Asiago Cheese vs Colby-Jack Cheese

Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Colby-Jack Cheese is semi-hard, processed and made from cow milk, originating in United States.

What Is Asiago Cheese?

Asiago is a cow's milk cheese from the Asiago plateau in Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, made either young and soft (Asiago pressato) or aged and crumbly (Asiago d'allevo). It carries Italian DOP status, though the name is treated as generic in the U.S. and Australia.

What Is Colby-Jack Cheese?

Colby-Jack, also spelled Co-jack or Cojack, is an American marble cheese made by blending curds of Colby and Monterey Jack. It is known for its orange and white marbling, its mild flavor, and how well it melts over burgers and casseroles.

What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Colby-Jack Cheese?

• Origin: Asiago Cheese (Italy), Colby-Jack Cheese (United States)
• Milk treatment: Asiago Cheese (raw (Asiago d'allevo)), Colby-Jack Cheese (pasteurized)
• Rind: Asiago Cheese (thin, elastic (Asiago pressato)), Colby-Jack Cheese (sometimes dipped in wax)
• Aging: Asiago Cheese (20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged), Colby-Jack Cheese (up to 14 days)
• Taste: Asiago Cheese (sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old), Colby-Jack Cheese (mild to mellow)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Colby-Jack Cheese?

Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Colby-Jack Cheese brings mild to mellow character. More specifically, Asiago Cheese shows mezzano sweetish, vecchio bitter, stravecchio bitter and spicy, while Colby-Jack Cheese leans toward mild; flavor set by the colby and monterey jack used. Aging plays into this as well. Asiago Cheese at 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged develops a different profile than Colby-Jack Cheese at up to 14 days.

Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Colby-Jack Cheese?

Asiago Cheese can stand in for Colby-Jack Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old while Colby-Jack Cheese brings mild to mellow notes.

Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Colby-Jack Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese suits recipes that want sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old notes, while Colby-Jack Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to mellow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Asiago Cheese the same as Colby-Jack Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Asiago Cheese originates in Italy, while Colby-Jack Cheese comes from United States. Aging also differs: Asiago Cheese is typically aged 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged, Colby-Jack Cheese up to 14 days.

Is Asiago Cheese similar to Colby-Jack Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Colby-Jack Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Asiago Cheese taste like Colby-Jack Cheese?

Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Colby-Jack Cheese is mild to mellow.

What is Asiago Cheese made of?

Asiago Cheese is made from milk (raw (asiago d'allevo)), using rennet. It's typically aged 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged. It originates in Italy.

What is Colby-Jack Cheese made of?

Colby-Jack Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged up to 14 days. It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Colby-Jack Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.