Asiago Cheese vs Pimento Cheese
Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable, 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 Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a spread of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and chopped pimentos worked into a chunky paste. It started in the Northern United States in the early 1900s and is now tied to Southern cooking, served on crackers, in sandwiches and at the Masters Tournament.
What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Pimento Cheese?
- Origin: Asiago Cheese (Italy), Pimento Cheese (United States)
- Taste: Asiago Cheese (sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old), Pimento Cheese (Sweet, rounded chili)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago Cheese | Pimento Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | United States |
| Specific Origin | Veneto And Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy | Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States |
| Milk Type | — | Cheddar, farmers’ style |
| Milk Treatment | Raw (Asiago d'allevo) | — |
| Texture | — | Spreadable |
| Rind | Thin, elastic (Asiago pressato) | — |
| Aging | 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged | — |
| Taste | Sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old | Sweet, rounded chili |
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Pimento Cheese?
Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili character. More specifically, Asiago Cheese shows mezzano sweetish, vecchio bitter, stravecchio bitter and spicy, while Pimento Cheese leans toward pimento peppers, mayonnaise, sometimes spicy additions.
Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Pimento Cheese?
Asiago Cheese can stand in for Pimento 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 Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili notes.
Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Pimento 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 Pimento Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, rounded chili.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asiago Cheese the same as Pimento Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Asiago Cheese originates in Italy, while Pimento Cheese comes from United States.
Is Asiago Cheese similar to Pimento Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Pimento Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago Cheese taste like Pimento Cheese?
Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Pimento Cheese is sweet, rounded chili.
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 Pimento Cheese made of?
Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Pimento Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.