Leerdammer

Leerdammer is a delightful Dutch semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, with an aging process that ranges from 3 to 12 months. It boasts a creamy white texture and aims to emulate the beloved Emmental cheese, but with its own distinctive, rounder flavor profile. As it ages, Leerdammer's sweet and slightly nutty taste becomes more pronounced, and it develops its characteristic holes.

This cheese is exclusively produced by Groupe Bel and is trademarked by Bel Leerdammer B.V. Production takes place in Schoonrewoerd, located in the municipality of Leerdam, which is the namesake of Leerdammer. Generic versions of this cheese are often labeled as Maasdam cheese.

Leerdammer was the brainchild of Cees Boterkooper and Bastiaan Baars, who introduced it in 1977 as a competitor to traditional cheeses like Gouda and Edam. Today, Leerdammer is available in supermarkets across Europe, Russia, and the United States.

Groupe Bel also operates a second factory in Dalfsen, in the eastern province of Overijssel, with additional production taking place in France. Whether enjoyed in a sandwich or on a cheese platter, Leerdammer is a versatile and delicious choice for cheese lovers.