Bartlett Cheese vs Pecorino Romano Cheese
Bartlett Cheese is a soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Pecorino Romano Cheese is hard and made from sheep 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 Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese made only from sheep milk, most often grated over pasta. It began in the countryside around Rome and is now made almost entirely in Sardinia.
What's the Difference Between Bartlett Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese?
- Origin: Bartlett Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Pecorino Romano Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Bartlett Cheese (soft, artisan), Pecorino Romano Cheese (Hard)
- Rind: Bartlett Cheese (mold ripened), Pecorino Romano Cheese (Pale yellow to brown or black)
- Taste: Bartlett Cheese (buttery, milky), Pecorino Romano Cheese (Sharp, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bartlett Cheese | Pecorino Romano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Somerset | Lazio, Sardinia, Grosseto |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Hard |
| Rind | Mold ripened | Pale yellow to brown or black |
| Aging | — | 5–8 months or longer |
| Taste | Buttery, milky | Sharp, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Bartlett Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky, while Pecorino Romano Cheese brings sharp, salty character. On the nose, Bartlett Cheese offers aromatic, strong, contrasted with Pecorino Romano Cheese's strong.
Can You Substitute Bartlett Cheese for Pecorino Romano Cheese?
In most recipes, Bartlett Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky while Pecorino Romano Cheese brings sharp, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Bartlett Cheese or Pecorino Romano 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 hard profile, Pecorino Romano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bartlett Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, milky notes, while Pecorino Romano Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp, salty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bartlett Cheese the same as Pecorino Romano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bartlett Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Pecorino Romano Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Bartlett Cheese similar to Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Bartlett Cheese for Pecorino Romano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Bartlett Cheese taste like Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky, while Pecorino Romano Cheese is sharp, salty. Aromas also diverge. Bartlett Cheese leans aromatic, strong, and Pecorino Romano Cheese is closer to strong.
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 Pecorino Romano Cheese made of?
Pecorino Romano Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal (sheep) rennet. It's typically aged 5–8 months or longer. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Bartlett Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bartlett Cheese is soft, artisan, while Pecorino Romano Cheese is hard.