Where Red Leicester Cheese Began

Red Leicester cheese has been made in Leicestershire since the 17th century. It was originally crafted by local farmers to use up excess milk left over from the production of Stilton. Rather than waste the milk, cheesemakers turned it into a hard cow’s milk cheese.

Back then, it was called ‘Leicestershire Cheese’ and had a natural pale colour. The tradition of colouring it red started in the 18th century. Dairy farmers began adding annatto, a natural dye made from the seeds of the achiote tree. This gave the cheese its deep orange hue and helped it stand out among other cheeses on the market.

The choice to include annatto was also a clever way to make the cheese look creamier and richer during times when the milk quality varied. That bold reddish colour quickly became its trademark and is still a defining feature of Red Leicester today.

The Taste of Red Leicester

Red Leicester is a hard cheese, but it’s known for being quite crumbly in texture. It has a mellow, slightly sweet and nutty flavour that deepens as it matures. The longer it is aged, the firmer and more intense the flavour becomes.

We find that young Red Leicester is smooth and creamy, often described as a milder version of Cheddar. It works well in sandwiches or on toast, where it melts beautifully. Mature Red Leicester, on the other hand, has a more savoury bite, richer texture and makes a great addition to a cheeseboard.

Unlike some strong cheeses that can overpower the senses, Red Leicester’s balanced flavour makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to see why it continues to be a beloved choice throughout the UK and beyond.

How Red Leicester is Made

Red Leicester is made using cow’s milk, which is pasteurised and then blended with rennet to begin the curdling process. Once curds are separated from the whey, they’re cut into small pieces and heated. The curds are drained, stacked and then milled a process that gives the cheese its crumbly texture.

Before pressing, orange annatto is added, which turns the cheese its iconic red colour. The cheese is then left to mature for anything between three and twelve months depending on the desired flavour strength.

At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we source high-quality artisan cheeses, including Red Leicester made by traditional methods. These handmade options often have more character and depth than mass-produced versions.

A Cheese with Colourful Character

That striking reddish-orange colour isn’t just for looks. It gives the cheese a bit of personality and makes it easy to spot on any cheeseboard or shelf. Some people mistakenly think it’s an artificial colour, but the annatto used is a natural plant product that gives no extra flavour, so the cheese itself still tastes as it should.

Red Leicester is often compared to Cheddar because of its firm texture and similar base taste, but it is usually more moist, slightly crumblier, and has a sweeter finish.

We see more and more people looking for cheeses that feel less ordinary. Red Leicester has enough charm to be comforting but also different enough to impress with taste and texture.

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Red Leicester

Red Leicester is as versatile as it is tasty. It fits seamlessly into your everyday meals or can stand proudly on a gourmet cheeseboard. Here are our favourite ways to enjoy it:

In Cooking

Mild and creamy varieties of Red Leicester are perfect for grating over pasta, loading into a toastie or using in cheese sauces. It melts smoothly and adds a lovely golden colour to any recipe.

Try it in macaroni cheese, mixed into a shepherd’s pie topping or folded into omelettes for a twist on the usual cheddar.

On the Cheeseboard

Pair aged, firmer Red Leicester with strong chutneys, pickled onions, or a wedge of apple for a classic flavour combo. It stands well next to creamy blue and soft goat cheeses.

We often arrange cheeseboards at our shop using a mix of local products, and Red Leicester is always a favourite for its standout look and bold taste.

In Sandwiches

One of the simplest and tastiest uses is in a sandwich with crusty bread, slices of tomato and a little pickle. It also pairs beautifully with roast beef or pulled pork thanks to its mature savoury tones.

Food and Drink Pairings with Red Leicester

Food and drink pairings can take your cheese appreciation to a new level. Red Leicester pairs well with rich, fruity, and slightly spicy items. Here are a few reliable matches:

Drinks

• Beer: Red Leicester pairs well with pale ales or traditional bitters that balance the cheese’s earthiness.
• Cider: A medium-sweet cider highlights the salty sweetness and freshness of a young Red Leicester.
• Wine: For more mature Red Leicester, opt for a Cabernet Sauvignon or a fruity Merlot. Both complement the nutty strength of the aged cheese.
• Tea: A bold English Breakfast tea paired with a wedge of Red Leicester brings a comforting, earthy blend of flavours.

Foods

• Chutneys and pickles: Sweet and tangy accompaniments work best with the nutty flavour of mature Red Leicester.
• Fruit: Try apple, pear, or grapes alongside Red Leicester. They bring freshness and juiciness to the palate.
• Crackers or bread: The cheese’s firm texture stands up well to crusty bread or water biscuits.

We always recommend asking us in-store for the ideal matches. Our team at Cheese Shop Nantwich is happy to help create fun and easy pairing ideas to suit any occasion.

What Makes Artisan Red Leicester Special

Mass-produced cheese often lacks the personal touch and variety in flavour that you can get from handmade options. Artisan cheeses are produced by skilled makers who focus on quality ingredients and careful ageing processes.

Artisan Red Leicester usually uses unpasteurised milk, offering a more layered taste. It may be matured on wooden boards and turned regularly to create the perfect shape and dryness.

Visit our artisan cheese shop online to see what Red Leicester selections we have available. Shopping from trusted cheesemongers like us guarantees a fresher, more flavoursome product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Red Leicester the same as Cheddar?
No. While both are hard cow’s milk cheeses, Red Leicester has a crumbly texture, brighter colour and slightly sweet taste. Cheddar is denser and sharper.

Why is Red Leicester orange?
The red-orange colour comes from annatto, a natural food colouring made from tree seeds. It’s added during the cheese-making process and gives Red Leicester its trademark appearance.

Can I cook with Red Leicester?
Yes. It melts well, especially when young, and is great in macaroni cheese, bakes, toasties and sauces.

Does mature Red Leicester taste different?
Mature Red Leicester has a stronger, nuttier flavour and a firmer texture compared to the younger version, which is milder and creamier.

What drinks go well with Red Leicester?
Try beer, cider or a glass of deep red wine. For a non-alcoholic option, black tea or sparkling apple juice works a treat.

Taste the Real Red Leicester

Red Leicester is a celebration of British tradition, full of colour, history and flavour. Whether you like it mild and creamy or sharp and mature, it offers something special for every cheese fan. It works easily in recipes, pairs with many foods and drinks, and holds its own as the star of any cheeseboard.

We stock some of the best examples of Red Leicester at Cheese Shop Nantwich, with many coming from local and artisan producers. If you’re curious to try British cheese at its best, we invite you to explore our full artisan cheese selection online or pop into the shop.

Take a bite of Red Leicester and enjoy a little piece of cheese history with every mouthful.