Dutch Cheeses

The Netherlands is more than just that tulips and windmills. It is a country known for its delicious cheeses.

If you are a cheese lover, it is time to discover the rich flavors of the Dutch cheeses and history.

Strong cheese culture

The Netherlands is a country with a rich cheese culture. Whether you prefer the classic Gouda, the traditional Maasdamer or the stronger goat cheese, there is a Dutch cheese to suit all tastes.

So next time you visit Amsterdam, don't forget to explore the city's (country's) cheese world and discover the amazing flavors that await you.

These ten cheeses are just a small part of the rich cheese tradition that the Netherlands has to offer.

1. Gouda
   Gouda is perhaps the most famous Dutch cheese internationally. It is named after the town of Gouda, but is produced throughout the country. It has a rich, creamy flavor that sharpens as it ages.

2. Edam
   Edam is another famous Dutch cheese known for its round shape and red waxy rind. It has a mild and slightly nutty flavor and becomes firmer with age.

3. Maasdam
   Maasdam is known for its large holes and its sweet taste. It is similar to Swiss cheese and is excellent in sandwiches and on cheese platters.

4. Leiden
   Leyden, or Leidse kaas, is seasoned with cumin, which gives it a distinct flavor. It is firm in texture and popular both in the Netherlands and internationally.

5. Farmer's cheese
   Boerenkaas means "farm cheese" and is a traditional raw milk gouda made from milk from the farms' own cows. Each cheese is unique as it reflects the specific milk and production method of each farm.

6. Frisian Clove Cheese
   This cheese from Friesland contains whole cloves and sometimes cumin, which gives it a very distinct and strong flavor.

7. Limburger
   Although this cheese is more associated with Belgium and Germany, it is also produced in the Dutch Limburg. It is well known for its strong smell and creamy texture.

8. Romano
   Roomano is an extra-aged cheese with a very intense flavor, sometimes described as a mix between Parmesan and aged Gouda.

9. Cumin cheese
   Komijnekaas is a variant of Gouda with added caraway seeds, which gives it a distinct and slightly spicy taste.

10. Goat cheese
    Geitenkaas is Dutch goat cheese and comes in many varieties, from mild and creamy to strong and aged. It is particularly popular in salads and as part of cheese platters.

Whether you prefer a mild and creamy cheese or a strong and distinct variety, there are Dutch cheeses to suit all tastes.

Enjoy these delights on a cheese board, in cooking, or as they are – a celebration of Dutch culture and craftsmanship.

Cheese shops and restaurants in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a paradise for cheese lovers. The town is filled with cheese shops where you can taste a wide variety of Dutch cheeses.

Many restaurants in the city also offers menus rich in cheese-based dishes, enabling visitors to experience the full breadth of Dutch cheese flavors.

Amsterdam Cheese Museum