Jarlsberg Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
- Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Italy |
| Specific Origin | No Specific Location | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semihard | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Hard |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Umami |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Jarlsberg Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano 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 grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano 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 grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.
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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.
See full profiles: Jarlsberg Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese.