Leicestershire, England · United Kingdom
Red Leicester.
Red Leicester glows russet-gold on the plate, its cloth-bound rind promising a cheese that's slightly crumblier than its Cheddar cousin. Bite into it and discover a gentle nuttiness—like toasted hazelnuts melting with butter—that deepens into caramel sweetness as it ages, all wrapped in a creamy, almost honeyed warmth.
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The story
How it's made.
Why it tastes that way.
Red Leicester has been made in Leicestershire since the 17th century. Its distinctive brick-red color comes from annatto, originally added to distinguish it from Cheddar.
During WWII production ceased and the cheese was made in a 'White Leicester' form; the red color was reintroduced post-war. It is slightly crumblier and nuttier than Cheddar.
Production · spec
- Milk
- Cow · pasteurised
- Family
- Hard
- Rind
- cloth
- Age
- 2–12 mo
- Intensity
Tasting profile
What it tastes like.
Caseo's flavour axes are drawn from each cheese's flavour and aroma profile. This is Red Leicester's fingerprint.
Aroma
Nutrition · per 100g serving
What's in a wedge.
A 100g serving — about a finger-thick wedge. Daily values use the FDA 2020 reference of 2,000 kcal. Expect ±5% variation between wheels.
Estimated values — based on similar cheese family data
Serve, cut & store
Out of the fridge,
into its prime.
Guidance for hard cheeses — general practice, not a per-wheel measurement.
Rest
Take it out about 30–60 min before serving — cold stiffens the fat and locks up the aromas; cool room temperature is when the flavour shows up.
Cut
Use a sturdy knife, or break it into craggy chunks with a spike — shards and shavings beat neat slices.
Store
Wrap leftovers in cheese paper or wax paper — never cling film, which suffocates the rind — and keep them in the warmest part of the fridge.
Rule of thumb: the softer and riper, the longer it needs. Thick pieces need longer than thin — and don't leave cheese out much past two hours.
Pairings · Caseo curated
What goes with Red.
50 pairings across 8 categories.
Wine
Beer & Cider
Where to find it
Cheese counters.
Counter listings for Red Leicester are being verified. Check back soon.
Verified counter listings coming soon. Our team updates listings monthly.
Substitutes
No Red Leicester at the counter?.
These will play a similar role on the board and in the pan.
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