Autun Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Autun Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Autun Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Autun Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Autun Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Autun Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Autun Cheese is a fresh soft, artisan cow and goat-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Autun Cheese?

Autun is a fresh, soft cheese made from a blend of cow's and goat's milk, originating in the Burgundy region of France. It is crafted from unpasteurized milk, allowing it to retain a natural and authentic taste. With a fat content of 40-45%, the cheese has a creamy, yet light texture. Autun is rindless and presents a clean, white appearance. Its flavor is characterized by a pleasant acidity that provides a refreshing taste experience. Due to its artisan nature, Autun is often enjoyed fresh and can be paired with simple accompaniments to highlight its bright flavors.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.

What's the Difference Between Autun Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Autun Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Autun Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Autun Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Autun Cheese (fresh soft, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Rind: Autun Cheese (rindless), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Taste: Autun Cheese (acidic), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Autun Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Burgundy	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Cow's and goat's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized	Raw
Texture	Fresh soft, artisan	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Rindless	Hard
Aging	—	12 to 36 months
Taste	Acidic	Umami

Taste Comparison: Does Autun Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Autun Cheese reads as acidic, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character.

Can You Substitute Autun Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Autun Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fresh soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Autun Cheese reads as acidic while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Autun Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh soft, artisan cheese, go with Autun Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Autun Cheese suits recipes that want acidic notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Autun Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Autun Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Autun Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow.

Is Autun Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Autun Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Does Autun Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Autun Cheese reads as acidic, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.

What is Autun Cheese made of?

Autun Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Autun Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Autun Cheese is fresh soft, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.