Bartlett Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Bartlett Cheese is a soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Pecorino 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 Cheese?
Pecorino is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and its name comes from pecora, the Italian word for sheep. Six main varieties carry PDO status, with Pecorino Romano the best known outside Italy.
What's the Difference Between Bartlett Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Origin: Bartlett Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Bartlett Cheese (soft, artisan), Pecorino Cheese (hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bartlett Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Somerset | Italy |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Hard |
| Rind | Mold ripened | — |
| Aging | — | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
| Taste | Buttery, milky | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Bartlett Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Bartlett Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
In most recipes, Bartlett Cheese and Pecorino 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.
Which Is Better, Bartlett Cheese or Pecorino 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 Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bartlett Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bartlett Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Bartlett Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Bartlett Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Bartlett Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Cheese made of?
Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Bartlett Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bartlett Cheese is soft, artisan, while Pecorino Cheese is hard.