Red Dragon stands out with its bold red wax, but the excitement doesn’t stop there, wait til you see the inside.
Those speckles? They’re mustard seeds, bringing a punch of flavor and a delightful texture. If you’re a fan of bold cheeses, this one’s a must-try!
Quick Facts About Red Dragon
Type of Cheese: Semi-Soft Cheddar
Milk Type: Cow, Pasteurized
Type of Rennet Typically Used: Vegetarian
Origin: Wales, UK
Aging: Around 3 months
Price Range (lb): $15-$25
Availability: Widely available, in specialty cheese shops and grocery stores
Name Controlled?: No
So What Does Red Dragon Taste Like?
Red Dragon is a flavor bomb in the best way possible. It’s got that smooth, creamy cheddar base, but then—boom—you get the little pops of mustard seeds that bring a tangy, slightly spicy kick. And because it’s made with ale, there’s this subtle malty richness that rounds everything out.
It’s bold but balanced, with just the right amount of heat and depth to keep you coming back for another bite. Perfect for snacking, melting, or just eating straight off the board like an absolute cheese fiend.
How to Serve Red Dragon & What to Pair it With
Because it’s a semi-soft cheese, it’s fairly easy to cut and serve Red Dragon.
Start by removing the bright red wax rind -it’s not edible! It peals very easily, and it’s quite satisfying!
A sharp chef’s or paring knife will give you clean cuts with minimal effort. When it comes to serving, you’ve got plenty of options! I like to keep it simple with cubes—those mustard seed speckles already make it pop on a cheese board. But if you’re feeling a little fancy, try cutting it into small triangles to really highlight the texture.
Pairing Recommendations
Red Dragon pairs nicely with hearty whole-grain crackers, crusty baguettes, and salty cured meats like prosciutto or chorizo. It’s mustardy kick shines alongside tangy cornichons or whole-grain mustard.
For drinks, a malty ale or hoppy IPA enhances its ale-infused richness, while a smooth whiskey or crisp apple cider balances its bold flavors.
If you’re reaching for wine, a lightly oaked Chardonnay, dry Riesling, or fruity Pinot Noir will complement its creamy texture and subtle spice.
Fun Fact
Red Dragon takes its name from the Y Ddraig Goch (The Red Dragon), the iconic symbol on the Welsh flag.
Despite its bold mustard seed kick, it’s not super spicy—just packed with flavor. Plus, it’s ale-infused creaminess makes it one of the few cheeses that’s basically made to be enjoyed with a pint of beer.
History & Origins
Red Dragon is a Welsh cheddar made with cow’s milk, blended with whole mustard seeds and ale for a bold, tangy flavor.
It originates from Wales and is produced by the Abergavenny Fine Foods company. Inspired by traditional Welsh cheesemaking, it combines the country’s love for cheddar-style cheeses with its rich brewing heritage.
Recipes to Try with Red Dragon
One of the easiest ways to cook with Red Dragon is to simply melt it on top of a burger!
But here are some more inspired uses of the cheese:
Red Dragon Nutritional Facts
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 9g (5g saturated)
- Cholesterol: 25 mg (8%)
- Sodium: 210 mg (9%)
- Protein: 7g
- Calcium: 180 mg (15%)
Alternatives to Red Dragon
- Cotswold
- Similar creamy cheddar base, but instead of mustard seeds, it’s packed with chives and onions for a more savory, herbaceous flavor.
- Y-Fenni
- Almost identical in style, since it’s another Welsh cheddar with mustard seeds and ale, but often has a slightly sharper bite and a bit more tang.
- Tintern
- Still a Welsh cheddar, but instead of mustard and ale, it’s blended with chives and shallots, giving it a milder, more garlicky flavor.