Feta-Style Cheese vs Montasio Cheese
Feta-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Montasio Cheese is elastic to crumbly and hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Feta-Style Cheese?
Feta-style cheese is a crumbly, brined cheese typically made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. It has a tangy and salty flavor with a creamy texture that is both smooth and slightly grainy. This cheese is often used in Mediterranean dishes, adding a bright and savory element to salads, pastries, and grilled vegetables. Its distinct flavor pairs well with olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers, making it a staple in Greek cuisine. Feta-style cheese can be found in blocks or crumbled form and is stored in a brine to maintain its moisture and freshness. It's a versatile cheese that can also be used in cooking, melting well in dishes such as spanakopita or on top of pizzas. The cheese's white color and slightly sharp taste make it a popular choice for a variety of culinary applications.
What Is Montasio Cheese?
Montasio is a cow's milk mountain cheese from Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto in northeastern Italy, made on the Montasio plateau since 1200. It is semi-hard and creamy when young, and harder after longer aging.
What's the Difference Between Feta-Style Cheese and Montasio Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feta-Style Cheese | Montasio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Fruili-Venezia Giulia And Parts Of Belluno, Treviso, Padua, And Venice In Veneto |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Elastic to crumbly and hard |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | — | Fresco: 60-120 days; Mezzano: 120 days-10 months; Stagionato: 10-18 months; Stravecchio: over 18 months |
| Taste | — | Mild, creamy, and fruity to savory, piquant, with hints of spice |
Taste Comparison: Does Feta-Style Cheese Taste Like Montasio Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Feta-Style Cheese for Montasio Cheese?
Feta-Style Cheese can stand in for Montasio Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Feta-Style Cheese or Montasio Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Feta-Style Cheese the same as Montasio Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Feta-Style Cheese similar to Montasio Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Feta-Style Cheese for Montasio Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Feta-Style Cheese taste like Montasio Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Feta-Style Cheese made of?
Feta-Style Cheese is made from milk.
What is Montasio Cheese made of?
Montasio Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged fresco: 60-120 days; mezzano: 120 days-10 months; stagionato: 10-18 months; stravecchio: over 18 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Feta-Style Cheese or Montasio Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.