Dunlop Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Dunlop Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Dunlop Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese are distinct cheeses from Scotland and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Dunlop Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Dunlop Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Dunlop 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.

Dunlop Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Scotland, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Dunlop Cheese?

Dunlop is a sweet-milk cheese from Dunlop in East Ayrshire, Scotland, made from unskimmed cow's milk and close to a soft Cheddar in texture. Mild, sweet and buttery, it matures for six to twelve months and is eaten on its own or with a dram of whisky.

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 Dunlop Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Origin: Dunlop Cheese (Scotland), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
Milk treatment: Dunlop Cheese (pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Dunlop Cheese (hard), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
Rind: Dunlop Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
Aging: Dunlop Cheese (6 to 12 months), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
Taste: Dunlop Cheese (buttery, nutty, sweet), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Dunlop Cheese	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Country of Origin	Scotland	Italy
Specific Origin	Dunlop, East Ayrshire, Scotland	Emilia-Romagna Region
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	Raw
Texture	Hard	Grainy, flaky
Rind	Natural	Hard
Aging	6 to 12 months	12 to 36 months
Taste	Buttery, nutty, sweet	Umami

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

Dunlop Cheese reads as buttery, nutty, sweet, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Dunlop Cheese offers light, elegant fragrance, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Dunlop Cheese shows mild, sweet and buttery-tasting, 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. Dunlop Cheese at 6 to 12 months develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Dunlop Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Dunlop Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dunlop Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Dunlop Cheese originates in Scotland, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Dunlop Cheese is typically aged 6 to 12 months, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Dunlop Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Dunlop Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

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

Does Dunlop Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Dunlop Cheese reads as buttery, nutty, sweet, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Dunlop Cheese leans light, elegant fragrance, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Dunlop Cheese made of?

Dunlop Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 to 12 months. It originates in Scotland.

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, Dunlop Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Dunlop Cheese is hard, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.