Bitto Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Bitto Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Bitto Cheese is a cow and goat-milk cheese from Italy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Bitto Cheese?
Bitto is a historic cheese from the Valtellina valley in Lombardy, Italy. It is made from a mix of cow's and goat’s milk, giving it a unique, rich flavor. Aged Bitto can mature for up to 10 years, during which it develops a granular texture and deep, complex flavors ranging from fruity to nutty.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.
What's the Difference Between Bitto Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Milk type: Bitto Cheese (Cow's milk primarily, with non-mandatory addition of raw goat’s milk up to 10%), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Aging: Bitto Cheese (Minimum of 70 days), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bitto Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Province Of Sondrio, Lombardy, Including Neighboring Upland Pastures Of Lecco And Bergamo | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk primarily, with non-mandatory addition of raw goat’s milk up to 10% | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | — | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | — | Hard |
| Aging | Minimum of 70 days | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | — | Umami |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Bitto Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Bitto Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Bitto Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Bitto Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Bitto Cheese shows cooked at 118–126°f, finely cut curd, matured for a minimum of 70 days, 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. Bitto Cheese at minimum of 70 days develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Bitto Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Bitto Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Bitto Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitto Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bitto Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Bitto Cheese is typically aged minimum of 70 days, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Bitto Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Bitto Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Bitto Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Bitto Cheese made of?
Bitto Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 70 days. It originates in Italy.
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, Bitto Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Bitto Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese.