Brick Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Brick Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Brick Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese are distinct cheeses from United States and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Brick Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Brick Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Brick Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Brick Cheese

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, originating from Wisconsin, is a medium-soft cheese known for its slightly sweet and earthy flavor when young, which becomes tangy and pungent as it ages. It has a pale yellow color and a springy texture, making it a favorite for sandwiches and as a meltable cheese in various dishes.

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 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

	Brick Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	United States	Italy
Specific Origin	Wisconsin	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	—	Raw
Texture	Semi-hard, smear-ripened	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Washed	Hard
Aging	Best enjoyed at between 10 and 12 weeks	12 to 36 months
Taste	Sweet and mild when young, matures into strong, ripe cheese with age	Umami

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. 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.

Which is your favorite?

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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.