American Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
American Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
American Cheese is a semi-soft, processed cow-milk cheese from United States, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is American Cheese?
American cheese is a processed cheese made from cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses with sodium citrate added so it pasteurizes without separating. It is mild, salty, and medium-firm, and it melts at a low temperature, which is why it lands on burgers and in grilled cheese.
What Is Pecorino Cheese?
Pecorino is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and its name comes from pecora, the Italian word for sheep. Six main varieties carry PDO status, with Pecorino Romano the best known outside Italy.
What's the Difference Between American Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Origin: American Cheese (United States), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: American Cheese (cow's milk), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Texture: American Cheese (semi-soft, processed), Pecorino Cheese (hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| American Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Italy |
| Specific Origin | The U.S. | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pastuerized | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft, processed | Hard |
| Rind | Rindless | — |
| Aging | — | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
| Taste | Mild, salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does American Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, American Cheese shows neutral and mild, salty, pairs with a range of meats and other ingredients, while Pecorino Cheese leans toward buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk.
Can You Substitute American Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
American Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, processed bite and body where the recipe calls for hard.
Which Is Better, American Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, processed cheese, go with American Cheese. For a hard profile, Pecorino Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. American Cheese originates in United States, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. American Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep.
Is American Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute American Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does American Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is American Cheese made of?
American Cheese is made from cow milk (pastuerized). It originates in United States.
What is Pecorino Cheese made of?
Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, American Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. American Cheese is semi-soft, processed, while Pecorino Cheese is hard.