Brick Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Brick Cheese is a semi-hard, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from United States, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Brick Cheese?

Brick cheese is a Wisconsin cheese pressed into brick shape and ripened on the surface with Brevibacterium linens. Young, it is sweet, mild and melts well; aged, it smells stronger and tastes nuttier. It is the traditional cheese on Detroit-style pizza.

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 Brick Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Origin: Brick Cheese (United States), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Brick Cheese (semi-hard, smear-ripened), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: Brick Cheese (washed), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Aging: Brick Cheese (Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
• Taste: Brick Cheese (Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brick Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Brick Cheese offers pungent, rich, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Brick Cheese shows sweet and mild when unaged, nuttier with a stronger smell after aging, 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. Brick Cheese at best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Brick Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Brick Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, smear-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Brick Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, smear-ripened cheese, go with Brick Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brick Cheese suits recipes that want sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brick Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brick Cheese originates in United States, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Brick Cheese is typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Brick Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Brick Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Brick Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Brick Cheese reads as sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Brick Cheese leans pungent, rich, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Brick Cheese made of?

Brick Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks. It originates in United States.

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, Brick Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brick Cheese is semi-hard, smear-ripened, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.