Cheese Database

Leerdammer vs Maasdam

Leerdammer

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Netherlands

Leerdammer is a Dutch brand of semi-hard cow's milk cheese, made to look and taste a little like Emmental. The paste is pale yellow and supple, with large round holes and a mild, slightly sweet, nutty flavor. Many pieces are sold young enough to stay creamy, and a longer-aged piece tastes a bit stronger while keeping the same gentle style. The name is a trademark, not a general word for every Dutch cheese with eyes. Generic cheese in this style is usually sold as Maasdam.

Maasdam, field guide plate
Maasdam, photographed

Maasdam

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Netherlands

Maasdam is a Dutch cow's-milk cheese with large eyes and a sweet, nutty taste. It was created in the late twentieth century as a faster, milder answer to Swiss Emmental.