Best Hard & Semi-Hard Cheese of 2025

Kiera Browne Avatar
Kiera Browne
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025

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Hard and semi-hard cheese are popular types of cheese known for their firm texture and robust flavour. These cheeses are typically aged for longer periods of time, which allows them to develop more complex flavours and aromas. Hard cheese varieties include cheddar, parmesan, and gouda, while semi-hard cheeses include Swiss, provolone, and manchego. These cheeses are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to pasta dishes. Their long shelf life also makes them a convenient addition to any pantry.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Snowdonia Cheese Company Premium Deli Gift Box Cover #TOP 1
Snowdonia Cheese Company Premium Deli Gift Box
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Napolina Grated Cheese for Various Dishes Cover #TOP 2
Napolina Grated Cheese for Various Dishes
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Snowdonia Black Bomber Cheese 200g Cover #TOP 3
Snowdonia Black Bomber Cheese 200g
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 4 Hard & Semi-Hard Cheese

#TOP 1 Best Cheese

Snowdonia Cheese Company Premium Deli Gift Box

Snowdonia Cheese Company Premium Deli Gift Box Cover
Snowdonia Cheese Company | Premium Deli Gift Box | 6 Luxury Welsh Cheeses | Black Bomber Cheddar Cheese and more

The Snowdonia Cheese Gift Box features award-winning cheeses encased in attractive jewel-coloured wax. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also preserves the cheese's delicious taste and moisture. Made from high-quality ingredients crafted in the heart of Wales, these rich and creamy cheeses are perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests. Additionally, the gift box includes a duo of hand-crafted chutneys, elevating your cheese experience with delightful flavours that pair wonderfully.

What We Like
Award-winning cheese selection
Beautifully presented gift box
High-quality Welsh ingredients
Includes tasty chutneys

Napolina Grated Cheese for Various Dishes

20956
50 g (Pack of 1)
Napolina Grated Cheese for Various Dishes Cover
Napolina Grated Cheese, 50g

Napolina Grated Cheese is a versatile addition to your kitchen. This grated dried medium-fat cheese is perfect for sprinkling over pasta, meat, soups, and antipasti, enhancing the flavours of your dishes. Sourced within the EU, you can trust the quality of this cheese. With ingredients that include milk and egg, it provides a delicious and convenient way to add a cheesy touch to your meals.

What We Like
Versatile for many dishes
Easy to use
Sourced from within the EU
Medium-fat option
Contains quality ingredients
#TOP 3

Snowdonia Black Bomber Cheese 200g

6257
200 g (Pack of 2)
Snowdonia Black Bomber Cheese 200g Cover
2 x Snowdonia Little Black Bomber 200g

Snowdonia Black Bomber Cheese offers an award-winning flavour that is both rich and creamy, making it a delightful addition to your meals. Crafted in Wales using high-quality Welsh milk, this artisanal cheese is not only full of character but also perfect for various dishes. Its sharp and tangy taste, complemented by a smooth texture, ensures that it will impress your guests. Whether you enjoy it on crackers or melted over a burger, this cheese is a versatile choice for any occasion.

What We Like
Award-winning flavour
Handcrafted in Wales
Versatile ingredient for dishes
Sharp and tangy taste
Eye-catching for cheese boards

Parmigiano Reggiano PDO Original Cheese 1kg

0000
1 kg (Pack of 1)
Parmigiano Reggiano PDO Original Cheese 1kg Cover
Parmigiano Reggiano D O P Parmesan Cheese - Original - 1kg

The Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is an exceptional choice for any kitchen. Made from 16 litres of premium milk, it ensures the highest quality and rich flavour. Known as the "King of cheeses", it is irreplaceable for enhancing your culinary creations. You will appreciate its 100% natural ingredients, as it contains no additives or preservatives, making it a healthier option for your meals. This cheese delivers a distinctive taste, perfect for grating over pasta or enjoying on its own.

What We Like
High-quality cheese from renowned producers
Rich flavour enhances culinary dishes
100% natural ingredients, no additives
Perfect for grating and snacking
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is hard and semi hard cheese?

Gouda, Edam, Emmental, Parmesan, Maasdam and Gruyère are are examples of popular semi-hard and hard cheese varieties.

2. What is semi hard cheese?

A perfect balance of moisture and aridity, these cheeses provide a firm, slightly springy texture with a delicate blend of savoury and tangy flavours. Usually dense in consistency, the cheese is often made by compressing curds into a solid, draining them of any remaining whey in the process.

3. What is the difference between semi-soft and semi hard cheese?

The difference between semi-hard and semi-soft cheese is one of moisture: Semi-soft cheese contains more than 45% water, while semi-hard cheeses contain 30% to 45%. A cheese can start as semi-soft, then move to semi-hard via aging, which evaporates the moisture.

Editor's Notes

During our hard & semi-hard cheese research, we found 112 hard & semi-hard cheese products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 23,593 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hard & semi-hard cheese list. We found that most customers choose hard & semi-hard cheese with an average price of £20.00.

The hard & semi-hard cheese are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hard & semi-hard cheese, including Snowdonia Cheese Company, Napolina, Parmigiano Reggiano PDO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 452 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.

Written by
Kiera Browne Avatar

Kiera Browne served as chef and caterer in Purslane Restaurant for three years before establishing her restaurant. Kiera now owns two restaurants and a culinary school all over the United Kingdom. Kiera has featured in magazines and editorials, providing recipes for various dishes. Using her skills and knowledge in the culinary field, Kiera has published few pamphlets on preparing various cuisines.