages for a minimum of three to four months.
