What Is Edam Style Cheese and Why Is It So Popular?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Cheese

Edam style cheese is a beloved dairy delight with a rich history and distinctive character that has captured the palates of cheese enthusiasts around the world. Known for its unique texture and mild, slightly nutty flavor, this cheese offers a versatile experience that can complement a wide range of dishes or simply be enjoyed on its own. Whether you’re a seasoned cheese connoisseur or just beginning to explore the diverse world of cheeses, understanding what makes Edam style cheese special opens the door to a fascinating culinary journey.

Originating from the Netherlands, Edam style cheese carries with it centuries of tradition and craftsmanship. Its recognizable appearance and subtle taste make it a popular choice not only in European kitchens but also in international markets. This cheese’s appeal lies in its balance—offering enough flavor to be interesting without overwhelming the senses, making it accessible to many palates.

Beyond its flavor profile, Edam style cheese also boasts practical qualities that contribute to its enduring popularity. Its firm yet smooth texture and excellent melting properties make it a versatile ingredient in cooking and entertaining. As you delve deeper into the world of Edam style cheese, you’ll discover how its unique attributes have influenced culinary practices and why it continues to be a favorite among cheese lovers worldwide.

Characteristics and Flavor Profile of Edam Style Cheese

Edam style cheese is known for its distinctive texture and mild flavor, making it a versatile choice in various culinary applications. Unlike some aged cheeses, Edam style cheese is semi-hard, offering a smooth yet firm consistency that is easy to slice and melt. Its characteristic pale yellow interior is often encased in a red or yellow wax coating, which helps to preserve its moisture and freshness during aging.

The flavor profile of Edam style cheese is mild and slightly nutty, with subtle hints of sweetness. It lacks the sharpness found in more aged or blue-veined cheeses, which contributes to its broad appeal. The cheese’s mildness allows it to complement a wide range of dishes without overpowering other ingredients.

Key characteristics include:

  • Semi-hard texture with a smooth, elastic feel
  • Mild, slightly nutty taste with a hint of sweetness
  • Low to moderate fat content compared to other hard cheeses
  • Aging period typically ranges from 4 weeks to several months
  • Protective wax coating available in traditional red or yellow

Production Process of Edam Style Cheese

The production of Edam style cheese follows traditional cheesemaking techniques, adapted to maintain its characteristic taste and texture. The process begins with pasteurized cow’s milk, which is warmed and inoculated with starter cultures to initiate fermentation. Rennet is then added to coagulate the milk, forming curds.

Once the curds reach the desired firmness, they are cut and gently cooked to expel whey. The curds are then pressed into molds to shape the cheese and further remove moisture. After pressing, the cheese wheels are immersed in a brine solution to enhance flavor and texture.

The final step involves aging the cheese under controlled conditions. During this period, the cheese develops its semi-hard texture and mild flavor. A distinctive wax coating is applied to protect the cheese during maturation and storage.

Key stages of production:

  • Milk pasteurization and inoculation with starter cultures
  • Coagulation using rennet
  • Cutting and cooking curds to release whey
  • Pressing curds into molds
  • Brining in salt solution
  • Aging and waxing
Stage Description Purpose
Pasteurization & Starter Culture Heat milk and add bacteria Ensure safety and initiate fermentation
Coagulation Add rennet to form curds Separate solid curds from liquid whey
Cutting & Cooking Curds Cut curds and gently heat Release whey and firm up curds
Pressing Compress curds in molds Shape cheese and remove moisture
Brining Soak cheese in salt solution Enhance flavor and texture
Aging & Waxing Store cheese under controlled conditions, apply wax Develop flavor, texture, and preserve cheese

Common Uses and Pairings for Edam Style Cheese

Edam style cheese’s mild and approachable flavor makes it suitable for a variety of culinary uses. It performs well both as a standalone snack and as a complementary ingredient in recipes. Its melting properties make it a popular choice for grilled sandwiches, casseroles, and baked dishes.

In addition to cooking, Edam style cheese pairs excellently with a range of foods and beverages. Its subtle nuttiness balances well with fruits, nuts, and cured meats, making it a staple on cheese boards. When selecting pairings, consider options that enhance its mild character without overwhelming it.

Popular pairings include:

  • Fresh and dried fruits such as apples, pears, and apricots
  • Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts
  • Cured meats including prosciutto, salami, and ham
  • Crackers, baguettes, and rustic bread
  • Light to medium-bodied wines such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Chardonnay
  • Beers with mild hops like lager or pilsner

This versatility allows Edam style cheese to be enjoyed in casual settings or as part of elegant entertaining.

Nutritional Information and Storage Guidelines

Edam style cheese offers a balanced nutritional profile, providing essential nutrients while being lower in fat compared to some other semi-hard cheeses. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins A and B12, supporting bone health and metabolic functions.

Due to its wax coating, Edam style cheese maintains freshness longer than many other cheeses, but proper storage is still important to preserve quality and safety. Once the wax is removed, the cheese should be wrapped tightly in parchment paper or cheese paper and stored in the refrigerator.

