Goat Cheese vs Pecorino Romano Cheese
Goat Cheese is a soft, semihard or hard goat-milk cheese, while Pecorino Romano Cheese is hard and made from sheep 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 Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese made only from sheep milk, most often grated over pasta. It began in the countryside around Rome and is now made almost entirely in Sardinia.
What's the Difference Between Goat Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese?
- Milk type: Goat Cheese (goat), Pecorino Romano Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Texture: Goat Cheese (soft, semihard or hard), Pecorino Romano Cheese (Hard)
- Taste: Goat Cheese (tart, goaty), Pecorino Romano Cheese (Sharp, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Goat Cheese | Pecorino Romano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Worldwide | Lazio, Sardinia, Grosseto |
| Milk Type | Goat | Sheep's milk |
| Texture | Soft, semihard or hard | Hard |
| Rind | — | Pale yellow to brown or black |
| Aging | — | 5–8 months or longer |
| Taste | Tart, goaty | Sharp, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Goat Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty, while Pecorino Romano Cheese brings sharp, salty character. More specifically, Goat Cheese shows tart goat character from caproic and caprylic fatty acids, while Pecorino Romano Cheese leans toward bright, tangy notes balancing sheepy sweetness with salinity, crumbles nicely.
Can You Substitute Goat Cheese for Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Goat Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Romano 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty while Pecorino Romano Cheese brings sharp, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Goat Cheese or Pecorino Romano 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 hard profile, Pecorino Romano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Goat Cheese suits recipes that want tart, goaty notes, while Pecorino Romano Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp, salty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goat Cheese the same as Pecorino Romano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Goat Cheese is made from goat milk; Pecorino Romano Cheese uses sheep.
Is Goat Cheese similar to Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Goat Cheese for Pecorino Romano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Goat Cheese taste like Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Goat Cheese reads as tart, goaty, while Pecorino Romano Cheese is sharp, salty.
What is Goat Cheese made of?
Goat Cheese is made from goat milk.
What is Pecorino Romano Cheese made of?
Pecorino Romano Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal (sheep) rennet. It's typically aged 5–8 months or longer. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Goat Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Goat Cheese is soft, semihard or hard, while Pecorino Romano Cheese is hard.