Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese is a soft, blue-veined cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese?
Bleu de Laqueuille is a blue-veined cow's milk cheese from the Puy-de-Dome in Auvergne, France. Born at Laqueuille in 1854, it is the ancestor of the region's other blues and comes as 2.5 kg cylinders with an ivory paste marbled blue-green.
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 Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese (pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese (soft, blue-veined), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese (6 weeks minimum), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese (salty, spicy, tangy), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Laqueuille | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, blue-veined | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Natural | Hard |
| Aging | 6 weeks minimum | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Salty, spicy, tangy | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese reads as salty, spicy, tangy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese offers earthy, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. Aging plays into this as well. Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese at 6 weeks minimum develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
In most recipes, Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, blue-veined bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese reads as salty, spicy, tangy while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Bleu de Laqueuille 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, blue-veined cheese, go with Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese suits recipes that want salty, spicy, tangy notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese is typically aged 6 weeks minimum, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese reads as salty, spicy, tangy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese leans earthy, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.
What is Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese made of?
Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks minimum. It originates in France.
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, Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu de Laqueuille Cheese is soft, blue-veined, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.