Cheese lovers, this one’s for you! Whether you’re crafting the perfect cheese board, looking for the best cheese pairings, or simply wondering what sets soft cheese vs hard cheese apart, we’ve got you covered. From creamy Brie to aged Cheddar, here’s everything you need to know about cheese textures, flavours, and uses.
Soft Cheese: Creamy, Spreadable, and Indulgent
Soft cheeses are the stars of any grazing board—rich, buttery, and oh-so-spreadable. Their high moisture content makes them soft and gooey, perfect for scooping onto crackers, bread, or fruit.
What Defines Soft Cheese?
Soft cheeses have over 50% moisture, making them smooth and luscious. They’re aged for a short time, giving them a fresh and creamy texture. Some have bloomy rinds (like Brie), while others have a washed rind for a stronger flavour.
Popular Soft Cheeses:
• Brie – A classic French cheese, mild and buttery.
• Camembert – Similar to Brie, but with a stronger, earthy taste.
• Burrata – A creamy Italian cheese, perfect for salads.
• Goat’s Cheese (Chèvre) – Tangy, fresh, and spreadable.
• Epoisses – A pungent washed-rind cheese for serious cheese lovers.
Best Ways to Eat Soft Cheese:
• Spread on sourdough, baguettes, or crackers.
• Drizzle with honey, nuts, or figs for the ultimate cheese pairing.
• Melted over a warm dish for pure indulgence.
Best Drinks to Pair with Soft Cheese:
• White wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Champagne.
• Light reds – Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
• Fruity ciders or honeyed meads.
Hard Cheese: Aged, Bold, and Packed with Flavour
If you love cheese with bite, hard cheeses are for you. They have lower moisture content, a firm texture, and stronger, deeper flavours developed over time. Some, like Parmesan, are aged for years!
What Defines Hard Cheese?
Hard cheeses are aged for months to years, losing moisture and developing a dense, crumbly, or crystalised texture. The longer they age, the sharper and more intense their flavour becomes.
Popular Hard Cheeses:
• Cheddar – From mild to extra sharp, a British staple.
• Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) – The king of hard cheeses, aged 12-36 months.
• Manchego – A nutty Spanish cheese, perfect for tapas.
• Comté – Sweet and savoury, ideal for melting or snacking.
• Gruyère – Aged Swiss cheese, great for fondue or cheese boards.
Best Ways to Eat Hard Cheese:
• Sliced, cubed, or shaved for snacking.
• Grated over pasta, risotto, or roasted veg.
• Paired with pickles, chutneys, and cured meats for contrast.
Best Drinks to Pair with Hard Cheese:
• Red wine – Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.
• Whisky or aged rum – Perfect for a bold cheese pairing.
• Dark beers like stouts or porters.
Soft Cheese vs Hard Cheese: Which One is Better?
It’s not about choosing one over the other—it’s about balance! Soft cheeses bring creaminess, while hard cheeses add depth and bite. For the best cheese board, mix soft, semi-soft, and hard cheeses with fresh fruits, nuts, and artisan crackers.
Pro Tip: Want the best of both worlds? Try a semi-hard cheese like Gouda or Tomme de Savoie, which sits perfectly between creamy and firm.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Cheese for Your Board
Whether you’re planning an elegant grazing table, a wine and cheese night, or just looking for the best cheese pairings, knowing the difference between soft and hard cheese makes all the difference.
At Crackers & Brie, we specialise in luxurious British cheeses, curating the perfect selection for any occasion. Looking for a show-stopping grazing board? Let us take care of it—because every gathering deserves incredible cheese.
📩 Contact us today to create your dream cheese board!