Samsø: The Danish Emmentaler Cheese

There is so much more to Danish cheeses than Havarti. Read on to discover Samsø, a hidden gem from one of Denmark’s most picturesque islands.

Wedge of Samsø Danish cheese
Wedge of Samsø - Ost & Ko

Where does Samsø come from?

Samsø is a cow’s milk cheese that gets its name from the island of Samsø. It dates back to the late 19th century when the king of Denmark invited Swiss cheesemakers to teach farmers and locals the art of cheesemaking. After successfully making a cheese similar for Emmentaler, the Danish named it Samsø. 

How is Samsø made?

This pasteurised cow’s milk pressed cooked cheese comes in large wheels similar to the Swiss cheese. Unsurprisingly, it also has an elastic texture with a spattering of tiny eyes throughout its paste. Most wheels have a gorgeous golden natural rind and a bright yellow interior.

How to serve Samsø

When young, Samsø is mild and nutty with some sweet and sour notes. As the cheese ages beyond 3 months, its flavour develops to become a bit more robust and sweet. 

You can enjoy Samsø fresh as chunks or slices in a sandwich. However, just like Emmentaler, it really excels when melted in hearty dishes, or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Thank you for reading

Thank you for reading this post about yet another amazing artisanal cheese. Have you tried this cheese before? Drop us a comment below with your thoughts.

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Finally, keep scrolling to find some more cheeses and recipes that have been recommended for you. Keep it cheesy!

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