Baguette Laonnaise Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Baguette Laonnaise 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 Baguette Laonnaise Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Baguette Laonnaise Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Baguette Laonnaise 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.

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

Find Baguette Laonnaise Cheese

Amazon Murray's

Find Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Amazon Murray's

What Is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese?

Baguette laonnaise is a washed-rind cow's milk cheese from Thiérache and the city of Laon in Picardie, France. It is a variation of Maroilles with black pepper and tarragon worked into the curd, sold as a rectangular loaf that gives the cheese its name.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.

What's the Difference Between Baguette Laonnaise Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk treatment: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (soft, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Rind: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (washed), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Aging: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (3 to 4 months), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
Taste: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese (spicy), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Baguette Laonnaise Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Thiérache And Laon, Picardie, France	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Raw
Texture	Soft, artisan	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Washed	Hard
Aging	3 to 4 months	12 to 36 months
Taste	Spicy	Umami

Taste Comparison: Does Baguette Laonnaise Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese reads as spicy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese offers pungent, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese shows black pepper, tarragon, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty. Aging plays into this as well. Baguette Laonnaise Cheese at 3 to 4 months develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Baguette Laonnaise Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese reads as spicy while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Baguette Laonnaise Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Baguette Laonnaise Cheese is typically aged 3 to 4 months, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Baguette Laonnaise Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Does Baguette Laonnaise Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese reads as spicy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Baguette Laonnaise Cheese leans pungent, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Baguette Laonnaise Cheese made of?

Baguette Laonnaise Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. 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, Baguette Laonnaise Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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