Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese vs Halloumi Cheese
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese
Halloumi Cheese
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is a cheese, while Halloumi Cheese is semihard and made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, originating in Cyprus.
What Is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese?
Allgäuer Bergkäse is a German raw milk mountain cheese with a protected designation of origin. Loaves weigh 15 to 50 kg, ripen at least four months, and taste mild, aromatic and nutty, with more punch as the cheese ages.
What Is Halloumi Cheese?
Halloumi is a brined cheese from Cyprus, traditionally made from goat and sheep milk, though most modern halloumi also contains cow's milk. It has a high melting point, so it browns on the grill or in a pan without melting, and it squeaks when you chew it.
What's the Difference Between Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese and Halloumi Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (Raw), Halloumi Cheese (traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially)
- Rind: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (Yes), Halloumi Cheese (No rind)
- Aging: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (4 months), Halloumi Cheese (40 days)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese | Halloumi Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Cyprus |
| Specific Origin | Landkreise Lindau (Bodensee), Oberallgäu, Ostallgäu, Unterallgäu, Ravensburg, Bodenseekreis; Städte Kaufbeuren, Kempten, Memmingen | Cyprus |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially |
| Texture | — | Semihard |
| Rind | Yes | No rind |
| Aging | 4 months | 40 days |
| Taste | — | Mild, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese Taste Like Halloumi Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese at 4 months develops a different profile than Halloumi Cheese at 40 days.
Can You Substitute Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese for Halloumi Cheese?
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese can stand in for Halloumi Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese or Halloumi Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese the same as Halloumi Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is typically aged 4 months, Halloumi Cheese 40 days.
Is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese similar to Halloumi Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese for Halloumi Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese taste like Halloumi Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese made of?
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is made from milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months.
What is Halloumi Cheese made of?
Halloumi Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially), using mostly vegetable or microbial rennet. It's typically aged 40 days. It originates in Cyprus.
Which should I choose, Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese or Halloumi Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.