[2] Edam is traditionally sold in flat-ended spheres with a pale yellow interior and a coat, or rind, of red paraffin wax.

A ball of cheese is cut in half and carved out; it is then stuffed with a mixture of seasoned ground meat, raisins, capers, and olives.

It is often used as the base of the snack smažený sýr ("fried cheese"),[9] which is popular in the country and also in neighbouring Slovakia (Slovak: vyprážaný syr) where it may be served with a slice of ham (Slovak: so šunkou),[10] and always with tartar sauce (tatarská omáčka) or mayonnaise.

Generally, it is Edam cheese that is used for cooking kaasstengels, a snack that is served during Eid ul-Fitr, Christmas, and Chinese New Year.

[12] Other Indonesian dishes such as roti bakar, kue cubit and pannenkoek can be served with Edam cheese as a topping.

In the novel All Quiet on the Western Front, the main character believes its red outer covering is a sign of impending death.