Ackawi Cheese vs Škripavac Cheese

Ackawi Cheese is a soft, brined cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Škripavac Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Croatia.

What Is Ackawi Cheese?

Ackawi is a soft, brined cheese that originates from the Middle East, including countries such as Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It is made from pasteurized cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk. The cheese has a mild, milky flavor with a noticeable salty taste, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a gentle yet savory cheese experience. Its aroma is similarly mild and milky, complementing its white color. The texture is soft, making it easy to slice and use in various dishes. Ackawi is often compared to feta but is less crumbly and more elastic. It is used in both savory dishes and desserts, and can be eaten fresh or melted. Alternative spellings include Akkawi, Akawieh, and Akawi.

What Is Škripavac Cheese?

Škripavac is a fresh, soft cheese from Croatia, known for its squeaky texture when chewed, similar to fresh curds. It is made from cow's milk and is typically consumed young. This cheese has a mild, milky flavor, making it a favorite among children and cheese lovers who appreciate its unique texture.

What's the Difference Between Ackawi Cheese and Škripavac Cheese?

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Škripavac Cheese (Croatia)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Škripavac Cheese (Raw cow’s milk)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Škripavac Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Ackawi Cheese (natural), Škripavac Cheese (None)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Škripavac Cheese (Mildly sweet, a little salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Škripavac Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Škripavac Cheese brings mildly sweet, a little salty character.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Škripavac Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Škripavac Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Škripavac Cheese brings mildly sweet, a little salty notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Škripavac Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, brined cheese, go with Ackawi Cheese. For a soft profile, Škripavac Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Škripavac Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly sweet, a little salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Škripavac Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Ackawi Cheese originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria, while Škripavac Cheese comes from Croatia. Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Škripavac Cheese uses cow.

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Škripavac Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Škripavac Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Škripavac Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Škripavac Cheese is mildly sweet, a little salty.

What is Ackawi Cheese made of?

Ackawi Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria.

What is Škripavac Cheese made of?

Škripavac Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Croatia.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Škripavac Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Škripavac Cheese is soft.