Feta Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese
Feta Cheese
Pljevlja Cheese
Feta Cheese is a soft, white, aged in brine goat and sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.
What Is Feta Cheese?
Feta is a brined curd white cheese from Greece, made traditionally from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly with a slightly grainy texture and has a salty, tangy flavor. Feta is commonly used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese, and is central to Greek cuisine.
What Is Pljevlja Cheese?
Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.
What's the Difference Between Feta Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?
- Origin: Feta Cheese (Greece), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
- Milk type: Feta Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
- Texture: Feta Cheese (Soft, white, aged in brine), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
- Aging: Feta Cheese (2 months to longer), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feta Cheese | Pljevlja Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | Montenegro |
| Specific Origin | Throughout Greece | Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | — |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Soft to semihard |
| Rind | None | — |
| Aging | 2 months to longer | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Feta Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Feta Cheese at 2 months to longer develops a different profile than Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.
Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
Feta Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, white, aged in brine bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to semihard.
Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go with Feta Cheese. For a soft to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Feta Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Feta Cheese originates in Greece, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Feta Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Feta Cheese is typically aged 2 months to longer, Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.
Is Feta Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Feta Cheese taste like Pljevlja 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). It's typically aged 2 months to longer. It originates in Greece.
What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?
Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.
Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Feta Cheese is soft, white, aged in brine, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.