Jarlsberg Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.

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 Jarlsberg Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?

• Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Parmesan Cheese (hard, artisan)
• Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years)
• Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Parmesan Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Parmesan Cheese's nutty, strong. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Parmesan Cheese leans toward sharp, salty, savory, strong umami. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Parmesan Cheese minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

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

Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Parmesan Cheese is salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Parmesan Cheese is closer to nutty, strong.

What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?

Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.

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, Jarlsberg Cheese or Parmesan Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan.