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Semi Hard Cheese

Some of the most popular cheeses in the world fall into the semi hard category, offering mild, buttery profiles punctuated by nutty, savory notes of flavor. Here, you’ll never find anything too tangy - like fresh cheeses - or too salty - like hard cheeses. With something for everyone, this versatile class is loved for its sliceable, meltable characteristics, making it a favorite with all. Discover old favorites and new picks from our tasty selection below!
Name
Milk Type
Texture
Type
Origin
Shape
Price
Availability
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1 - 28 of 83 products
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Swiss Emmental
Swiss Emmental
from Switzerland by Emmi

Holey with a sweet aroma and a fruity, pungent flavor, similar to Gruyere with a texture that is firm but pliable.

5(8 reviews)
Murcia Al Vino - Wine Soaked Goat Cheese
Murcia Al Vino - Wine Soaked Goat Cheese
from Spain

Made from the Spanish Murcia goat's milk this is similar to Manchego cheese, but soaked with wine.

5(4 reviews)
Petit Basque
Petit Basque
from France by Pyrenee'From

A young mild sheep's milk cheese from France.

5(3 reviews)
Imperial Appenzeller
Imperial Appenzeller
from Switzerland by Emmi

A fruity and delicate Swiss cheese made of whole milk washed in spices.

5(2 reviews)
Raclette
Raclette
from France by Livradois

Traditionally melted over a fire and the soft cheese scraped onto a plate, this is a staple in French alpine cuisine.

5(2 reviews)
Swiss Gruyere
Swiss Gruyere
from Switzerland by Emmi

Sweet, nutty and pungent, Gruyere is one of the most versatile of cheeses, indispensable for your fondues.

4.9(8 reviews)
Tete De Moine
Tete De Moine
from Switzerland by Emmi

Bold and piquant cheese also known as Bellelay; strong nutty and fruity flavors, best enjoyed shaved. Very pungent!

4.8(4 reviews)
Ricotta Salata
Ricotta Salata
from Italy by Fromage Marquis

A unique Italian ricotta with firm texture and salt-hinted flavor, ready to shave over salads, meats and veggies.

4.7(6 reviews)
Provolone Piccante Cheese, Aged 10 Months
Provolone Piccante Cheese - 10 Months
from Italy by Caseificio Montorso

A sharper, spicier version of the classic Provolone, this is aged for about 10 months to develop that robust flavor.

4.7(3 reviews)
Smoked Gouda
Smoked Gouda
from Netherlands by Taste Holland

A flavorful robust smoked version of the world-famous Gouda.

4.7(3 reviews)
Shropshire Blue Cheese
Shropshire Blue Cheese
from United Kingdom by Thistle Hill

A sharp blue cheese similar to Stilton.

4.7(3 reviews)
Comte St. Antoine AOC - Aged 10-14 Months
Comte St. Antoine AOC - Aged 10-14 Months
from France by Marcel Petite

A fruity Comte cheese with a supple and oily texture and a fruity flavor.

4.5(2 reviews)
Cantalet Young
Cantalet Young
from France by Livradois

A cheddar-like cheese from the Auverge region, with a mildly sharp taste and smooth texture.

4.5(2 reviews)
Jarlsberg Wheel
Jarlsberg Cheese
from Norway by Jarlsberg

This mild cheese resembles Emmentaler and Gruyere, but has a splendidly sweet flavor with nutty notes and a fruity aftertaste.

4.3(3 reviews)
Old Amsterdam Premium Aged Gouda Cheese
Old Amsterdam Premium Aged Gouda Cheese
from Netherlands by Old Amsterdam

This award-winning buttery orange premium Gouda from The Netherlands is a cheeseplate classic.

Emmi Swiss Cheese
Emmi Swiss Cheese
from Switzerland by Emmi

The classic holey Swiss cheese, this nutty and buttery cheese is great for melting on a gourmet grilled cheese.

Super Sharp Vintage Cheddar Cheese - Aged Over 3 Years
Super Sharp Vintage Cheddar Cheese - Aged Over 3 Years
from Canada by Old Quebec

A super sharp Canadian cheddar with wonderful caramel notes and a butter, crumbly flavor that's never cloying.

Manchego Semicured 75 days maturity
Sancho Panza Manchego - Aged 3 Months
from Spain by El Piconero

A firm sheep's milk cheese aged for at least 3 months, with a buttery texture and a distinct and rich flavor.

