Halloumi Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Halloumi Cheese is a semihard cow, goat, and sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
What Is Halloumi Cheese?
Halloumi is a brined cheese from Cyprus, traditionally made from goat and sheep milk, though most modern halloumi also contains cow's milk. It has a high melting point, so it browns on the grill or in a pan without melting, and it squeaks when you chew it.
What Is Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Halloumi Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Halloumi Cheese (cow's, goat's and sheep's milk), Sheep's Milk Cheese (sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Halloumi Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus | — |
| Specific Origin | Cyprus | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially | — |
| Texture | Semihard | — |
| Rind | No rind | — |
| Aging | 40 days | — |
| Taste | Mild, salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Halloumi Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Halloumi Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Halloumi Cheese can stand in for Sheep's Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Halloumi Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Halloumi Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Halloumi Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk; Sheep's Milk Cheese uses sheep.
Is Halloumi Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Halloumi Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Halloumi Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Halloumi Cheese made of?
Halloumi Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (traditionally raw, pasteurized commercially), using mostly vegetable or microbial rennet. It's typically aged 40 days. It originates in Cyprus.
What is Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Halloumi Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.