Cabrales Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese

Q: Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Cabrales Cheese for Scamorza Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Cabrales Cheese or Scamorza 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.

Cabrales Cheese

Scamorza Cheese

Cabrales Cheese is a crumbly, open paste cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft 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 Scamorza Cheese?

Scamorza is an Italian cheese similar to mozzarella, known for its pear-like shape and smooth, elastic texture. Made from cow's milk, it is available in smoked (Scamorza Affumicata) and unsmoked varieties, both having a mild, milky flavor. Scamorza can be sliced and melted in sandwiches, grilled, or used as a pizza topping.

What's the Difference Between Cabrales Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?

Origin: Cabrales Cheese (Spain), Scamorza Cheese (Italy)
Texture: Cabrales Cheese (Crumbly, open paste), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)
Rind: Cabrales Cheese (Natural), Scamorza Cheese (natural)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Cabrales Cheese	Scamorza Cheese
Country of Origin	Spain	Italy
Specific Origin	Asturias	—
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized	—
Texture	Crumbly, open paste	Semi-soft
Rind	Natural	Natural
Aging	2 to 3 months	—
Taste	Intense, piquant	—

Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

In most recipes, Cabrales Cheese and Scamorza 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 semi-soft.

Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Scamorza 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 semi-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cabrales Cheese originates in Spain, while Scamorza Cheese comes from Italy.

Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

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

Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Scamorza 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 Scamorza Cheese made of?

Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Cabrales Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cabrales Cheese is crumbly, open paste, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.