Asiago Cheese vs Montasio Mezzano Cheese

Asiago Cheese is a semi-hard, crumbly cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Montasio Mezzano Cheese is semi-hard 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 Montasio Mezzano Cheese?

Montasio Mezzano is a semi-firm cheese from the regions of Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto in Italy. Made from unpasteurized cow's milk, it is known for its full-flavored profile. The cheese offers a nutty and sweet taste, which is complemented by its strong aroma. It is crafted with an artisan approach, giving it a natural rind. Montasio Mezzano is often enjoyed on its own or used to enhance various Italian dishes. Its rich flavor makes it a popular choice among cheese lovers seeking something with depth and character.

What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Montasio Mezzano Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Asiago Cheese (raw (Asiago d'allevo)), Montasio Mezzano Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Asiago Cheese (Semi-hard, crumbly), Montasio Mezzano Cheese (Semi-hard)
• Rind: Asiago Cheese (thin, elastic (Asiago pressato)), Montasio Mezzano Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Asiago Cheese (sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old), Montasio Mezzano Cheese (full-flavored, nutty, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Montasio Mezzano Cheese?

Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Montasio Mezzano Cheese brings full-flavored, nutty, sweet character.

Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Montasio Mezzano Cheese?

In most recipes, Asiago Cheese and Montasio Mezzano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, crumbly bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old while Montasio Mezzano Cheese brings full-flavored, nutty, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Montasio Mezzano 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 semi-hard profile, Montasio Mezzano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese suits recipes that want sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old notes, while Montasio Mezzano Cheese fits dishes calling for full-flavored, nutty, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Asiago Cheese the same as Montasio Mezzano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Asiago Cheese similar to Montasio Mezzano Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Montasio Mezzano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Asiago Cheese taste like Montasio Mezzano Cheese?

Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Montasio Mezzano Cheese is full-flavored, nutty, sweet.

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 Montasio Mezzano Cheese made of?

Montasio Mezzano Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Montasio Mezzano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Asiago Cheese is semi-hard, crumbly, while Montasio Mezzano Cheese is semi-hard.