Edam Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Edam Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Edam Cheese is a rubber-textured to crystalline cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Edam Cheese?
Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese that is recognizable by its typically red or yellow wax coating. Made from partially skimmed cow's milk, it has a mild, slightly salty flavor and a firm but creamy texture. Edam ages well and does not spoil; instead, it hardens, which makes it an excellent cheese for long-term storage.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
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.
What's the Difference Between Edam Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Edam Cheese (pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Edam Cheese (Rubber-textured to crystalline), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Edam Cheese (3 months to longer), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Edam Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Italy |
| Specific Origin | North Of Holland | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Rubber-textured to crystalline | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Smooth, waxed | Hard |
| Aging | 3 months to longer | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery | Umami |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Edam Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | 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 |
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Where to buy Edam Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Edam Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Edam Cheese shows sweet milky-ness, light brazil nut and almond tones, gentle buttery-ness, aged variants show caramel and roasted nut qualities, 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. Edam Cheese at 3 months to longer develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
In most recipes, Edam Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect rubber-textured to crystalline bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go with Edam Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, milky, nutty, buttery notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edam Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Edam Cheese originates in Netherlands, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Edam Cheese is typically aged 3 months to longer, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Edam Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Edam Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.
What is Edam Cheese made of?
Edam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 months to longer. It originates in Netherlands.
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, Edam Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is rubber-textured to crystalline, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.
See full profiles: Edam Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese.