Ackawi Cheese vs Stilton Cheese

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

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 Stilton Cheese?

Stilton is one of the best-known British blue cheeses, traditionally made in two varieties: blue and white. Blue Stilton is creamy and crumbly with a distinctively sharp, rich flavor produced by the blue veins. White Stilton, less common, is the milder of the two and does not have the blue veining.

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

• Origin: Ackawi Cheese (Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Middle East and Syria), Stilton Cheese (England)
• Milk type: Ackawi Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Stilton Cheese (cow's milk)
• Texture: Ackawi Cheese (soft, brined), Stilton Cheese (hard, blue-veined)
• Taste: Ackawi Cheese (mild, milky, salty), Stilton Cheese (spicy, strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Ackawi Cheese Taste Like Stilton Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Stilton Cheese brings spicy, strong character.

Can You Substitute Ackawi Cheese for Stilton Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese can stand in for Stilton 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 hard, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty while Stilton Cheese brings spicy, strong notes.

Which Is Better, Ackawi Cheese or Stilton 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 hard, blue-veined profile, Stilton Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Ackawi Cheese suits recipes that want mild, milky, salty notes, while Stilton Cheese fits dishes calling for spicy, strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ackawi Cheese the same as Stilton Cheese?

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

Is Ackawi Cheese similar to Stilton Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Ackawi Cheese for Stilton Cheese?

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

Does Ackawi Cheese taste like Stilton Cheese?

Ackawi Cheese reads as mild, milky, salty, while Stilton Cheese is spicy, strong.

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 Stilton Cheese made of?

Stilton Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in England.

Which should I choose, Ackawi Cheese or Stilton Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Ackawi Cheese is soft, brined, while Stilton Cheese is hard, blue-veined.