The Cheesemonger’s Notes
A traditionally made, clothbound Norfolk cheese with a smooth, smoky finish
Smoked Norfolk Dapple is a hard, cheddar-style cheese made in Norfolk by Ferndale Farm. It has a smooth, creamy texture with a gentle smoked flavour and a subtle nutty finish, making it a rich but balanced addition to a cheeseboard or cooking.
Produced in Norfolk by Ferndale Farm →
Made by Ferndale Farm in Little Barningham, North Norfolk, this smoked version of Norfolk Dapple builds on the character of the original cheese, introducing a gentle smokiness that enhances rather than overwhelms its natural flavour.
After maturation, the cheese is lightly smoked to create a delicate balance between the creamy, savoury notes of the base cheese and the warm, aromatic qualities of the smoke. The process is carefully controlled, allowing the smoke to complement the cheese’s character rather than dominate it.
The texture remains firm and lightly crumbly, breaking cleanly while retaining a satisfying density. On the palate, the flavour opens with familiar creamy, nutty notes before the smokiness emerges—subtle, rounded, and warming. The finish is long and comforting, with a gentle savoury depth that makes it incredibly moreish.
The smoking process adds an extra dimension without masking the identity of the cheese itself, preserving the connection to the milk, the farm, and the landscape from which it comes. It is a perfect example of how traditional cheesemaking techniques can be enhanced through thoughtful, restrained intervention.
Cut to order at The Norfolk Deli, every piece is prepared fresh to ensure the best possible flavour and condition.
Perfect Pairings
• Apple chutney or caramelised onion chutney
• Crusty sourdough or oatcakes
• Norfolk ales, especially darker styles
• Crisp cider or medium-bodied red wines
Ideal Uses
• A distinctive addition to a Norfolk cheeseboard
• Excellent in toasties or grilled sandwiches
• Grated into savoury dishes for added depth
• Served simply with bread and chutney
Why We Stock It
This smoked version of Norfolk Dapple offers something both familiar and different—retaining the farmhouse character of the original while introducing an extra layer of flavour. It reflects Ferndale Farm’s commitment to quality and their ability to enhance tradition without losing authenticity.
It is cheeses like this that show the versatility and creativity of Norfolk
Not sure if this is the right cheese for you?
Read our Hard Cheese Guide or learn how to talk to your cheesemonger cheesemaking.
