Asiago Cheese vs Crescenza Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Crescenza Cheese
Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Crescenza Cheese is very soft, creamy and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Crescenza Cheese?
Crescenza, also called stracchino, is an Italian cow's milk cheese from Lombardy, Tuscany, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Liguria. It is eaten very young and known for a rindless, very soft and creamy body with a mild, slightly acidic flavor.
What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Crescenza Cheese?
- Rind: Asiago Cheese (thin, elastic (Asiago pressato)), Crescenza Cheese (none)
- Aging: Asiago Cheese (20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged), Crescenza Cheese (eaten very young)
- Taste: Asiago Cheese (sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old), Crescenza Cheese (mild, slightly acidic)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago Cheese | Crescenza Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Veneto And Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy | Lombardy, Tuscany, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia And Liguria, Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw (Asiago d'allevo) | — |
| Texture | — | Very soft, creamy |
| Rind | Thin, elastic (Asiago pressato) | None |
| Aging | 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged | Eaten very young |
| Taste | Sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old | Mild, slightly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Crescenza Cheese?
Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Crescenza Cheese brings mild, slightly acidic character. 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 Crescenza Cheese at eaten very young.
Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Crescenza Cheese?
Asiago Cheese can stand in for Crescenza 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 Crescenza Cheese brings mild, slightly acidic notes.
Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Crescenza 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 Crescenza Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, slightly acidic.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asiago Cheese the same as Crescenza Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Asiago Cheese is typically aged 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged, Crescenza Cheese eaten very young.
Is Asiago Cheese similar to Crescenza Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Crescenza Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago Cheese taste like Crescenza Cheese?
Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Crescenza Cheese is mild, slightly acidic.
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 Crescenza Cheese made of?
Crescenza Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged eaten very young. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Crescenza Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.