Époisses Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

Époisses Cheese is a soft and creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Époisses Cheese?

Époisses is a pungent soft-paste cow's milk cheese from the village of Époisses in Burgundy, France. Washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne as it ripens, it has a soft red-orange rind that is edible and a strong smell.

What Is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

What's the Difference Between Époisses Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?

• Origin: Époisses Cheese (France), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Époisses Cheese (raw or pasteurized), Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Époisses Cheese (Soft and creamy), Parmesan Cheese (hard, artisan)
• Rind: Époisses Cheese (Washed-rind), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Époisses Cheese (Minimum of 28 days), Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years)
• Taste: Époisses Cheese (Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Époisses Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?

Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. On the nose, Époisses Cheese offers undergrowth, contrasted with Parmesan Cheese's nutty, strong. More specifically, Époisses Cheese shows penetrating odor, undergrowth aromas, soft and melting, slightly crumbly center if not long matured, creamy sensation on the palette, while Parmesan Cheese leans toward sharp, salty, savory, strong umami. Aging plays into this as well. Époisses Cheese at minimum of 28 days develops a different profile than Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Can You Substitute Époisses Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

In most recipes, Époisses Cheese and Parmesan Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft and creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Époisses Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft and creamy cheese, go with Époisses Cheese. For a hard, artisan profile, Parmesan Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Époisses Cheese suits recipes that want subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced notes, while Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Époisses Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Époisses Cheese originates in France, while Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Époisses Cheese is typically aged minimum of 28 days, Parmesan Cheese minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Is Époisses Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Époisses Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

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

Does Époisses Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Époisses Cheese leans undergrowth, and Parmesan Cheese is closer to nutty, strong.

What is Époisses Cheese made of?

Époisses Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 28 days. It originates in France.

What is Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Époisses Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Époisses Cheese is soft and creamy, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan.