Gorgonzola Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese
Gorgonzola Cheese
Pljevlja Cheese
Gorgonzola Cheese is a soft to crumbly cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.
What Is Gorgonzola Cheese?
Gorgonzola is one of the world's oldest blue-veined cheeses, produced in Northern Italy. It's rich and creamy with a sharp, piquant flavor that varies depending on its age. Gorgonzola can be spicy (Piccante) or sweet (Dolce), with the latter being softer and less aged.
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 Gorgonzola Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?
- Origin: Gorgonzola Cheese (Italy), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
- Milk type: Gorgonzola Cheese (cow's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
- Texture: Gorgonzola Cheese (Soft to crumbly), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
- Aging: Gorgonzola Cheese (2 to 3 months), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gorgonzola Cheese | Pljevlja Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Montenegro |
| Specific Origin | Lombardy, Piedmont | Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft to crumbly | Soft to semihard |
| Rind | None | — |
| Aging | 2 to 3 months | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | Sweet to savory | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Gorgonzola Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Gorgonzola Cheese at 2 to 3 months develops a different profile than Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.
Can You Substitute Gorgonzola Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
Gorgonzola Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft to crumbly bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to semihard.
Which Is Better, Gorgonzola Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft to crumbly cheese, go with Gorgonzola Cheese. For a soft to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gorgonzola Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Gorgonzola Cheese originates in Italy, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Gorgonzola Cheese is made from cow milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Gorgonzola Cheese is typically aged 2 to 3 months, Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.
Is Gorgonzola Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Gorgonzola Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Gorgonzola Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Gorgonzola Cheese made of?
Gorgonzola Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Italy.
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, Gorgonzola Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Gorgonzola Cheese is soft to crumbly, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.