Graddost Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

Graddost Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Sweden, while Parmesan Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Graddost Cheese?

Gräddost is a Swedish semi-hard cow's milk cheese whose name means cream cheese. It tastes mild, creamy and slightly sour, is usually sold at 60% fat, and melts so well that Swedish pizzerias made it a standard in the 1970s.

What Is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

What's the Difference Between Graddost Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?

• Origin: Graddost Cheese (Sweden), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Graddost Cheese (pasteurized), Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Graddost Cheese (Semi-hard), Parmesan Cheese (Hard)
• Rind: Graddost Cheese (none, ripened in Cryovac plastic film), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Graddost Cheese (at least 4 weeks), Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years)
• Taste: Graddost Cheese (nutty, tangy), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Graddost Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?

Graddost Cheese reads as nutty, tangy, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. On the nose, Graddost Cheese offers nutty, contrasted with Parmesan Cheese's nutty, strong. More specifically, Graddost Cheese shows mild, creamy and slightly sour, sometimes nutty, while Parmesan Cheese leans toward sharp, salty, savory, strong umami. Aging plays into this as well. Graddost Cheese at at least 4 weeks develops a different profile than Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Can You Substitute Graddost Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

In most recipes, Graddost Cheese and Parmesan Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Graddost Cheese reads as nutty, tangy while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Graddost Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Graddost Cheese. For a hard profile, Parmesan Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Graddost Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, tangy notes, while Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Graddost Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Graddost Cheese originates in Sweden, while Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Graddost Cheese is typically aged at least 4 weeks, Parmesan Cheese minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Is Graddost Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Graddost Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

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

Does Graddost Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

Graddost Cheese reads as nutty, tangy, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Graddost Cheese leans nutty, and Parmesan Cheese is closer to nutty, strong.

What is Graddost Cheese made of?

Graddost Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least 4 weeks. It originates in Sweden.

What is Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Graddost Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Graddost Cheese is semi-hard, while Parmesan Cheese is hard.