Old English cheese is a delicious, tangy processed cheese that is often used as a spread.
However, it can be difficult to find in some areas. If you don't have access to Old English cheese, there are several tasty substitutes you can use instead.
Make Your Own Old English Cheese
One of the best substitutes for Old English cheese is to make your own at home. This allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.
To make an Old English cheese substitute:
- Shred sharp cheddar cheese into small pieces. Aim for around 2 cups.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese and soften to room temperature.
- Place the cheddar cheese and cream cheese into a food processor. Pulse to combine thoroughly.
- If needed, add a touch of milk to reach the smooth, spreadable consistency you desire.
The end result will be a sharp, tangy cheese spread that mimics the Old English cheese flavor. Feel free to experiment with different varieties of cheddar to tweak the taste. Aged or extra sharp cheddars will be most similar.
Key Takeaway: Blend shredded sharp cheddar with softened cream cheese in a food processor to DIY an Old English cheese dupe at home.
Crumbly Cheshire Cheese
Crumbly Cheshire is an English cheese that makes a great Old English substitute. It has a similar tangy flavor yet is a bit milder in taste.
Cheshire cheese is known for its versatile texture that is perfect for spreading. It works nicely when melted as well. You can add Cheshire to recipes that call for Old English cheese like:
- Macaroni and cheese
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Cheeseballs
- Cheese trays or platters
Look for the crumbly, white Cheshire cheese variety to mimic Old English the closest. The texture helps it melt smoothly and cling to crackers.
Key Takeaway: Mild, crumbly Cheshire cheese has a comparable tang and spreading properties as Old English cheese.
Graceburn Cheese
Graceburn cheese originated in England and is often dubbed the English version of feta. However, it makes a tasty Old English dupe too.
What sets Graceburn apart is its light, creamy brie-like consistency that Old English cheese fans will enjoy. The hint of tang pairs nicely with the rich creaminess.
Graceburn works great:
- On cheese trays and platters
- In salads or pastas
- On sandwiches or flatbreads
- With fruits or wine
Since Graceburn cheese is on the pricier side, look for it pre-crumbled or in smaller wedges. A little bit goes a long way thanks to the punchy flavor.
Key Takeaway: Graceburn cheese offers a similar creaminess as Old English but with a unique brie-esque taste.
Mild Cheddar Cheese
Standard mild cheddar makes one of the easiest swaps for Old English cheese. It has a comparable smooth texture that slices and melts with ease.
While mild cheddar won’t have quite as sharp of a bite as Old English, it still carries the classic cheddar tang. The neutral profile allows the cheese to blend nicely into recipes without overpowering other ingredients.
Mild cheddar works great when:
- Making dips or spreads
- Adding to macaroni and salads
- Topping burgers or sandwiches
- Creating cheese plates
For an even closer match, seek out mild cheddar cheese curds. The curds provide a subtle crumble reminiscent of Old English.
Key Takeaway: Smooth, melty mild cheddar cheese makes a user-friendly sub for Old English thanks to its versatility.
Stilton Cheese
Stilton is a popular blue cheese hailing from England. Even those who normally avoid pungent blues may enjoy Stilton’s unique flavor that resembles Old English.
What makes Stilton special is its balance of sharpness and sweetness. As the cheese ages, nutty and fruity notes develop to offset the initial bite.
Stilton works nicely:
- In salads or on salad bars
- On cheese trays
- In rich sauces for steak or pork
- Paired with fruits and nuts
- Served with wine or port
For a less aggressive option, try white Stilton. It offers the same fruit-forward taste but with a milder blue cheese kick. The creamy texture also mimics Old English cheese.
Key Takeaway: Well-aged Stilton blue cheese boasts a similar sharpness as Old English but with added sweet fruitiness.
High Weald Halloumi
Halloumi cheese is often referred to as “grilling cheese” thanks to its high heat tolerance. The salty, Cyprus-inspired cheese makes a tasty hot weather substitute for Old English.
When cooked, Halloumi maintains its shape while developing a crisp, golden exterior. The salty and herby flavor profile resembles Old English’s tang.
Popular ways to enjoy Halloumi cheese:
- Grilled or pan fried
- Skewered in kebabs
- Served over salads
- Added to flatbreads or pitas
Seeking out the High Weald variety specifically will treat you to added notes of mint and oregano that Old English lovers will appreciate.
Key Takeaway: Salty grilling cheese like Halloumi develops a crispy exterior and gooey interior similar to melted Old English.
Buffalo Milk Mozzarella
Traditional mozzarella cheese is mild and creamy. However, certain varieties like buffalo milk mozzarella take on a pleasant tanginess akin to Old English.
This specialty mozzarella is made from the milk of Italian water buffalo. As a result, it carries a rich, fatty quality that heightens the flavor considerably.
Buffalo mozzarella makes an easy, everyday sub for Old English thanks to its:
- Affordable price
- Pleasant tang
- Spreadable texture
- Melty abilities
Use this fresh cheese anywhere you’d normally enjoy mozzarella or Old English. Pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, salads and more are all enhanced by the addition of salty, stretchy buffalo mozzarella.
Key Takeaway: Italian buffalo milk mozzarella offers a comparable saltiness and melty consistency similar to Old English.
FAQs
What cheese tastes most like Old English?
The closest tasting substitute for Old English cheese is a blend of shredded extra sharp cheddar and cream cheese. Mixing the two creates a spreadable texture and sharp bite mimicking Old English. English imports like crumbly Cheshire or Graceburn cheese also make solid flavor dupes.
Can I make an Old English cheese replacement at home?
Yes, it’s easy to whip up your own Old English style cheese at home. Simply shred extra sharp cheddar cheese and mix with a dollop of cream cheese until thoroughly combined. Add a splash of milk if needed to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
What’s a good vegetarian Old English cheese substitute?
The best vegetarian-friendly subs for Old English cheese include halloumi, buffalo milk mozzarella or mild cheddar cheese. All offer a comparable salty tang and spreadable texture enjoyed in Old English without using animal rennet.
Conclusion
Old English cheese has been a beloved snack for generations thanks to its sharp cheddar flavor and spreadable texture.
While it can be hard to locate nowadays, there are many tasty substitutes available.
For the best results, make your own blend of shredded sharp cheddar and cream cheese. Or try crumbly Cheshire, Graceburn or mild cheddar cheese for reliable stand-ins to Old English.