Cabrales Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Cabrales Cheese is a crumbly, open paste cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Cabrales Cheese?

Cabrales is a strong, pungent blue cheese from the Asturias region in northern Spain. It is traditionally made from a mixture of raw cow's, goat’s, and sheep's milk that is aged in natural limestone caves, facilitating the development of its intense flavor and blue veining. Cabrales is known for its deep, spicy earthiness and can be quite sharp, making it a favorite among blue cheese aficionados.

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 Cabrales Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Origin: Cabrales Cheese (Spain), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Cabrales Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Cabrales Cheese (Crumbly, open paste), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: Cabrales Cheese (Natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Aging: Cabrales Cheese (2 to 3 months), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
• Taste: Cabrales Cheese (Intense, piquant), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Cabrales Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Cabrales Cheese shows hints of hazelnuts, dark cocoa, sharp, metallic finish; intensely acid curd, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty. Aging plays into this as well. Cabrales Cheese at 2 to 3 months develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Cabrales Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect crumbly, open paste bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, open paste cheese, go with Cabrales Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese suits recipes that want intense, piquant notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cabrales Cheese originates in Spain, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Cabrales Cheese is typically aged 2 to 3 months, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Cabrales Cheese leans strong, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

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 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, Cabrales Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cabrales Cheese is crumbly, open paste, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.