Brillat-Savarin Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese

Brillat-Savarin Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy and made from cow milk.

What Is Brillat-Savarin Cheese?

Brillat-Savarin is a French triple cream cow's milk cheese with a natural bloomy rind and at least 72% fat in dry matter. Made mainly in Normandy, it tastes luscious, creamy and faintly sour, and it is also sold fresh, closer to rich cream cheese.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio is a long-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, the hard granular cow's milk cheese of Parma and Reggio Emilia. It is dry and grainy, with the sharp, salty, savory taste that makes it a grating cheese.

What's the Difference Between Brillat-Savarin Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (raw)
• Texture: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (Semisoft), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy)
• Taste: Brillat-Savarin Cheese (Luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brillat-Savarin Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

Brillat-Savarin Cheese reads as luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory character. More specifically, Brillat-Savarin Cheese shows luscious, creamy, faintly sour, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese leans toward strong umami from a high glutamate content.

Can You Substitute Brillat-Savarin Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

In most recipes, Brillat-Savarin Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semisoft bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, dry and grainy. Flavor-wise, Brillat-Savarin Cheese reads as luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory notes.

Which Is Better, Brillat-Savarin Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semisoft cheese, go with Brillat-Savarin Cheese. For a hard, dry and grainy profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brillat-Savarin Cheese suits recipes that want luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp, salty and savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brillat-Savarin Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Brillat-Savarin Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brillat-Savarin Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

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

Does Brillat-Savarin Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

Brillat-Savarin Cheese reads as luxurious, tangy, sour, mushroomy softened butter, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is sharp, salty and savory.

What is Brillat-Savarin Cheese made of?

Brillat-Savarin Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 1 to 2 weeks. It originates in France.

What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.

Which should I choose, Brillat-Savarin Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brillat-Savarin Cheese is semisoft, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy.