You know those dishes that just aren’t the same without a nice, melty layer of good ol’ English cheese? Yeah, me too. But let me tell you – finding the real deal outside of ol’ Blighty is no easy task. Prices can be eye-watering, and sometimes you just gotta settle for the cheap stuff. What’s a cheese lover to do?
Fear not, cheese fans – help is here! As an anglophile who’s spent more than my fair share scrambling for alternatives on this side of the pond, I’m sharing my top picks for the best substitutes to get you as close to the genuine article as possible without breaking the bank. From easy homemade options to store-bought swaps you can find just about anywhere, we’ll take a look at a variety of cheesy characters that’ll satisfy those cravings until you can score the real thing.
So if you, like me, find yourself constantly jonesing for the unique flavors of a good English cheese but don’t want to remortgage your house to enjoy it, read on. I just might have the perfect replacement to cure what ails ya. Your taste buds will thank me later!
Best Substitutes for Old English Cheese
1. Crumbly Cheshire Cheese
Also hailing from England is crumbly Cheshire cheese, a crumbly, flavorful option that could almost pass as English cheese’s long lost twin. Produced in Cheshire and characterized by its soft ivory color and mellow creaminess, its mellow tang and subtle complexity make it a fantastic substitute.
While it may not pack quite as much impactful flavor as some English cheeses, crumbly Cheshire more than makes up for it with its smooth, spreadable texture. It has a delicacy that lends itself well to a variety of uses. Try mixing it Into salads for a creamy pop, spreading it on crackers, or tossing a bit into classic baked dishes like mac and cheese.
The best part? Crumbly Cheshire has a longer shelf life than many fresh cheeses, so it won’t break the bank if you want to keep it stocked in your fridge at all times. Simply wrap any leftovers tightly and they’ll last for up to two weeks. Its gentle profile allows it to enhance savory recipes without overpowering other ingredients as some strongly-flavored cheeses might.
While it may not be quite as characterful as the real deal, crumbly Cheshire’s soft texture and mild cheese flavor make it a simple English cheese substitute worth keeping on hand. Your taste buds will thank you!
2. Graceburn
For those seeking an English cheese alternative with a bit more oomph, may I introduce you to Graceburn? This handcrafted cheese from Scotland delivers robust creaminess in spades.
Produced using the same cultures as classic French feta but with a softer, springier texture, Graceburn has an enticing salty-tang that lingers on the palate. Its creamy yet crispy curds melt lushly in the mouth in a way sure to please feta fans.
Where Graceburn truly shines is when paired with bold flavors. Crumble it over salads tossed with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano for a burst of bright brininess. Or try tossing strips of it onto pizzas and into pastas late in the cooking process so its richness can livened up the whole dish.
Due to its richer profile, a little Graceburn goes a long way. Start with smaller portions and you may find one cube is plenty to enhance your recipes. Its concentrated flavor and rustic appeal are sure to win over cheeseboard companions every time.
While more expensive than mass produced options, one taste of Graceburn is sure to have you singing its praises. For those seeking a specialty cheese with verve to rival the English greats, this sparkling scot is worth every penny.
3. Stilton Cheese
No roundup of English cheese substitutes would be complete without a nod to king of the blues – Stilton! Produced in three counties (Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire), this piquant giant has won worldwide acclaim.
Beneath its natural rind lies a decadent medley of flavors – creamy, nutty, and boldly savory with just a hint of sweetness. The iconic blue veins create a spectacular visual, but it’s the complex symphony on the palate that earns Stilton its legendary status.
Now while Stilton is certainly a star in its own right, its robust richness makes it a prime stand-in for English cheeses in dishes where a big, bold blast of flavor is desired. Crumble it into soups and salads, serve it alongside roasts or crackers post-dinner, or add a few cubes to risottos late in cooking.
One word of warning – a little Stilton goes a long way towards heightening other elements of a dish. Start with a small sample the first time incorporating it to get a feel for its pungent powers. Before long, its magical milky flavor will have you hooked for life.
With its pedigree and powerhouse taste, Stilton deserves top marks as an option when a touch of England is wanted on the menu. Just one bite proves this blue blood earns its place amongst the nation’s noblest of cheeses.
4. Sussex Charmer
For those seeking an easy melting cheese with characteristic English complexity, meet Sussex Charmer. Hailing from England’s scenic South Downs, this dual-purpose dynamo combines cheddar’s tang with parmesan’s nutty savor in one convenient package.
With its blend of hearty cheeses, Sussex Charmer boasts alonger shelf life than many singles. Simply store it in your fridge, sliced or chunked, and it will last for weeks – perfect for impromptu snacks or elevating quick-fix meals.
Its semi-soft texture allows Sussex Charmer to shine in dishes where both melty and stringy cheeses excel. Toss handfuls into homemade mac and cheese, top burgers and bruschetta, or layer it into sandwiches and melts. It caramelizes beautifully under the broiler too.
Sussex Charmer adds complexity without overpowering other components like some strongly-flavored options could. With nutty undertones and a lingering zing, every bite delivers balanced flavor in a simple, hassle-free package.
So whether you need an on-hand melting cheese, string cheese snack, or robust addition to dishes, this dual threat deserves a spot in your cheese drawer. Sussex Charmer checks all the boxes – taste, versatility and convenience!
5. Mild Cheddar
When seeking an easy everyday alternative, it’s hard to top mild cheddar. Ubiquitous but unassuming, its mild manners let other ingredients shine while still delivering reliable cheesy satisfaction.
Compared to sharper cheddars, mild balances creaminess with just a gentle tang— perfect for those just dipping their toes into English cheeses or with more delicate dishes. It melts smoothly without overpowering other components.
While any store-bought variety will do the trick in a pinch, making your own allows even more control over flavor. A simple recipe requires just milk, vinegar or lemon juice, and salt. The result tastes fresher and more nuanced than packaged slices.
Enjoy mild cheddar straight up for an afternoon pick-me-up. Layer it into grilled cheese or melts for cozy comfort. Toss handfuls into classic mac and cheese, potato soup or salads for richness. Its mild-mannered nature means it fits nearly anywhere a mellow cheese is needed.
6. High-Weald Halloumi
For those seeking an English cheese substitute with stand-out grillability, enter High Weald Halloumi. Hailing from Sussex downlands, this homemade cheese replicates the famed bouncy-firm texture of the original Mediterranean classic.
Made from goat and sheep’s milk, High Weald Halloumi boasts a salty-tang that awakens the senses. Its distinctive chew allows it to hold its shape when exposed to high heat—a perfect grill mate.
Simply toss cubes on directly over hot coals or a smoking grill pan until lightly charred all over. Halloumi takes beautifully to any cooking method without melting away. It caramelizes to a delectable brown without falling apart.
Beyond grilling, enjoy its bounce and salt kick in salads like feta or by simply snacking on skewers on its own. Halloumi also stands up well to bold sauces and toppings like pesto, hot honey or fruit chutneys.
With grill marks adding an extra layer of flavor, High Weald Halloumi brings Mediterranean verve to anything from veggie kebabs to halloumi fries. When only smoke-kissed,semi-hard cheese will do, this homegrown option is worth seeking out.
7. Hampshire Buffalo Mozzarella
For those yearning for an English cheese with texture to spare, buffalo mozzarella takes the cake. This Hampshire-produced fresh cheese boasts the same milky sweetness and supple stretch of its Italian cousin.
Made from buffalo milk instead of cow, it offers a subtle tang and richness beyond standard mozzarella. Its soft, pillowy texture melts silkily into dishes while still retaining its shape for pulling apart bites.
Enjoy buffalo mozzarella simply torn over fresh salads, layered into panini or bruschetta for melty delight. It also mixes seamlessly into classic Caprese stacks with tomatoes and basil.
Beyond snacking, try shreds or balls baked into focaccia, pizza, or homemade ravioli for indulgent heartiness. Buffalo mozzarella adds cream without heaviness to let other flavors shine.
With versatility to complement so many cuisines from Italian to Indian, it’s no wonder buffalo mozzarella frequently graces fine cheeseboards. For those desiring a slice of luxury in their meals, this velvety chameleon is well worth seeking out.
8. Make Your Own
While nothing truly compares to the full flavor of English cheese, sometimes the best things in life require a little DIY. And you know what they say – if you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself!
Lucky for us lazy lot, making your own cheese at home is surprisingly simple. All you need is a few basic ingredients you likely already have on hand: milk, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and a bit of patience.
To get started, warm up about a quart of whole milk in a pot over medium-low heat. As it heats up, the milk solids will begin to separate from the liquid whey. Once it reaches around 100°F, it’s showtime.
Remove the pot from the heat and add ¼ cup of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice. Give it a gentle stir and within just a few minutes, curds will begin to form. Let it sit undisturbed for 15-20 minutes so the curds can firm up.
At this point, all that’s left is draining the liquid whey and transferring the curds to a cheesecloth-lined colander. Gather up the edges and tie it closed to form a bundle. Let it hang for 8-12 hours to finish draining.
Once dried, salt to taste and dig in! Store any extras wrapped in the fridge for up to a week. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll have an homemade cheese that tastes almost as good as the real deal – and costs a whole lot less. What are you waiting for? Get crafting!
Conclusion
Hopefully this guide has you feeling well-equipped in your search for the perfect old English cheese swap. Whether your priority is taste, texture, price or convenience – this lineup of crowd-pleasers has something to suit every cheese lover.
While no substitute can fully mirror the complex profiles of the English greats, these options aim to capture similar qualities through strategy and finesse. With a little experimentation, I’m sure you’ll find your new favorite to satisfy those cravings.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match based on your recipes too. Top a soup with crumbly Cheshire one night, then crumble Graceburn over a salad the next. You never know – you might just discover an inspired combo all your own.
So get out there and start sampling! Share your thoughts online too – substitutions are a journey, and we can all benefit from each other’s discoveries. And if an English cheese craving really hits, there’s always a trip across the pond on the horizon. Until then, happy substituting!
With grill marks adding an extra layer of flavor, High Weald Halloumi brings Mediterranean verve to anything from veggie kebabs to halloumi fries. When only smoke-kissed,semi-hard cheese will do, this homegrown option is worth seeking out.
