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Cream Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Cream Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cream Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cream Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?"
- "Is Cream Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cream Cheese compare to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cream Cheese compare to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?"
- "Is Cream Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese better?"
Cream Cheese Overview
Cream cheese is a fresh, soft cheese made primarily from cow's milk. It is typically pasteurized and has a smooth, spreadable texture. The flavor profile is creamy, mild, and slightly sweet, making it a versatile addition to both savory and sweet dishes. It is white in color and lacks a rind, which contributes to its smooth and appealing appearance. Commonly used as a spread on bagels or as a base for cheesecakes and dips, cream cheese is a staple in many kitchens. Its fresh and pleasant aroma enhances its appeal for a variety of culinary applications. Additionally, flavored versions, such as fruit cream cheese, are also popular.
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Overview
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.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cream Cheese comes from United States. Parmigiano Reggiano 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. Cream Cheese is not a protected cheese. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Cream Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.
Composition and Texture
Cream Cheese's texture can be described as "fresh soft, processed". Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a fat content of minimum 32%. Parmigiano Reggiano's texture can be described as "grainy, flaky".
Taste and Aroma
Cream Cheese has a creamy, mild, sweet taste. Cream Cheese's aroma can be described as "fresh, pleasant". Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a umami taste. Parmigiano Reggiano's aroma can be described as "mild, milky".
Appearance and Aging
Cream Cheese's appearance is colored white . Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese has a color of straw or light straw , comes in cylindrical, slightly convex sides and has an aging period of 12 to 36 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cream Cheese's rind is described as rindless . Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's rind is described as hard , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Cream Cheese is ranked #191 out of 996 types based on community views. Parmigiano Reggiano is ranked #74 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cream Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Ginger, Salmon, Seaweed, Shrimp | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | Cod, Green Tea | 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 |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cream Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cream Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Minimum 32% |
| Rind | Rindless | Hard |
| Texture | Fresh soft, processed | Grainy, flaky |
| Taste | Creamy, mild, sweet | Umami |
| Aroma | Fresh, pleasant | Mild, Milky |
| Colors | White | Straw or light straw |
| Forms | Not Specified | Cylindrical, slightly convex sides |
| Age | Not Specified | 12 to 36 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a fresh soft, processed cheese, go for Cream Cheese. But if you enjoy a grainy, flaky consistency, Parmigiano Reggiano might be the better pick. Cream Cheese has a creamy, mild, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Parmigiano Reggiano offers a umami profile, ideal for different meals.
