Asiago-Style Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Asiago-Style Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Asiago-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.
What's the Difference Between Asiago-Style Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago-Style Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | — | Hard |
| Aging | — | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | — | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago-Style Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Asiago-Style Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Asiago-Style Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Asiago-Style Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Asiago-Style Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago-Style Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago-Style Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Asiago-Style Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.