Gouda

semi-hard · cow milk · Netherlands · $$

Melts beautifully, with a smooth texture.

Attribute scores

meltability 8/10

sharpness 5/10

creaminess 6/10

firmness 6/10

pungency 3/10

Best cheese wine pairing

Pair Gouda with a medium-bodied red like Merlot, or an unoaked Chardonnay — a milder semi-hard cheese (sharpness 5) is best met halfway, not overpowered.

Substitutes for Gouda

Cheese	Why it works
Emmental	similar overall, but less sharpness
Kasseri	similar overall, but less creaminess
Provolone	similar overall, but more pungency
Caciocavallo	similar overall, but more pungency
Tilsit cheese	similar overall, but less meltability
Leerdammer	similar overall, but less sharpness