Brocciu Cheese vs Penamellera Cheese

Q: Is Brocciu Cheese the same as Penamellera Cheese?

No. Brocciu Cheese and Penamellera Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and Spain respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Brocciu Cheese for Penamellera Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Brocciu Cheese for Penamellera Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Brocciu Cheese or Penamellera 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.

Brocciu Cheese is a soft, creamy goat or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Penamellera Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, originating in Spain.

What Is Brocciu Cheese?

Brocciu is a Corsican cheese made from either sheep's or goat's milk whey, with some milk added. It is similar to ricotta but richer. Brocciu can be consumed fresh or used in various Corsican dishes, including desserts and savory pastries. It is appreciated for its light, creamy texture and mild, fresh flavor.

What Is Penamellera Cheese?

Penamellera is a semi-hard artisan cheese from Asturias, Spain, made from a blend of cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk. It is a pasteurized cheese known for its strong, aromatic scent and pale yellow color. The flavor profile is a mix of acidic and bitter notes, with hints of herbs. The cheese is wrapped in a natural rind, which contributes to its distinctive taste and aroma. Its texture is firm yet smooth, making it a versatile choice for various culinary applications. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a dish, Penamellera offers a rich sensory experience.

What's the Difference Between Brocciu Cheese and Penamellera Cheese?

Origin: Brocciu Cheese (France), Penamellera Cheese (Spain)
Milk type: Brocciu Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Penamellera Cheese (cow's, goat's and sheep's milk)
Texture: Brocciu Cheese (Soft, creamy), Penamellera Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
Rind: Brocciu Cheese (None), Penamellera Cheese (natural)
Taste: Brocciu Cheese (Meltingly creamy, saltier when matured), Penamellera Cheese (acidic, bitter, herbaceous)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Brocciu Cheese	Penamellera Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Spain
Specific Origin	Corsica	Asturias
Milk Type	Goat's or sheep's milk	Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Pasteurized
Texture	Soft, creamy	Semi-hard, artisan
Rind	None	Natural
Aging	Fresh or matured	—
Taste	Meltingly creamy, saltier when matured	Acidic, bitter, herbaceous

Taste Comparison: Does Brocciu Cheese Taste Like Penamellera Cheese?

Brocciu Cheese reads as meltingly creamy, saltier when matured, while Penamellera Cheese brings acidic, bitter, herbaceous character. On the nose, Brocciu Cheese offers delicious, contrasted with Penamellera Cheese's aromatic, strong.

Can You Substitute Brocciu Cheese for Penamellera Cheese?

Brocciu Cheese can stand in for Penamellera Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Brocciu Cheese reads as meltingly creamy, saltier when matured while Penamellera Cheese brings acidic, bitter, herbaceous notes.

Which Is Better, Brocciu Cheese or Penamellera Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Brocciu Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Penamellera Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brocciu Cheese suits recipes that want meltingly creamy, saltier when matured notes, while Penamellera Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, bitter, herbaceous.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brocciu Cheese the same as Penamellera Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brocciu Cheese originates in France, while Penamellera Cheese comes from Spain. Brocciu Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Penamellera Cheese uses cow, goat, and sheep.

Is Brocciu Cheese similar to Penamellera Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Brocciu Cheese for Penamellera Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Brocciu Cheese taste like Penamellera Cheese?

Brocciu Cheese reads as meltingly creamy, saltier when matured, while Penamellera Cheese is acidic, bitter, herbaceous. Aromas also diverge. Brocciu Cheese leans delicious, and Penamellera Cheese is closer to aromatic, strong.

What is Brocciu Cheese made of?

Brocciu Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged fresh or matured. It originates in France.

What is Penamellera Cheese made of?

Penamellera Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Spain.

Which should I choose, Brocciu Cheese or Penamellera Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brocciu Cheese is soft, creamy, while Penamellera Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.