Semi Hard Cheese
Some of the most iconic cheeses in the world fall into the semi hard category. Offering mild, buttery profiles punctuated by nutty, savory notes of flavor, it's no wonder they're popular. Here, you’ll never find anything too tangy - like fresh cheeses - or too salty - like hard cheeses. With something for everyone, this versatile class of cheese is loved for its sliceable, meltable characteristics. Discover old favorites and new picks from our tasty selection below!
29 - 56 of 72 products
Murcia al Vino
from Spain
by Palancares
Made from the milk of Spanish Murciano-Granadina goats, Murcia al Vino is firm, buttery and full-bodied.
5(2 reviews)
Purple Moon - Wine Soaked Cheddar
from United States
by Fiscalini
A delightful purple-rinded cheddar that's been soaked in a Californian Cabernet for a unique, fruity finish
5(1 review)
Monterey Jack - Aged 10 Months
from United States
by Vella Cheese
A classic American cheese, dry-aged 10 months for a firm, straw-hued paste and sweet nutty flavor.
5(1 review)
Cacio de Roma
from Italy
by Sini
A sheep's milk cheese bathed in sea salt and aged in wood cellars for thirty days.
5(1 review)
Provolone Cheese Slices
from United States
by Great Lakes Cheese
One of Americas' most beloved sandwich cheeses, this Provolone is mild, delicious and convenient!
3(1 review)
French Raclette
from France
by Fromi
A winter favorite in France and Switzerland, this semi-hard cow's milk cheese is often enjoyed melted over breads, meats and other dishes.
Beaufort
from France
by Schmidhauser
An alpine cheese from Savoie made from specially-cared for Tarine cows.
Gouda Cheese
from United States
by Wisconsin Gold
A buttery-flavored Gouda with firm yet creamy texture, made within our own shores
Kefalotiri Cheese
from Greece
by Krinos
Salty and tangy, this beloved sheep's milk Greek cheese melts beautifully and is a great addition to the cheese board.
Prima Donna Fino
from Netherlands
by Cheeseland
A Dutch cheese made in the Italian tradition, this is a wonderful cow's milk cheese with nutty flavors similar to parmesan.
Petit Agour Reserve - Raw Milk
from France
by Agour
An extra-aged award-winning sheep's milk cheese from the Pyrenees mountains, with a firm texture and a nutty and grassy flavor.
Smoked Cheddar
from United States
by Fiscalini
A caramel-hued cheddar smoked over local apple, cherry and hickory wood chips for a rustic, woodsy flavor.
About Semi Hard Cheese
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 hard 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 semi hard 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, semi hard 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 of cheese.
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 semi hard cheese. Because this category of cheese 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 or cheese 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 the cheese you buy at its best.