Fourme d'Ambert Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Fourme d'Ambert Cheese is a soft and creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Fourme d'Ambert Cheese?

Fourme d'Ambert is one of France's oldest blue cheeses, from the Auvergne region. It has a cylindrical shape with a creamy, smooth texture and a mild, fruity blue flavor. Less intense than other blue cheeses, Fourme d'Ambert is known for its delicate mushroomy and earthy notes, making it a favored choice for those new to blue cheeses.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.

What's the Difference Between Fourme d'Ambert Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Origin: Fourme d'Ambert Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Fourme d'Ambert Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Fourme d'Ambert Cheese (Soft and creamy), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: Fourme d'Ambert Cheese (Light gray-blue), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Aging: Fourme d'Ambert Cheese (Minimum 28 days from the date of renneting), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
• Taste: Fourme d'Ambert Cheese (Mild blue cheese), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Fourme d'Ambert Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Fourme d'Ambert Cheese reads as mild blue cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Fourme d'Ambert Cheese offers underwood, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Fourme d'Ambert Cheese shows subtle, delicate, creamy, balanced, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty. Aging plays into this as well. Fourme d'Ambert Cheese at minimum 28 days from the date of renneting develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Fourme d'Ambert Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Fourme d'Ambert Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft and creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Fourme d'Ambert Cheese reads as mild blue cheese while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Fourme d'Ambert Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft and creamy cheese, go with Fourme d'Ambert Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fourme d'Ambert Cheese suits recipes that want mild blue cheese notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fourme d'Ambert Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fourme d'Ambert Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Fourme d'Ambert Cheese is typically aged minimum 28 days from the date of renneting, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Fourme d'Ambert Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Fourme d'Ambert Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Fourme d'Ambert Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Fourme d'Ambert Cheese reads as mild blue cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Fourme d'Ambert Cheese leans underwood, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Fourme d'Ambert Cheese made of?

Fourme d'Ambert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum 28 days from the date of renneting. It originates in France.

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, Fourme d'Ambert Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fourme d'Ambert Cheese is soft and creamy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.