Derby Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Derby Cheese is a semi-firm, artisan cow-milk cheese from England and United Kingdom, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Derby Cheese?

Derby is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Derbyshire, England, with a smooth, mellow texture and a buttery flavour. It sits close to Cheddar in taste but stays softer, and its best known version is the sage-flecked Sage Derby.

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 Derby Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Origin: Derby Cheese (England and United Kingdom), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Derby Cheese (semi-firm, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: Derby Cheese (natural or waxed), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Aging: Derby Cheese (1 to 6 months), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
• Taste: Derby Cheese (buttery, mild, sweet), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Derby Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Derby Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Derby Cheese shows springy and mild when young, turning firmer and subtly sweet with age, 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. Derby Cheese at 1 to 6 months develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Derby Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Derby Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-firm, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Derby Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-firm, artisan cheese, go with Derby Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Derby Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, mild, sweet notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derby Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Derby Cheese originates in England and United Kingdom, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Derby Cheese is typically aged 1 to 6 months, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Derby Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Derby Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Derby Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Derby Cheese reads as buttery, mild, sweet, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Derby Cheese leans mild, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Derby Cheese made of?

Derby Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 1 to 6 months. It originates in England and United Kingdom.

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, Derby Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Derby Cheese is semi-firm, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.