Dutch Cheese Varieties: Holiday Classics

If you spend your holiday in Holland, you can hardly miss out on good cheese. It is on the breakfast table in the morning, works as a small snack in the afternoon and tastes especially good on a cosy cheese board in the evening. This everyday presence shows how deeply cheese is rooted in Dutch food culture. On top of that there is a wide range to choose from, from mild and creamy to tangy and intense.

If you want to make your stay as authentic as possible, it is worth buying cheese at a local cheesemonger or supermarket. That way, a piece of the Netherlands ends up directly on your table and you can easily try different varieties.

Why cheese is so popular in Holland

In the Netherlands, cheese is a natural part of daily life for many people. There are good reasons for this. It is versatile, uncomplicated and suits many occasions. In the morning it goes on bread, at lunchtime in a sandwich and in the evening on a cheese board.

Many Dutch cheeses are also considered very approachable. Their flavour is well balanced and they go well with bread, grapes or a glass of wine. You do not need any prior knowledge to explore the range. A few classic varieties are enough to put together a varied selection.

Popular Dutch cheese varieties at a glance

Gouda

Gouda is probably one of the best known cheeses from Holland. Its character changes clearly depending on how long it has matured. Young Gouda usually tastes mild, soft and creamy. With longer ageing it becomes stronger, more aromatic and often firmer. This range of flavours is a big part of its appeal.

Edam

Edam is another classic and is often described as mild and fine. It is a good choice for anyone who enjoys a balanced taste. This makes it suitable both for breakfast and for a mixed cheese board.

Maasdam

You can recognise Maasdam straight away by its typical holes. In terms of flavour it is often slightly nutty and adds variety to the table. If you like cheese with gentle savoury notes, you should try this variety on your holiday in Holland.

Leyden

Leyden is a good choice for anyone who prefers a more distinctive flavour. This cheese stands out more on the palate and gives a cheese board extra depth. Together with milder varieties it creates a balanced mix.

How to put together a Dutch cheese board

A successful cheese board does not need a large number of cheeses. It is more important to choose varieties that work well together. An ideal combination includes mild, creamy and stronger cheeses. This creates variety without making the selection confusing.

• Choose two to four different varieties.
• Combine young and aged cheeses.
• Serve bread or rolls on the side.
• Add grapes or a suitable drink if you like.

In a holiday home this is an easy and atmospheric way to bring a relaxing end to the day.

Dutch cheese brings a holiday feeling to the table

Dutch cheese stands for easygoing enjoyment and that fits perfectly with a stay in the Netherlands. If you shop locally and try the familiar classics, you experience Holland in a very direct culinary way.

Often just a few well chosen cheeses are enough to make breakfast, a snack or a cheese evening feel more special. So next time you set the table in your holiday home in Holland, you might want one thing to take centre stage. A small but well chosen selection of Dutch cheeses.