Jarlsberg Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Q: Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No. Jarlsberg Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese are distinct cheeses from Norway and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Jarlsberg Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

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 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 Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.

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	Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway	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

Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. 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.

Which is your favorite?

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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. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

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.