Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese is a soft, friable cow or sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese?
Casciotta d'Urbino is a mild, semi-soft cheese from the Marche region. Made primarily from sheep's milk with a small addition of cow's milk, this cheese has a creamy texture and a subtle, slightly nutty flavor. It is aged for about a month and is often enjoyed as a table cheese or used in regional recipes.
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 Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Milk type: Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese (70–80% ewe's, 20–30% cow's), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Texture: Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese (Soft, friable), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese (Thin (1mm)), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese (20 to 30 days), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese (Sweet), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Province Of Pesaro-Urbino | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | 70–80% ewe's, 20–30% cow's | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, friable | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Thin (1mm) | Hard |
| Aging | 20 to 30 days | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Sweet | Umami |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila |
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Where to buy Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese reads as sweet, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese shows straw-white color, small holes, sweet taste, 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. Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese at 20 to 30 days develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, friable bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese reads as sweet while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, friable cheese, go with Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese suits recipes that want sweet notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese is typically aged 20 to 30 days, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese reads as sweet, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.
What is Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese made of?
Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk (raw), using liquid and/or powdered calf rennet. It's typically aged 20 to 30 days. It originates in Italy.
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, Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese is soft, friable, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.
See full profiles: Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese.