Feta-Style Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Feta-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky 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 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 Feta-Style Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feta-Style Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | — | Hard |
| Aging | — | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | — | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Feta-Style Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Feta-Style Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Feta-Style Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Feta-Style Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Feta-Style Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Feta-Style Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Feta-Style Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano 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 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, Feta-Style Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.