Chèvre (Goat Cheese) vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Chèvre (Goat Cheese)

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?

Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.

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 Chèvre (Goat Cheese) and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Rind: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Aging: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
Taste: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Chèvre (Goat Cheese)	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	France, Especially The Loire Valley And Poitou	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Goat	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized or unpasteurized	Raw
Texture	Soft	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Light colored	Hard
Aging	Not aged for long	12 to 36 months
Taste	Tangy	Umami

Pairing Comparison

What works with each cheese: wines, foods, breads and more.

	Chèvre (Goat Cheese)	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Pairs well with	Albariño, Asparagus, Bresaola, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Cava, Champagne, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Tea, Grüner Veltliner, Honey and more	Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto and more

Taste Comparison: Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) offers goaty, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) shows mild, creamy, sometimes fruity, 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. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Chèvre (Goat 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 cheese, go with Chèvre (Goat Cheese). For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is typically aged not aged for long, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) leans goaty, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?

Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. 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, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.