Asiago-Style Cheese vs Cabrales Cheese
Asiago-Style Cheese
Cabrales Cheese
Asiago-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Cabrales Cheese is unctuous, compact, no eyes and made from cow milk, originating in Spain.
What Is Asiago-Style Cheese?
Asiago-Style cheese is a semi-hard cheese that draws inspiration from the traditional Italian Asiago. It is made from cow's milk and offers a flavor profile that ranges from mild and creamy when young to sharper and more crumbly as it ages. The texture can vary from smooth and pliable in its fresher form to a firmer, granular consistency in its older state. This cheese is often used for grating over pasta, salads, or soups when aged, or sliced for sandwiches and crackers when young. Its mild nutty flavor with hints of cream makes it a popular choice for both cooking and snacking. Asiago-Style cheese pairs well with fruits, nuts, and a variety of wines.
What Is Cabrales Cheese?
Cabrales is a blue cheese made by rural dairy farmers in the Asturias mountains of Spain, from raw cow's milk alone or blended with goat and sheep milk. It is known for its strong, sometimes sharply acidic flavor and for ripening in limestone caves.
What's the Difference Between Asiago-Style Cheese and Cabrales Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago-Style Cheese | Cabrales Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Spain |
| Specific Origin | — | Asturias |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Unctuous, compact, no eyes |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | — | 2 to 3 months |
| Taste | — | Intense, piquant |
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago-Style Cheese Taste Like Cabrales Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Asiago-Style Cheese for Cabrales Cheese?
Asiago-Style Cheese can stand in for Cabrales Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Asiago-Style Cheese or Cabrales 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-Style Cheese the same as Cabrales Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Asiago-Style Cheese similar to Cabrales Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago-Style Cheese for Cabrales Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago-Style Cheese taste like Cabrales Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Asiago-Style Cheese made of?
Asiago-Style Cheese is made from milk.
What is Cabrales Cheese made of?
Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using kid rennet. It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Asiago-Style Cheese or Cabrales Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.