Feta Cheese vs Pecorino-Style Cheese
Feta Cheese is a soft, white, aged in brine goat and sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Pecorino-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 Pecorino-Style Cheese?
Pecorino-Style cheese is a hard, aged cheese made from sheep's milk, inspired by traditional Italian Pecorino. It has a crumbly texture and a sharp, salty flavor with a hint of nuttiness. The cheese is typically pale yellow, with a natural rind that can be dark brown or black. As it ages, the flavor becomes more intense and the texture drier. It's commonly used for grating over pasta dishes or enjoyed on a cheese board with fruits and nuts. Pecorino-Style cheese pairs well with robust red wines and can be a flavorful addition to salads and soups.
What's the Difference Between Feta Cheese and Pecorino-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feta Cheese | Pecorino-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 Pecorino-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Pecorino-Style Cheese?
Feta Cheese can stand in for Pecorino-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Pecorino-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 Pecorino-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Feta Cheese similar to Pecorino-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Pecorino-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Feta Cheese taste like Pecorino-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 Pecorino-Style Cheese made of?
Pecorino-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Pecorino-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.