What is Red Leicester? The Ruby of English Cheeses

Meet Red Leicester, the ruby of English cheeses. This vibrant, russet-hued delicacy is a classic British cheese with a history that dates back to the 18th century. Renowned for its striking color, which comes from the natural vegetable dye annatto, Red Leicester boasts a firm texture and a subtly sweet, nutty flavor.

When melted, it transforms into a silky, rich delight, making it a versatile choice for culinary creations. Whether you’re savoring it on its own or incorporating it into a dish, Red Leicester truly is a gem among cheeses.

Quick Facts About Red Leicester

Fact	Detail
Origin	England
Made from	Cow’s milk
Cheese family	Hard
Ageing time	6 months to 1 year
Texture	Firm and crumbly
Flavor	Nutty, mildly sweet
Color	Deep orange-red
Rind	Waxed
History	Traced back to the 17th century
Pairings	Ales, full-bodied red wines
Uses	Grating, melting, snacks
Specialty	Annatto seed gives it its distinctive color
Vegetarian	Yes, if made with vegetarian rennet
Availability	Year-round
Popular dishes	Red Leicester cheese toasties, mac and cheese
Storage	Cool, humid conditions; best consumed fresh

What is Red Leicester?

Red Leicester, a treasure from the heart of England, is a hard cheese known for its distinctive deep orange-red color and crumbly texture. This cheese is a feast not only for your palate but also for your eyes. Its vibrant hue, derived from the natural annatto seed, sets it apart from other English cheeses and makes it a visually appealing addition to any cheese board.

The story of Red Leicester dates back to the 17th century, making it a piece of edible history. The cheese is made from cow’s milk and is typically aged between six months to a year, resulting in a firm texture that crumbles delightfully when sliced. Despite its firmness, Red Leicester is surprisingly creamy with a flavor profile that is nutty and mildly sweet, offering a taste that is as unique as its appearance.

What truly sets Red Leicester apart is its versatility in the culinary world. It can be enjoyed on its own, paired with a robust ale or a full-bodied red wine, or grated over pasta dishes for a rich and savory touch. Its superb melting quality also makes it a popular choice for toasties and macaroni and cheese.

In a world filled with cheeses of all kinds, Red Leicester stands out with its striking color, unique flavor, and rich history. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or a food enthusiast, this English cheese offers an experience that is sure to delight your senses.

What Does Red Leicester Taste Like?

Red Leicester possesses a nutty taste, which is complemented by a subtle sweetness. The cheese has a rich, savory depth with a slightly tangy finish that lingers on the palate. Despite its firm texture, Red Leicester has a creamy mouthfeel that enhances the overall tasting experience.

As the cheese matures, its flavor becomes more pronounced and intense, offering a robust taste that cheese lovers appreciate.

Red Leicester Tasting Notes

Color: Deep orange-red, achieved by adding annatto seeds during the cheese-making process.
Texture: Firm and crumbly, yet creamy in the mouth.
Aroma: Mild and slightly sweet.
Taste: A balance of nutty and sweet flavors, with a subtle tanginess.
Aftertaste: Lingering savory notes that intensify as the cheese matures.
Pairings: Complements robust ales and full-bodied red wines. Pairs well with fruits like apples and grapes.
Culinary Uses: Excellent for grating over dishes, melting in sandwiches, or enjoying as a snack.
Maturity: The flavor becomes more pronounced and intense with age, typically matured between 6 months to 1 year.

What is Red Leicester cheese used for?

Vibrant Cheese Platters: With its striking red-orange hue, Red Leicester adds a pop of color to any cheese platter. Pair it with a variety of fruits, nuts, and bread for a delightful taste experience.
Melted Delights: The cheese melts beautifully, making it perfect for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, or as a topping for your favorite burger, adding a rich, creamy, and tangy flavor.
Culinary Creations: Its distinct flavor enhances the taste of pasta bakes, risottos, and potato dishes. Grate it over your dish before baking for a gorgeous golden crust.
Gourmet Pairings: Savor the nutty and sweet flavors of Red Leicester with full-bodied red wines or robust ales. It also pairs well with apple cider for a refreshing contrast.
Snacks and Appetizers: Slice it thin and serve with crisp apples or pears for a quick snack. Or cube it and serve with pickles and cold meats for an easy appetizer.
Breakfast Treats: Grate Red Leicester into omelets, scrambled eggs, or on top of avocado toast for a savory breakfast treat. Its unique flavor can turn a simple breakfast into a gourmet meal.
Dessert Pairings: For a unique dessert, pair slices of Red Leicester with sweet accompaniments like honey, fig jam, or dark chocolate. The balance of sweet and savory can be a delightful end to a meal.
Cheese Fondue: Melt Red Leicester with other cheeses for a rich, flavorful fondue. The sweet and nutty notes of this cheese add depth to the fondue mix.

