Caciocavallo Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Caciocavallo Cheese is a firm to semihard, chewy to crumbly cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
What Is Caciocavallo Cheese?
Caciocavallo is a stretched-curd cheese from southern Italy, made with sheep's or cow's milk and shaped like a teardrop. It has a hard edible rind and tastes much like the aged provolone of the same region.
What Is Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Caciocavallo Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Caciocavallo Cheese (cow's milk), Sheep's Milk Cheese (sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Caciocavallo Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Apennine Mountain Range | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep |
| Texture | Firm to semihard, chewy to crumbly | — |
| Rind | Smooth, thickens with age | — |
| Aging | 2 to 12 months, up to 5 years | — |
| Taste | Slightly sweet to sharp, piquant, complex | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Caciocavallo Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Caciocavallo Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Caciocavallo Cheese can stand in for Sheep's Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Caciocavallo Cheese or Sheep's Milk 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 Caciocavallo Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Caciocavallo Cheese is made from cow milk; Sheep's Milk Cheese uses sheep.
Is Caciocavallo Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Caciocavallo Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Caciocavallo Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Caciocavallo Cheese made of?
Caciocavallo Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 2 to 12 months, up to 5 years. It originates in Italy.
What is Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Caciocavallo Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.