Asiago DOP Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Asiago DOP Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Asiago DOP Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
Buy Asiago DOP Cheese
Buy Pecorino Cheese
What Is Asiago DOP Cheese?
Asiago is an Italian cow's milk cheese with a semi-cooked paste, protected as a DOP since 1978. It comes in two styles: pressato, aged 20 to 40 days and mild, and d'allevo, aged from three months to more than two years and progressively sharper.
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 Asiago DOP Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Milk type: Asiago DOP Cheese (Cow's milk), Pecorino Cheese (Sheep's milk)
- Aging: Asiago DOP Cheese (20 to 40 days (pressato) up to two years or more (stravecchio)), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago DOP Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Veneto, Trentino | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Texture | Hard | Hard |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 20 to 40 days (pressato) up to two years or more (stravecchio) | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
| Taste | Full-flavored, milky, sharp | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago DOP Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Asiago DOP Cheese shows sweet and delicate in the fresh type, close to cream and fresh milk, while Pecorino Cheese leans toward buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk. Aging plays into this as well. Asiago DOP Cheese at 20 to 40 days (pressato) up to two years or more (stravecchio) develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Can You Substitute Asiago DOP Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
Asiago DOP Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Asiago DOP Cheese or Pecorino 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 Asiago DOP Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Asiago DOP Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Asiago DOP Cheese is typically aged 20 to 40 days (pressato) up to two years or more (stravecchio), Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Is Asiago DOP Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago DOP Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Asiago DOP Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Asiago DOP Cheese made of?
Asiago DOP Cheese is made from cow milk, using liquid rennet. It's typically aged 20 to 40 days (pressato) up to two years or more (stravecchio). It originates in Italy.
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, Asiago DOP Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.