The possibilities are endless with Red Leicester cheese due to its versatility in both flavor and texture.

What is the Difference Between Red Leicester and Cheddar?

Feature	Red Leicester	Cheddar
Origin	Originated in Leicestershire, England	Originated in the village of Cheddar, Somerset, England
Color	Deep orange-red, due to the addition of annatto seeds	Typically pale yellow, although some varieties may contain annatto for a deeper yellow or orange hue
Texture	Firm and crumbly, yet melts well and feels creamy in the mouth	Ranges from smooth and creamy (young Cheddar) to crumbly with a grainy texture (matured Cheddar)
Flavor	Sweet and nutty, with a mild tanginess	Starts off mellow in young Cheddar and develops into a strong, complex flavor in matured or aged Cheddar
Aging Process	Usually matured between 6 months to 1 year	Can be eaten young (2-3 months) or aged up to 2 years or more for sharp, robust flavors
Pairings	Pairs well with robust ales and full-bodied red wines, as well as fruits like apples and grapes	Versatile in pairings, goes well with a variety of beers, wines, fruits, and crackers
Uses	Excellent for grating over dishes, melting in sandwiches, or adding color and flavor to cheese boards	Extremely versatile – used in cooking (e.g., sauces, gratins, sandwiches), on cheese boards, or enjoyed on its own

>> Click to read our in-depth guide on Cheddar

Red Leicester Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per 100g
Calories	416 kcal
Total Fat	34.5g
Saturated Fat	21.7g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	105mg
Sodium	700mg
Total Carbohydrate	1.3g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	0.5g
Protein	25.4g
Vitamin D	0.9µg
Calcium	721mg
Iron	0.4mg
Potassium	98mg

Note: these values are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the specific brand or variety of Red Leicester cheese.

10 Best Red Leicester Substitutes

Substitute	Description
Cheddar	A versatile cheese with a similar texture to Red Leicester. It can be used in a wide range of dishes.
Double Gloucester	Another English cheese, it has a similar flavor profile and is also colored with annatto, like Red Leicester.
Red Cheshire	Has a crumbly texture and a slightly tangy flavor. It’s a good substitute when color is important.
Colby	An American cheese with a mild flavor that’s similar to Red Leicester. It has a slightly softer texture.
Gouda	This Dutch cheese has a sweet and nutty flavor that can work well as a substitute for Red Leicester.
Edam	Another Dutch cheese, Edam has a milder flavor but can work well in recipes that call for Red Leicester.
Jarlsberg	This Norwegian cheese has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It melts well, making it a good substitute in cooking.
Emmental	A Swiss cheese with a mild flavor and good melting properties.
Mimolette	A French cheese that is similar in color to Red Leicester. It has a slightly stronger flavor.
Monterey Jack	An American cheese with a mild flavor and good melting properties.

What Pairs Well With Red Leicester?

Food that goes well with Red Leicester:

Category	Foods
Bread and Crackers	Whole grain bread, baguette, rye crackers, oatcakes
Fruits	Apples, pears, grapes, figs
Vegetables	Celery, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes
Meats and Fish	Salami, ham, smoked salmon
Condiments	Chutney, honey, mustard
Nuts and Seeds	Walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds
Desserts	Dark chocolate, fruit tarts

Also read: 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese

Beverage that goes well with Red Leicester:

Category	Beverages
Wine	Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Rioja
Beer	Brown Ale, Stout, IPA (India Pale Ale)
Cider	Traditional Dry Cider, Pear Cider
Whisky	Single Malt Scotch, Irish Whiskey
Non-Alcoholic	Sparkling water, Apple Juice

Also read: Best Wine and Cheese Pairings: The Ultimate Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Red Leicester cheese strong?

Red Leicester cheese has a mellow, nutty flavor. It’s not as strong as some other types of cheese like blue cheese or aged cheddar. Its taste is often described as slightly sweet and savory. The aging process can affect the strength of the flavor, with longer-aged Red Leicester having a stronger taste than younger versions. However, even when it’s well-aged, its flavor is generally still fairly mild compared to many other cheeses.

2. Is Red Leicester good for melting?

Yes, Red Leicester cheese is good for melting. It has a similar texture to cheddar cheese and melts well without becoming too greasy. This makes it a popular choice for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheese sauces. Its vibrant orange color also gives a visually appealing look to melted cheese dishes.

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