Halloumi Cheese vs Pimento Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Halloumi Cheese and Pimento Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Halloumi Cheese and Pimento Cheese?"
• "Is Halloumi Cheese and Pimento Cheese the same?"
• "How does Halloumi Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Halloumi Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese?"
• "Is Halloumi Cheese or Pimento Cheese better?"

Halloumi Cheese Overview

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.

Pimento Cheese Overview

Pimento cheese is a popular spread in the Southern United States, made from cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Sometimes referred to as the "pâté of the South," it has a creamy, tangy flavor and is often used as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for crackers, or a dip for vegetables.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Halloumi Cheese comes from Cyprus. Pimento Cheese originated from United States.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014). Pimento is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk. Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk.

Composition and Texture

Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard". Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable".

Taste and Aroma

Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty taste. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "strong". Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili".

Appearance and Aging

Halloumi Cheese's appearance is colored white to light yellow and is aged 40 days . Pimento Cheese comes in grated cheese mixed into a spread .

Rind and Rennet Type

Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind and uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Halloumi is ranked #100 out of 996 types based on community views. Pimento is ranked #110 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semihard cheese, go for Halloumi. But if you enjoy a spreadable consistency, Pimento might be the better pick. Halloumi has a mild, salty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pimento offers a sweet, rounded chili profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Halloumi Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pimento Cheese to Other Cheeses