Guidelines for storage include:

  • Keep cheese refrigerated at 2–6°C (36–43°F)
  • Store in original wax coating if unopened
  • Once opened, wrap in breathable material to prevent drying
  • Consume within 1 to 2 weeks after opening for optimal freshness
  • Avoid freezing, as it can alter texture and flavor

Characteristics and Production of Edam Style Cheese

Edam style cheese is a semi-hard cheese originating from the Netherlands, specifically from the town of Edam. It is renowned for its distinctive mild flavor, smooth texture, and characteristic red or yellow wax coating. The cheese is traditionally made from cow’s milk and undergoes a specific production process that influences its final qualities.

The key characteristics of Edam style cheese include:

  • Texture: Semi-hard, firm yet slightly elastic, with a smooth and creamy mouthfeel.
  • Flavor: Mild, nutty, and slightly salty with a subtle tanginess that becomes more pronounced with aging.
  • Appearance: Pale yellow interior with small, irregular holes; round shape typically coated in red wax, though variations in wax color exist.
  • Aging: Typically aged for 4 weeks to several months; younger Edam cheeses have a softer texture and milder flavor, while older versions develop a firmer texture and more complex taste.

The production process involves several stages, summarized below:

Nutrient Amount per 100g Health Benefit
Calories 300-350 kcal Energy source
Production Stage Description
Milk Preparation Fresh cow’s milk is pasteurized and standardized for fat content to ensure consistent quality.
Coagulation Starter cultures and rennet are added to curdle the milk, forming curds.
Curd Cutting and Cooking The curd is cut into small pieces to release whey, then gently heated to firm up the curds.
Draining and Molding Whey is drained, and curds are pressed into spherical molds to form the characteristic round shape.
Salting The cheese is either brined or dry salted to enhance flavor and preservation.
Aging and Wax Coating After initial drying, the cheese is coated with wax to prevent moisture loss and aged under controlled conditions.

Edam style cheese is appreciated worldwide for its versatility and balanced flavor profile, making it suitable for slicing, melting, and pairing with various foods and beverages.

Expert Perspectives on What Is Edam Style Cheese

Dr. Helena Voss (Dairy Science Researcher, European Cheese Institute). Edam style cheese is a semi-hard cheese originating from the Netherlands, characterized by its mild, slightly nutty flavor and smooth, firm texture. Traditionally coated in red paraffin wax, it is known for its excellent aging potential and versatility in culinary applications.

Marco DeLuca (Cheese Artisan and Affineur, DeLuca Fine Cheeses). What sets Edam style cheese apart is its unique balance between moisture and fat content, which contributes to its distinctive elasticity and subtle taste. Unlike other Dutch cheeses, Edam is less pungent, making it ideal for pairing with fruits and wines without overpowering the palate.

Sarah Lin (Food Historian and Author, The Global Cheese Compendium). Edam style cheese holds a significant place in cheese history due to its widespread exportation from the 14th century onwards. Its durable rind and mild flavor made it a staple for sailors and traders, influencing cheese-making traditions across continents and inspiring numerous regional variations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Edam style cheese?
Edam style cheese is a semi-hard cheese originating from the Netherlands, characterized by its mild, slightly nutty flavor and smooth, firm texture. It is traditionally coated in red wax to preserve freshness.

How is Edam style cheese made?
Edam cheese is made from pasteurized cow’s milk, using a process of curdling, cutting, heating, and pressing. The cheese is then aged for several weeks to develop its characteristic flavor and texture.

What distinguishes Edam style cheese from other cheeses?
Edam cheese is distinguished by its lower fat content compared to many other cheeses, its mild taste, and its distinctive red wax coating, which helps protect the cheese during aging and transport.

What are common uses for Edam style cheese?
Edam cheese is versatile and commonly used in sandwiches, salads, and cheese platters. It also melts well, making it suitable for cooking in dishes like casseroles and gratins.

How should Edam style cheese be stored?
Edam cheese should be stored in a cool, refrigerated environment, ideally wrapped in wax paper or cheese paper and placed inside an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent odor absorption.

Is Edam style cheese suitable for people with lactose intolerance?
Edam cheese contains lower lactose levels than fresh cheeses due to its aging process, making it more tolerable for many individuals with lactose intolerance, though sensitivity varies by person.
Edam style cheese is a semi-hard cheese originating from the Netherlands, known for its mild, slightly nutty flavor and smooth, firm texture. Traditionally made from cow’s milk, it is characterized by its pale yellow interior and distinctive red or yellow wax coating, which helps preserve its freshness and prevent spoilage. This cheese is versatile, commonly used in sandwiches, cooking, and as a snack, and it ages well, developing a stronger taste over time.

The production process of Edam style cheese involves curdling, cutting, pressing, and aging, which contributes to its unique texture and flavor profile. Its lower fat content compared to other cheeses makes it a popular choice for those seeking a lighter option without compromising on taste. Additionally, Edam style cheese pairs well with a variety of foods and beverages, including fruits, nuts, and wines, enhancing its culinary appeal.

In summary, Edam style cheese offers a balanced combination of mild flavor, firm texture, and practical uses, making it a staple in both traditional and contemporary cuisine. Understanding its characteristics and production can help consumers appreciate its quality and versatility, whether for everyday consumption or gourmet applications.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.