Cheddar Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
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.
What Is Pecorino Cheese?
Pecorino is a term for Italian cheeses made from sheep's milk. The most well-known varieties include Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano, and Pecorino Sardo, each named after their region of origin. These cheeses vary in texture from soft and buttery to hard and granular, and they range in flavor from mild to sharp and salty, often aged to develop deeper flavors.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Pecorino Cheese (hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Hard |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | — |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | — |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | — |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Cheddar Cheese and Pecorino Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for hard.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a hard profile, Pecorino Cheese is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized). It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Pecorino Cheese made of?
Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Pecorino Cheese is hard.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and Pecorino Cheese.