Feta Cheese vs Picos de Europa Cheese

Feta Cheese is a soft goat or sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Picos de Europa Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in Spain.

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 Picos de Europa Cheese?

Picos de Europa, also known as Picos Blue, is a semi-soft, blue-veined cheese from Spain made with pasteurized cow's milk. It has a strong, spicy flavor that appeals to those who enjoy bold cheeses. The blue veins running through the cheese contribute to its striking appearance and intense taste. The texture is creamy yet crumbly, making it easy to spread on bread or crackers. This cheese pairs well with robust red wines or a sweet dessert wine, balancing its strong flavor. Picos de Europa is a great addition to cheese boards and can be used to enhance sauces and salads with its rich character.

What's the Difference Between Feta Cheese and Picos de Europa Cheese?

• Origin: Feta Cheese (Greece), Picos de Europa Cheese (Spain)
• Milk type: Feta Cheese (Sheep's milk, sometimes with goat's milk), Picos de Europa Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Feta Cheese (Pasteurized, sometimes raw), Picos de Europa Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Feta Cheese (Soft), Picos de Europa Cheese (Semi-soft, blue-veined)
• Taste: Feta Cheese (Sharp to mild), Picos de Europa Cheese (spicy, strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Feta Cheese Taste Like Picos de Europa Cheese?

Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Picos de Europa Cheese brings spicy, strong character.

Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Picos de Europa Cheese?

Feta Cheese can stand in for Picos de Europa Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild while Picos de Europa Cheese brings spicy, strong notes.

Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Picos de Europa Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Feta Cheese. For a semi-soft, blue-veined profile, Picos de Europa Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese suits recipes that want sharp to mild notes, while Picos de Europa Cheese fits dishes calling for spicy, strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Feta Cheese the same as Picos de Europa Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Feta Cheese originates in Greece, while Picos de Europa Cheese comes from Spain. Feta Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Picos de Europa Cheese uses cow.

Is Feta Cheese similar to Picos de Europa Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Picos de Europa Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Feta Cheese taste like Picos de Europa Cheese?

Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Picos de Europa Cheese is spicy, strong.

What is Feta Cheese made of?

Feta Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized, sometimes raw), using rennet. It's typically aged 2 months to longer. It originates in Greece.

What is Picos de Europa Cheese made of?

Picos de Europa Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Spain.

Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Picos de Europa Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Feta Cheese is soft, while Picos de Europa Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined.