Bartlett Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Bartlett Cheese is a soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Bartlett Cheese?
Bartlett is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk in Somerset, England. It has a mold-ripened rind, which contributes to its aromatic and strong scent. The cheese is white in color and features a buttery and milky flavor profile. Its soft texture makes it an inviting choice for cheese boards or spreading on bread. Bartlett is appreciated for its rich taste and aromatic presence, offering a true taste of traditional English cheese-making.
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 Bartlett Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Bartlett Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Bartlett Cheese (sheep's milk), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Bartlett Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Bartlett Cheese (soft, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Bartlett Cheese (mold ripened), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Taste: Bartlett Cheese (buttery, milky), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bartlett Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Somerset | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Mold ripened | Hard |
| Aging | — | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Buttery, milky | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Bartlett Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Bartlett Cheese offers aromatic, strong, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky.
Can You Substitute Bartlett Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Bartlett Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano 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 grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Bartlett 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 Bartlett Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bartlett Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, milky notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bartlett Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bartlett Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Bartlett Cheese is made from sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow.
Is Bartlett Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Bartlett Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Bartlett Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Bartlett Cheese leans aromatic, strong, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.
What is Bartlett Cheese made of?
Bartlett Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
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, Bartlett Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bartlett Cheese is soft, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.