Cheddar Cheese vs Pecorino Romano Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese?"
• "Is Cheddar Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese the same?"
• "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Pecorino Romano Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Pecorino Romano Cheese?"
• "Is Cheddar Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese better?"

Cheddar Cheese Overview

Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.

Pecorino Romano Cheese Overview

Pecorino Romano is one of the most ancient types of cheese and a staple in Italian cuisine. Made from sheep's milk, it is salty and sharp, traditionally used grated over pasta dishes, incorporated into sauces, or eaten on its own with a drizzle of honey. Pecorino Romano is predominantly produced in the regions of Lazio, Sardinia, and Tuscany.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Pecorino Romano Cheese originated from Italy.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Cheddar is not a protected cheese. Pecorino Romano Cheese has a PDO (1996), DOP (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Pecorino Romano Cheese is made with sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Pecorino Romano Cheese has a fat content of ~36%. Pecorino Romano's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Pecorino Romano Cheese has a sharp, salty taste. Pecorino Romano's aroma can be described as "strong".

Appearance and Aging

Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . Pecorino Romano Cheese has a color of white interior, pale yellow to brown/black rind , comes in wheels, 49–71 lbs, 12–13" high, 11–12" wide and has an aging period of 5–8 months or longer .

Rind and Rennet Type

Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Pecorino Romano Cheese's rind is described as pale yellow to brown or black , with rennet rennet.

Ranking

Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Pecorino Romano is ranked #74 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Pecorino Romano pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Pecorino Romano might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pecorino Romano offers a sharp, salty profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Cheddar Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pecorino Romano Cheese to Other Cheeses