Comte St. Antoine AOC - Aged 24 Months
Comte St. Antoine AOC - Aged 24 Months
from France by Marcel Petite

This aged Comte St. Antoine from Marcel Petite is a rich, flavorful cheese.

El Antiguo de Castilla - Mixed Milk Cheese
El Antiguo de Castilla - Mixed Milk Cheese
from Spain by La Antigua

Aged for five months, this delightful cheese is made from a 50-50 fusion of sheep and cow’s milk.

Queso Oxaca
Queso Oxaca
from United States by Don Froylan

A testament to the art of Mexican cheese-making and the vibrant flavors of Oaxacan cuisine, you’ll love the unique texture of this mild cheese.

Queso de Cabra al Romero
Cabra Romero Goat Cheese
from Spain by Montesinos

A crust of rosemary infuses this cheese with a floral, herby aroma that complements the goat cheese's natural tanginess.

Widmer's Specialty Brick Cheese
Widmer's Specialty Brick Cheese
from United States by Widmer's Cheese Cellars

Mild with a slightly tangy finish, this specialty cheese is as versatile as it is delicious!

Provolone Piccante - Aged 12 Months
Blue di Bufala
Blue di Bufala
from Italy by Quattro Portoni

Crafted exclusively from buffalo milk this cheese offers a distinct and refined flavor profile.

Reading Raclette Cheese | Gourmet Food Store
Reading Raclette
from United States by Spring Brook Farms

An American take on the iconic Alpine cheese, this Raclette offers savory flavors with a nutty finish.

Julianna Herbed Goat Cheese
Julianna Herbed Goat Cheese
from United States by Capriole

This tangy, herb-infused goat’s milk cheese is a must-have addition to your next charcuterie board or cheese tray.

Jake's Baby Gouda - Aged 2 Months
Jake's Baby Gouda - Aged 2 Months
from United States by Jake’s Gouda

Softer and smoother than its aged counterpart, this baby gouda is a delicate and delicious addition to the cheeseboard.

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Like all cheeses, semi hard varieties are made by separating curds from whey. While hard cheeses lose all the moisture that can be pressed from them, semi cheeses are allowed to retain slightly more. This additional moisture adds a creamy quality to the cheeses. Many of the wheels in this category are covered, whether that be in a wax rind, like Gouda or Cheddar, or cloth, like Red Leicester or Caerphilly. These coverings serve many purposes, but chief among them is to help with moisture control. Wax and cloth help prevent over-evaporation, keeping your cheeses sliceable yet yielding.

Types of Semi Hard Cheese

The world of semi hard cheeses is wide and varied: popular for their typically mild profile, their dense yet yielding texture, and their excellent meltability, these cheeses are the workhorses of the kitchen. Some of the most popular in the world, iconic cheeses like Cheddar, Asiago, Cantal, Comte, Edam, Gruyere, Idiazabal, Jarlsberg, Mahon, and Manchego are all examples of this diverse category.

Palate-pleasing, mild, and flavorful, they are perfect for a long list of applications - a gourmet cheese board or dessert cheese plate, layered into sandwiches or melted into a classic au gratin. The type of cheese you can easily take on a picnic in the Spring or melt into fondue in the Winter - perfect for every season and occasion! We source our wheels from artisan producers who take pride in their craft and produce delicious cheeses. Shop our carefully curated selection and enjoy some of the best cheeses on the market!

Purchasing from Gourmet Food Store

At Gourmet Food Store, we pride ourselves on sourcing the best available. Offering a carefully curated selection: our easy-to-navigate website is one of the premier online resources for luxury ingredients. Order your favorites from the comfort of your home, and thanks to our expedited shipping services, enjoy them as soon as tomorrow!

Semi Hard Cheese Questions And Answers

Q:Can Semi Hard Cheese be Frozen?
A:

We do not recommend freezing this type of cheese. Because this variety has a higher water content, freezing has a more profound effect. The water crystallizes, and when the cheese thaws, it will be grainy and have lost its creamy texture.

Q:How should I store semi-hard cheese?
A:

When storing cheese, wrap it in wax paper. Avoid plastic wrap, as this can trap moisture and cause molding. Store your wrapped cheese in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator. These steps will help maintain each wedge at its best.

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