Chèvre (Goat Cheese) vs Pecorino Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese)
Pecorino Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep 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 Pecorino Cheese?
Pecorino is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and its name comes from pecora, the Italian word for sheep. Six main varieties carry PDO status, with Pecorino Romano the best known outside Italy.
What's the Difference Between Chèvre (Goat Cheese) and Pecorino Cheese?
- Origin: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (France), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Texture: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft), Pecorino Cheese (hard)
- Aging: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | France, Especially The Loire Valley And Poitou | Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft | Hard |
| Rind | Light colored | — |
| Aging | Not aged for long | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
| Taste | Tangy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) shows mild, creamy, sometimes fruity, while Pecorino Cheese leans toward buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk. Aging plays into this as well. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Can You Substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Pecorino Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) can stand in for Pecorino 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 hard.
Which Is Better, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Pecorino 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 hard profile, Pecorino Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) originates in France, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is typically aged not aged for long, Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Pecorino Cheese made of?
Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft, while Pecorino Cheese is hard.