Anari Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese

Q: Is Anari Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?

No. Anari Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese are distinct cheeses from Cyprus and Montenegro respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Anari Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Anari Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Anari Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Anari Cheese

Pljevlja Cheese

Anari Cheese is a soft, crumbly curds goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.

What Is Anari Cheese?

Anari is a fresh, soft cheese from Cyprus, akin to Italian ricotta. It is made from the whey of sheep or goat milk and is notably mild and moist. Anari is versatile in the kitchen, suitable for both savory dishes and sweet desserts, and is particularly delicious when served with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

What Is Pljevlja Cheese?

Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.

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

Origin: Anari Cheese (Cyprus), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
Milk type: Anari Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
Texture: Anari Cheese (Soft, crumbly curds), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
Aging: Anari Cheese (Fresh (2-3 days shelf life), Salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months)), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Anari Cheese	Pljevlja Cheese
Country of Origin	Cyprus	Montenegro
Specific Origin	Island Wide	Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja
Milk Type	Goat's or sheep's milk	Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed
Milk Treatment	Gradually heated to 149–158°F, then to 194°F	—
Texture	Soft, crumbly curds	Soft to semihard
Rind	Natural	—
Aging	Fresh (2-3 days shelf life), Salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months)	4 to 8 weeks
Taste	Very mild nutty flavor	—

Taste Comparison: Does Anari Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Anari Cheese at fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months) develops a different profile than Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.

Can You Substitute Anari Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

Anari Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja 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 soft to semihard.

Which Is Better, Anari Cheese or Pljevlja 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 soft to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anari Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Anari Cheese originates in Cyprus, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Anari Cheese is typically aged fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months), Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.

Is Anari Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Does Anari Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

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 Pljevlja Cheese made of?

Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.

Which should I choose, Anari Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

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