Top 23 English Semi-hard Cheeses

This is not your regular Cheddar made across the world, but a unique one because of its maturity, distinctive full flavor, the source of milk and special methods of handmade production within the four Counties of Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. It needs to mature for at least 9 months before it is sold, either in cylindrical shape or in blocks of variable sizes. Its flavor can be described as full, sharp and nutty, and it is firm and creamy yellow on the inside, with a crumbly texture. West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is best paired with grapes, pears, apples, figs, celery or ripe tomatoes.Expand

Applewood is an English cheese originating from Ilchester in Somerset, where it was first produced in 1965. Made from cow's milk, this cheddar cheese has a semi-hard, dense texture and a natural rind. It is also known as Applewood Smoked Cheddar – however, it is not smoked, but artificially flavored with smoke and dusted with paprika, giving it a golden-amber visual appearance on the exterior. Its flavor is spicy and smoky. It is recommended to grate Applewood over pasta and baked potatoes, but it can also be served with raisins and apples for those with a sweet tooth.Expand

Devon Blue is a semi-hard artisan cheese made from raw milk of Ayrshire cows. It is produced by Ben Harris and Robin Condgen of Ticklemore Cheese. In order for the blue mold to develop, Devon Blue needs to mature for 6 to 8 months. The cheese has a dense, crumbly, and firm texture; the aromas are earthy, while the flavor is spicy, smooth, and buttery. It is recommended to pair Devon Blue with a glass of cider.Expand

Cornish Yarg is an English cheese hailing from Cornwall. This semi-hard cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. It's wrapped in nettle leaves and matures for 5 weeks. The nettles give the cheese a latticed imprint, attract natural molds, and impart a mushroomy note to the cheese as it ages. Underneath the nettle-wrapped rind, the texture is creamy and crumbly. The aromas are grassy and mushroomy, while the flavors are lemony and mushroomy. The cheese was first produced on Bodmin Moor by Alan Gray, who produced Cornish Yarg according to a 17th-century recipe found in his attic. Nowadays, it's produced by Lynher Dairies.Expand

Derby is an English cheese hailing from Derbyshire. This semi-hard cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk. It has a waxed rind that hides a creamy, smooth, firm, and open texture of the interior. The aroma is mild and the flavors are sweet, mild, and buttery. Derby melts exceptionally well and it has been produced since the 16th century, making it one of England's oldest and most popular cheeses – there are also versions with port wine or sage. It's recommended to pair it with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chenin Blanc.Expand

Sage Derby is one of England's oldest cheeses, produced in the region of Derbyshire. The cheese is made with cow's milk, and it's characterized by its unusual marbled visual appearance, a result of infusion with sage, which also gives the cheese a subtle herbaceous flavor. However, spinach, marigold, and parsley can also be used instead of sage, but the practice is not that common. Sage Derby is aged for 1 to 3 months, and due to its good melting properties, it pairs with vegetables, fresh fruit, rye bread, and poultry. In the past, this cheese was produced exclusively for Harvest and Christmas, but nowadays it can be bought throughout the year.Expand

Cotswold is a variation of Double Gloucester, originating from Gloucestershire County. The cheese is made with cow's milk, and it's enriched with onions and chives. The color of this cheese varies from golden yellow to orange, and its texture is firm, dense, and crumbly. Cotswold's flavor is sweet, buttery, and tangy, while onions and chives provide it with an extra layer of flavor. Cotswold is also known as pub cheese in England, so it is recommended to pair it with a cold beer on the side.Expand

Keltic Gold is a traditional semi-hard cheese produced in North Cornwall. The cheese is made from pasteurized Cornish cow's milk and has an edible washed rind that's dipped in local cider during the production. Due to the cider, the aromas are fruity and pungent with distinctive apple overtones. The texture is smooth and creamy, while the flavors are fruity, rounded, and sweet, reminiscent of French Alpine cheeses. Keltic Gold melts exceptionally well, and it's recommended to melt it into a fondue sauce, with an added sprinkle of nutmeg.Expand

