Barrel Aged Feta Cheese vs Vlašić Cheese

Barrel Aged Feta Cheese is a soft, artisan cow, goat, and sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Vlašić Cheese is solid, spreadable and made from sheep milk, originating in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What Is Barrel Aged Feta Cheese?

Barrel Aged Feta is a traditional Greek cheese made from a blend of cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk. This pasteurized cheese is aged in barrels, which contributes to its creamy texture and rich aroma. It has a soft, artisan texture that makes it perfect for crumbling over salads or incorporating into various dishes. The flavor is creamy yet tangy, offering a balanced taste that works well in both savory and sweet recipes. The cheese is white in color, typical of feta, and brings a rich, full-bodied experience to the palate. Barrel aging adds a depth to its flavor profile, making it a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.

What Is Vlašić Cheese?

Vlašić, also sold as Travnik cheese, is a white brined cheese from the Vlašić mountain above Travnik in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. Traditionally made from sheep milk, it ripens in brine and comes out mostly dry and quite salty.

What's the Difference Between Barrel Aged Feta Cheese and Vlašić Cheese?

• Origin: Barrel Aged Feta Cheese (Greece), Vlašić Cheese (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Milk type: Barrel Aged Feta Cheese (cow's, goat's and sheep's milk), Vlašić Cheese (Ewe’s milk)
• Milk treatment: Barrel Aged Feta Cheese (pasteurized), Vlašić Cheese (Strained)
• Texture: Barrel Aged Feta Cheese (soft, artisan), Vlašić Cheese (Solid, spreadable)
• Taste: Barrel Aged Feta Cheese (creamy), Vlašić Cheese (Milky sour, moderately salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Barrel Aged Feta Cheese Taste Like Vlašić Cheese?

Barrel Aged Feta Cheese reads as creamy, while Vlašić Cheese brings milky sour, moderately salty character. On the nose, Barrel Aged Feta Cheese offers rich, contrasted with Vlašić Cheese's pleasant, of sheep’s milk.

Can You Substitute Barrel Aged Feta Cheese for Vlašić Cheese?

Barrel Aged Feta Cheese can stand in for Vlašić Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for solid, spreadable. Flavor-wise, Barrel Aged Feta Cheese reads as creamy while Vlašić Cheese brings milky sour, moderately salty notes.

Which Is Better, Barrel Aged Feta Cheese or Vlašić 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 Barrel Aged Feta Cheese. For a solid, spreadable profile, Vlašić Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Barrel Aged Feta Cheese suits recipes that want creamy notes, while Vlašić Cheese fits dishes calling for milky sour, moderately salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Barrel Aged Feta Cheese the same as Vlašić Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Barrel Aged Feta Cheese originates in Greece, while Vlašić Cheese comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Barrel Aged Feta Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk; Vlašić Cheese uses sheep.

Is Barrel Aged Feta Cheese similar to Vlašić Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Barrel Aged Feta Cheese for Vlašić Cheese?

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

Does Barrel Aged Feta Cheese taste like Vlašić Cheese?

Barrel Aged Feta Cheese reads as creamy, while Vlašić Cheese is milky sour, moderately salty. Aromas also diverge. Barrel Aged Feta Cheese leans rich, and Vlašić Cheese is closer to pleasant, of sheep’s milk.

What is Barrel Aged Feta Cheese made of?

Barrel Aged Feta Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Greece.

What is Vlašić Cheese made of?

Vlašić Cheese is made from sheep milk (strained), using local natural calf rennet. It's typically aged minimum 60 days. It originates in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Which should I choose, Barrel Aged Feta Cheese or Vlašić Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Barrel Aged Feta Cheese is soft, artisan, while Vlašić Cheese is solid, spreadable.