Edam Cheese 101: A Mild Classic That Can Elevate Any Dish in 2025
Edam cheese has been enjoyed and even treasured for centuries. With its distinctive rind and ball-like shape, it’s unmistakable. Originally from the Netherlands, this cheese has been around since the 1400s and retains the name of the town where it was first made.
If you've never tried this mild cheese before, you're missing out on everything this versatile Dutch classic has to offer. That’s why we’ve put together this easy guide to help you get to know Edam a little better. We’ll cover everything, from where to buy Edam cheese to Edam cheese’s pronunciation and even an Edam cheese vs cheddar comparison, plus plenty of delicious ways to use it in your kitchen.
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- What Is Edam Cheese?
- How to Eat Edam Cheese
- Best Edam Cheese Recipes
- Is Edam Cheese a Healthy Cheese?
- Edam Cheese FAQs
What Is Edam Cheese?
The Dutch have been making Edam since the 14th century and shipping it around the world since the 1600s. It gets its name from the small port town of Edam in North Holland. Edam cheese’s pronunciation is either said as “AY-dam” or "EE-dam", with the emphasis on the first syllable.
The History of Edam cheese
Cheesemaking in the Netherlands, which is part of modern-day Holland, became popular between 1350 and 1500. As much of the swampy land was drained, it turned out to be more suitable for dairy farming than for growing grain. The Dutch needed to produce things they could sell to pay for the grain they had to import, which is why the culture of cheesemaking began.
The fertile land around the town made it ideal for cattle farming, giving local cheesemakers plenty of rich, creamy milk to work with. Over time, they developed their own cheesemaking techniques and by the 1500s, Edam’s cheese market had become a major part of the town’s economy. Farmers and traders would bring their cheeses by boat to local markets, helping Edam grow into a major cheese-trading hub.
According to research by Vice, in the 1600s and 1700s, Edam cheese became one of the Netherlands’ most popular exports because it was easy to store, didn’t spoil quickly and could handle different temperatures.
Dutch sailors packed it on their ships as a reliable food source, which helped introduce Edam cheese to people all over the world. Its mild, slightly nutty flavor made it a hit in Europe and beyond. In fact, during the Age of Exploration, Edam was one of the most widely consumed cheeses on the planet.
One of Edam cheese’s most distinctive features is its ball-like shape. Most cheeses are either made in rectangular blocks or wheels with straight sides and a flat top and bottom. A ball shape is much more difficult to press a cheese into because the chances of it misforming are quite high. However, Edam cheese has always come in round balls because this shape was convenient for shipping cheese overseas in the days before refrigeration.
Nowadays, you can find most commercially made Edam cheese in block form. Blocks can be stacked and packed tightly together for modern storage and transport. Plus, they’re easy to slice and grate as well.
Although it originated in the Netherlands, Edam is now also made in parts of Spain, North America and South America. It's a great cheese for people who enjoy softer textures and milder flavors, especially younger eaters. And if you’re looking to try it for yourself, just type in “Edam cheese near me” and you’ll likely find it at specialty cheese shops or in the deli section of well-stocked grocery stores.
What Type of Cheese is Edam Cheese?
Edam is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk. Among other things, it’s known for its smooth, pale-yellow appearance and its gentle, nutty and slightly salty flavor. Thanks to it being made with skim or partly skimmed milk, Edam has less fat than many other cheeses, which makes it a lighter option.
Young Edam has a springy and smooth texture and then becomes drier and slightly crumbly as it ages, but still slices easily. If you're a fan of milder cheeses like Chihuahua cheese, you might enjoy the soft Edam cheese taste when it's young. And if you like something sharper, look for something aged a little longer. In the Netherlands, Edam cheese is mostly yellow but for export, it’s given a protective red paraffin layer, with various wax colors indicating different flavors or aging levels.
For instance, if it comes with a green wax, this means the cheese is blended with herbs, while brown wax signals peppercorn flavor and orange wax means it’s been seasoned with cumin. If you spot black wax, that’s a sign of mature Edam, which has been aged for about six months. This version is firmer and drier, with a more intense flavor.
The wax does the same job as the natural rind found on other cheeses. It helps Edam cheese develop texture and flavor whilst maintaining moisture as it matures. You can also find low-fat and vegetarian versions that come in the same familiar red wax coating as the classic kind.
The wax is waterproof and preserves the cheese so that it keeps fresh for a long time — up to three years, to be exact. What’s more, if your Edam cheese comes from the original region of Edam in the Netherlands, it will be labeled Noord-Hollandse Edammer.
How is Edam Cheese Made?
The process of making Edam starts with pasteurized cow’s milk and natural animal rennet, which helps the milk curdle. Once the curds are formed, they’re cut up and separated from the whey. Removing most of the whey helps concentrate the flavor and gives Edam its signature texture without making it sour or bitter.
Next, the curds are placed into molds or pressed into their round shape. After that, they’re soaked in a salt brine, which adds flavor and keeps harmful bacteria away. Then, the cheese is left to mature on wooden shelves. Some younger versions age for about a month, while others can develop for up to a year. Most traditional Edam cheeses are free of additives and preservatives, so they’re usually gluten-free. However, if you’re vegetarian, make sure to check the label as some Edam is made with animal rennet, which may not be suitable.
What Does Edam Cheese Taste Like?
The Edam cheese taste is so unique that it can only be described as a smooth balance of mild, nutty and gently salty flavors that evolves over time. When it’s young, Edam cheese has a creamy, delicate flavor with just a whisper of nuttiness. The texture is soft and springy, making it easy to slice and melt into your favorite dishes.
As it ages, the flavor becomes bolder, sharper, tangier and more complex, while the texture turns firmer and slightly crumbly. You’ll notice the once-subtle saltiness taking on a more pronounced role, complemented by richer, deeper notes that still hold onto that signature mellow creaminess.
