Cabrales Cheese vs Montasio-Style Cheese
Cabrales Cheese is a unctuous, compact, no eyes cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Montasio-Style Cheese is .
What Is Cabrales Cheese?
Cabrales is a blue cheese made by rural dairy farmers in the Asturias mountains of Spain, from raw cow's milk alone or blended with goat and sheep milk. It is known for its strong, sometimes sharply acidic flavor and for ripening in limestone caves.
What Is Montasio-Style Cheese?
Montasio-Style cheese is a semi-hard cheese originally from the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a smooth, pale yellow rind. The cheese typically ages for several months, developing a firm texture and a mild, nutty flavor. Younger Montasio-Style cheese is creamy and slightly tangy, while aged versions become crumbly with a more pronounced sharpness. It is often used in cooking, grated over pasta dishes or melted in traditional recipes. Montasio-Style cheese pairs well with fruity white wines and is enjoyed as part of a cheese platter.
What's the Difference Between Cabrales Cheese and Montasio-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cabrales Cheese | Montasio-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | — |
| Specific Origin | Asturias | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Unctuous, compact, no eyes | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 2 to 3 months | — |
| Taste | Intense, piquant | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Montasio-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Montasio-Style Cheese?
Cabrales Cheese can stand in for Montasio-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Montasio-Style Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Montasio-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Montasio-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Montasio-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Montasio-Style Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Cabrales Cheese made of?
Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using kid rennet. It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Spain.
What is Montasio-Style Cheese made of?
Montasio-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Cabrales Cheese or Montasio-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.