Goat Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Goat Cheese is a soft, semihard or hard goat-milk cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Goat Cheese?
Goat cheese, also called chèvre, is cheese made from goat's milk. It is produced around the world in styles ranging from fresh and soft to aged and hard, and is known for the tart, goaty flavor that comes from the milk's medium-chain fatty acids.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.
What's the Difference Between Goat Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Milk type: Goat Cheese (goat), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Texture: Goat Cheese (soft, semihard or hard), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Taste: Goat Cheese (tart, goaty), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Goat Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Worldwide | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, semihard or hard | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | — | Hard |
| Aging | — | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Tart, goaty | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Goat Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Goat Cheese shows tart goat character from caproic and caprylic fatty acids, 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.
Can You Substitute Goat Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Goat Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, semihard or hard bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Goat 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, semihard or hard cheese, go with Goat Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Goat Cheese suits recipes that want tart, goaty notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goat Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Goat Cheese is made from goat milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow.
Is Goat Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Goat Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Goat Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.
What is Goat Cheese made of?
Goat Cheese is made from goat milk.
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, Goat Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.