Anari Cheese vs Pimento Cheese

Anari Cheese is a soft, crumbly curds goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable, originating in United States.

What Is Anari Cheese?

Anari is a fresh, mild whey cheese from Cyprus, made mostly from the whey left over from halloumi or kefalotyri. Soft and chalk-white when young, it is eaten with carob syrup or honey, or salted and dried into a hard cheese for grating.

What Is Pimento Cheese?

Pimento cheese is a spread of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and chopped pimentos worked into a chunky paste. It started in the Northern United States in the early 1900s and is now tied to Southern cooking, served on crackers, in sandwiches and at the Masters Tournament.

What's the Difference Between Anari Cheese and Pimento Cheese?

• Origin: Anari Cheese (Cyprus), Pimento Cheese (United States)
• Milk type: Anari Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style)
• Texture: Anari Cheese (Soft, crumbly curds), Pimento Cheese (Spreadable)
• Taste: Anari Cheese (Very mild nutty flavor), Pimento Cheese (Sweet, rounded chili)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Anari Cheese Taste Like Pimento Cheese?

Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor, while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili character. On the nose, Anari Cheese offers highly perishable, nutty, contrasted with Pimento Cheese's sweet, rounded chili. More specifically, Anari Cheese shows similar to italian ricotta, greek mizithra, and lor peyniri of turkey, while Pimento Cheese leans toward pimento peppers, mayonnaise, sometimes spicy additions.

Can You Substitute Anari Cheese for Pimento Cheese?

Anari Cheese can stand in for Pimento Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, crumbly curds bite and body where the recipe calls for spreadable. Flavor-wise, Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili notes.

Which Is Better, Anari Cheese or Pimento Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, crumbly curds cheese, go with Anari Cheese. For a spreadable profile, Pimento Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Anari Cheese suits recipes that want very mild nutty flavor notes, while Pimento Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, rounded chili.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anari Cheese the same as Pimento Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Anari Cheese originates in Cyprus, while Pimento Cheese comes from United States.

Is Anari Cheese similar to Pimento Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Pimento Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Anari Cheese taste like Pimento Cheese?

Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor, while Pimento Cheese is sweet, rounded chili. Aromas also diverge. Anari Cheese leans highly perishable, nutty, and Pimento Cheese is closer to sweet, rounded chili.

What is Anari Cheese made of?

Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (gradually heated to 149–158°f, then to 194°f). It's typically aged fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months). It originates in Cyprus.

What is Pimento Cheese made of?

Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Anari Cheese or Pimento Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Anari Cheese is soft, crumbly curds, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable.