Cantal Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Cantal Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Cantal Cheese?

Cantal is a firm, uncooked cow's milk cheese from the Auvergne region of central France and one of the oldest cheeses in the country. Its tangy, buttery flavor recalls Cheddar and sharpens with age, from the mild jeune to the hard, nutty vieux.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.

What's the Difference Between Cantal Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Origin: Cantal Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Cantal Cheese (Firm), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: Cantal Cheese (Gray-white to golden), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Aging: Cantal Cheese (Jeune: 30-60 days, Entre-Deux: 90-210 days, Vieux: >8 months), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Cantal Cheese shows jeune: soft, milk-and-butter. entre-deux: balanced, intense. vieux: powerful, spicy. diversity of grasslands contributes to flavor., 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. Cantal Cheese at jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Cantal Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Cantal Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky.

Which Is Better, Cantal Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm cheese, go with Cantal Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cantal Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cantal Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Cantal Cheese is typically aged jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Cantal Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Cantal Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Does Cantal Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Cantal Cheese made of?

Cantal Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using rennet rennet. It's typically aged jeune: 30-60 days, entre-deux: 90-210 days, vieux: >8 months. It originates in France.

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, Cantal Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cantal Cheese is firm, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.