Asiago Cheese vs Formaggio di capra Cheese

Asiago Cheese is a semi-hard, crumbly cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Formaggio di capra Cheese is soft and made from goat 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 Formaggio di capra Cheese?

Formaggio di capra is a cheese made by transforming goat's milk. It is sold fresh or ripened, sometimes rolled in ash, and it carries the tangy, goaty taste that comes from the fatty acids in goat milk.

What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Formaggio di capra Cheese?

• Milk type: Asiago Cheese (Cow's milk), Formaggio di capra Cheese (Goat's milk)
• Texture: Asiago Cheese (Semi-hard, crumbly), Formaggio di capra Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Asiago Cheese (thin, elastic (Asiago pressato)), Formaggio di capra Cheese (sometimes ash-coated)
• Taste: Asiago Cheese (sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old), Formaggio di capra Cheese (tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Formaggio di capra Cheese?

Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Formaggio di capra Cheese brings tangy character. More specifically, Asiago Cheese shows mezzano sweetish, vecchio bitter, stravecchio bitter and spicy, while Formaggio di capra Cheese leans toward characteristic goat taste from caproic, caprylic and capric fatty acids.

Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Formaggio di capra Cheese?

Asiago Cheese can stand in for Formaggio di capra Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, crumbly bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old while Formaggio di capra Cheese brings tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Formaggio di capra Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, crumbly cheese, go with Asiago Cheese. For a soft profile, Formaggio di capra Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese suits recipes that want sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old notes, while Formaggio di capra Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Asiago Cheese the same as Formaggio di capra Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Asiago Cheese is made from cow milk; Formaggio di capra Cheese uses goat.

Is Asiago Cheese similar to Formaggio di capra Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Formaggio di capra Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Asiago Cheese taste like Formaggio di capra Cheese?

Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Formaggio di capra Cheese is tangy.

What is Asiago Cheese made of?

Asiago Cheese is made from cow 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 Formaggio di capra Cheese made of?

Formaggio di capra Cheese is made from goat milk (raw), using animal rennet. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Formaggio di capra Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Asiago Cheese is semi-hard, crumbly, while Formaggio di capra Cheese is soft.