Feta Cheese vs Montasio-Style Cheese
Feta Cheese is a soft, white, aged in brine goat and sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Montasio-Style Cheese is .
What Is Feta Cheese?
Feta is a Greek brined white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly and slightly grainy, tangy and salty, and it anchors dishes like Greek salad and spanakopita.
What Is Montasio-Style Cheese?
Montasio-Style cheese is a semi-hard cheese originally from the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a smooth, pale yellow rind. The cheese typically ages for several months, developing a firm texture and a mild, nutty flavor. Younger Montasio-Style cheese is creamy and slightly tangy, while aged versions become crumbly with a more pronounced sharpness. It is often used in cooking, grated over pasta dishes or melted in traditional recipes. Montasio-Style cheese pairs well with fruity white wines and is enjoyed as part of a cheese platter.
What's the Difference Between Feta Cheese and Montasio-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feta Cheese | Montasio-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | — |
| Specific Origin | Mainland Greece And Lesbos Prefecture | — |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | — |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | — |
| Rind | None | — |
| Aging | 2 months to longer | — |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Feta Cheese Taste Like Montasio-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Montasio-Style Cheese?
Feta Cheese can stand in for Montasio-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Montasio-Style 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 Cheese the same as Montasio-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Feta Cheese similar to Montasio-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Montasio-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Feta Cheese taste like Montasio-Style Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Feta Cheese made of?
Feta Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk (pasteurized, sometimes raw), using rennet. It's typically aged 2 months to longer. It originates in Greece.
What is Montasio-Style Cheese made of?
Montasio-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Montasio-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.