Brie Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Brie Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Brie Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Brie Cheese?
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese named after the French region it comes from, pale under a white mould rind. It runs 60 to 75 percent butterfat and tastes creamy, nutty and mushroom-like, with a faint acidity. The rind is eaten along with the paste.
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 Brie Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Origin: Brie Cheese (France), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Brie Cheese (cow's milk), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Texture: Brie Cheese (Soft), Pecorino Cheese (hard)
- Aging: Brie Cheese (at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Brie | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft | Hard |
| Rind | Bloomy | — |
| Aging | At least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
| Taste | Nutty, Mushroom | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Brie Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Pecorino Cheese leans toward buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk. Aging plays into this as well. Brie Cheese at at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Can You Substitute Brie Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
Brie Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for hard.
Which Is Better, Brie Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie Cheese. For a hard profile, Pecorino Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie Cheese originates in France, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. Brie Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Brie Cheese is typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir, Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Is Brie Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brie Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Brie Cheese made of?
Brie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 to 5 weeks; several months to a year for brie noir. It originates in France.
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, Brie Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie Cheese is soft, while Pecorino Cheese is hard.