Unlike cheeses with higher fat content, Edam cheese contains around 28% milkfat, giving it a lighter, cleaner taste compared to something like Gruyère cheese, which tends to be richer and earthier. That makes Edam a great choice for people who prefer a subtler cheese that still delivers flavor and versatility.
Thanks to the quality of milk from pasture-raised Dutch cows, Edam’s taste remains consistent and smooth, whether you're pairing it with fruit, melting it into sauces or serving it on a cheese board next to complementary cheeses.
What Is Edam Cheese Similar To?
At first glance, Edam cheese looks similar to white cheddar cheese and for good reason. Both are semi-hard cheeses that slice easily, melt beautifully and are natural companions.
But when you’re looking for a substitute for Edam cheese, a few semi-hard varieties come to mind. The closest match you'll find is Gouda cheese, which has remarkably similar qualities to Edam cheese. Both offer that perfect balance of creamy and firm textures that make them so versatile in cooking.
If you’re craving something with a little more bite, Cheddar is a popular alternative. While sharper and more assertive than Edam cheese, aged cheddar offers its own delicious character. You’ll taste flavors like caramelized butter and nutty undertones, which can complement or stand out in everything from sandwiches to baked dishes. Ultimately, your taste preference is what matters when it comes to the Edam cheese vs cheddar debate.
How to Eat Edam Cheese
There are many ways to enjoy Edam cheese. It’s delicious to eat on its own or melted on sandwiches and burgers, for example. For an easy appetizer, arrange Edam slices on a board with fresh tomatoes, crisp apple wedges and a sprinkle of aged Parmesan.
You can also shred it over pasta dishes, scalloped potatoes or breakfast casseroles for instant creaminess. Edam also dices beautifully for salads. You can toss the cubes with smoked salmon over mixed greens or add them to a grain bowl for extra protein and flavor.
What Is Edam Cheese Used For?
Edam's mild, slightly sweet flavor makes it perfect for many applications. It's not too strong or overwhelming, but still has enough character to make dishes interesting. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge and is easy to work with in recipes. When it comes to drinks, Edam is a friendly cheese that pairs well with many options.
White wines like Josh Cellars’ pinot grigio, riesling or sauvignon blanc complement its mild flavor nicely. Light to medium reds like Beaujolais or malbec also work well. Beer lovers are covered, too, as Edam pairs nicely with American lagers, Belgian ales, pale ales or even a rich porter like Founders Brewing Co.’s ale porter.
Best Edam Cheese Recipes
Looking for easy and tasty ways to use Edam cheese? These simple recipes bring out its flavor beautifully in dishes that work for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Spinach and Edam-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
For this dish, tender chicken breasts are filled with creamy Edam cheese and fresh spinach, then baked and topped with a flavorful white wine and herb sauce. It’s great for a dinner party or when you want to serve something special. Pair it with roasted veggies like carrots, asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a wholesome side.
Crispy Fried Edam Cheese with Mashed Potatoes
A favorite summer meal in parts of Europe, this fried Edam cheese dish is both simple and satisfying. Start by soaking Edam cheese in cold water, then coat it in flour, beaten eggs and breadcrumbs.
Pop the breaded cheese into the freezer for a few minutes to help it hold its shape, then fry until golden and crisp on both sides. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes and a refreshing Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives and a little feta to bring everything together.
Is Edam Cheese a Healthy Cheese?
The good news is that Edam cheese brings more to the table than just great taste. It's packed with calcium, which helps keep your bones and teeth strong and it delivers a good dose of protein, which your body needs for building and repairing cells. When comparing Edam cheese vs Gouda in terms of health benefits, both offer similar nutritional profiles, though Edam tends to be slightly lower in calories and fat.
This makes Edam a great middle-ground option if you're watching your weight but don't want to sacrifice flavor. Like most cheeses, Edam does contain saturated fat, so it's best enjoyed in moderate portions. The key is balance; a few slices on your sandwich or a modest portion in your favorite recipe lets you enjoy all the benefits without overdoing it.
Edam Cheese FAQs
Is Babybel the Same as Edam?
Not exactly, but they’re closely related. Babybel is a French cheese that takes its inspiration from Edam. It shares a similar flavor profile and the same red wax coating but there are a few key differences.
For starters, Babybel is made with vegetarian rennet instead of animal rennet, which makes it suitable for lacto-vegetarians. It also has a slightly softer texture than traditional Edam. While Babybel is often described as Edam-style cheese, it’s really its own twist on the original.
What Is So Special About Edam Cheese?
Edam stands out for a few reasons. For one, it comes in different wax colors and has a characteristic ball shape that’s different from other cheeses. It’s firm yet smooth and it doesn’t spoil easily. Edam has been a prized export of the Netherlands for centuries and is associated with the expansion of Dutch influence around the world.
Are Gouda and Edam the Same?
While both cheeses hail from the same country and share some similarities, the Edam cheese vs Gouda debate reveals some interesting differences that are worth knowing about. Edam is a sweet curd cheese made from part-skimmed milk and is usually packaged in a waxy red or black skin.
Gouda is also a sweet curd cheese from Holland, but from the southwest region of Amsterdam and is usually sold with a thinner yellow skin. Edam cheese is made from part-skimmed milk, giving it a firmer, semi-hard texture and a milder flavor, while Gouda tends to be creamier and richer because it's made from whole milk.
Now that you know where to buy Edam cheese, its history and how to incorporate it into your everyday meals, it's time to bring this Dutch classic into your own kitchen. Its mild personality makes it perfect for cheese newcomers, while it's versatile enough to impress even the most seasoned cheese lovers.
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