Asiago Cheese vs Swiss Cheese

Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Swiss Cheese is semi-firm 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 Swiss Cheese?

Swiss cheese is the North American name for any cheese made in the style of Emmental, the yellow, medium-hard cheese from the Emmental region of Switzerland. Most versions carry the round holes called eyes and a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.

What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Swiss Cheese?

• Origin: Asiago Cheese (Italy), Swiss Cheese (United States)
• Milk treatment: Asiago Cheese (raw (Asiago d'allevo)), Swiss Cheese (Pasteurized)
• Rind: Asiago Cheese (thin, elastic (Asiago pressato)), Swiss Cheese (None)
• Aging: Asiago Cheese (20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged), Swiss Cheese (Typically 1-3 months)
• Taste: Asiago Cheese (sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old), Swiss Cheese (Mild, Nutty, Slightly Sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Swiss Cheese?

Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Swiss Cheese brings mild, nutty, slightly sweet character. More specifically, Asiago Cheese shows mezzano sweetish, vecchio bitter, stravecchio bitter and spicy, while Swiss Cheese leans toward buttery, slightly sweet, nutty, less intense than traditional swiss. 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 Swiss Cheese at typically 1-3 months.

Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Swiss Cheese?

Asiago Cheese can stand in for Swiss 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 Swiss Cheese brings mild, nutty, slightly sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Swiss 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 Swiss Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, nutty, slightly sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Asiago Cheese the same as Swiss Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Asiago Cheese originates in Italy, while Swiss 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, Swiss Cheese typically 1-3 months.

Is Asiago Cheese similar to Swiss Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Swiss Cheese?

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

Does Asiago Cheese taste like Swiss Cheese?

Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Swiss Cheese is mild, nutty, slightly sweet.

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 Swiss Cheese made of?

Swiss Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial or vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged typically 1-3 months. It originates in United States.

Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Swiss Cheese?

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