Edam Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

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

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

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

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

Q: Which should I choose, Edam 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.

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 named after the town of Edam in North Holland, sold in flat-ended spheres under a red wax rind. It hardens rather than spoils, which made it the world's most popular cheese from the 14th to the 18th century.

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 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

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. On the nose, Edam Cheese offers almost no smell when young, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. 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.

Which is your favorite?

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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. Aromas also diverge. Edam Cheese leans almost no smell when young, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

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.