Leerdammer

semi-hard · cow milk · Netherlands · $$

Melts beautifully, with a smooth texture.

Attribute scores

meltability 8/10

sharpness 4/10

creaminess 6/10

firmness 5/10

pungency 2/10

Best cheese wine pairing

Pair Leerdammer with a medium-bodied red like Merlot, or an unoaked Chardonnay — a milder semi-hard cheese (sharpness 4) is best met halfway, not overpowered.

Substitutes for Leerdammer

Cheese	Why it works
Emmental	similar overall, but more pungency
Colby	similar overall, but less sharpness
Scamorza	similar overall, but more meltability
Herrgårdsost	similar overall, but less meltability
Havarti	similar overall, but less sharpness
Gouda	similar overall, but more sharpness