Named after its producer, James Montgomery, this cheddar cheese is made from raw cow's milk from Montgomery's own Friesian cows. Most of these cheeses are matured for 12 months in muslin cloths, while the extra mature varieties are aged for 18 months. When mature, the cheese has rich and nutty flavors, while the extra mature version is nuttier and spicier, with peppery notes. Underneath its natural rind, Montgomery's Cheddar has a crumbly and grainy texture that melts in the mouth, and it is recommended to eat it on its own, on a cheeseboard, or grate it and use it in a variety of dishes such as shepherd's pie. Pair it with an IPA, an English cider, or a Scotch-based cocktail called Mark Twain.Expand

Cornish Wild Garlic Yarg is an English cheese produced in Cornwall, hence the name. The cheese is made with cow's milk and it comes wrapped in wild garlic leaves which impart a subtle garlicky flavor to the cheese and give it a slightly firmer texture. Apart from its garlicky, milky, and herbal aroma, this cheese has a firm and crumbly texture, while the flavor is garlicky and fresh. Cornish Wild Garlic Yarg has won many awards: Silver (British Cheese Awards 2018), Gold (British Cheese Awards 2017), and Supergold (World Cheese Awards 2015).Expand

Montgomery’s Cheese is a family-run artisan cheesemaker based in South Somerset, England, renowned for its traditional farmhouse Cheddar produced at the North Cadbury farm, where cheesemaking has been carried on for three generations. The cheese is handmade using raw cow’s milk from the family’s own herd, following time-honoured methods that include cloth binding and maturation on wooden shelves for a minimum of 12 months. This process results in a deep, rich and nutty flavour profile that has become widely recognised in the UK and beyond. Longer ageing, as in the Extra Mature versions, further enhances complexity, developing a firmer texture and introducing subtle spicy and savoury notes. Montgomery’s Cheddar is hard, dense and slightly crumbly, with layered aromas ranging from sweet, milky tones to pronounced nutty and grassy nuances, and occasional natural blue veining that adds further character. The Montgomery family has preserved this cheesemaking tradition since the early 20th century, remaining faithful to historic methods that allowed this distinctive style to survive even as much of the industry shifted toward industrial production.Expand

Belton Farm is a British cheese producer. The farm has been making cheese since the 1922s, using traditional methods in crafting their products. They specialize in producing classic British cheeses, including Cheshire, Red Leicester, and Double Gloucester. Belton Farm has won numerous awards for the quality of its cheeses, reflecting the high production standards. Their cheeses are known for their rich flavor and authentic texture, and the farm continues to uphold a family tradition of cheesemaking, combining experience with a commitment to sustainable farming and animal care. Expand

Neal's Yard Dairy is a renowned British cheese shop and maturing facility dedicated to showcasing and nurturing the best of British and Irish cheeses. Established in 1979, the company is celebrated for its commitment to quality, working closely with small-scale producers to select, mature, and sell exceptional cheeses. Their focus is on traditional, raw milk cheeses, which are aged in their own maturing rooms to ensure the best flavor development. Neal's Yard Dairy is not only passionate about curating a diverse range of artisanal cheeses but also about preserving and promoting the craftsmanship of British cheesemakers. Neal's Yard Dairy is deeply involved in education and advocacy for raw milk cheese, often engaging with the technical and scientific communities to ensure the future of this delicious and historically significant food.Expand

Bradburys Cheese, based in England, sources globally to provide a diverse selection of cheeses that range from traditional British varieties to international types. The company, established in 1884, operates from Buxton, Derbyshire. Bradburys Cheese offers cheese under its own brand as well as providing private label cheeses for other businesses.Expand

Saputo Dairy UK is a leading British company in the production and distribution of dairy products, and is part of the Canadian multinational Saputo Inc. Although Saputo Dairy UK produces dairy products, the company also functions as an integrator and distributor, combining production, branding, and market placement of its products. The company manages a number of well-known brands, including Cathedral City, Davidstow, Clover, Country Life, Utterly Butterly, Vitalite, and Petits Filous, covering cheeses, butter, dairy spreads, and yogurts. In addition to a strong focus on quality, the company is actively engaged in sustainable production, packaging innovations, and support for local milk suppliers. In this way, Saputo Dairy UK has become a key player in the UK dairy market, recognized for its consistent quality and reliable brands.Expand