Kasseri Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

Kasseri Cheese

Taleggio Cheese

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

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

Kasseri Cheese Overview

Kasseri is a semi-hard cheese made predominantly from sheep's milk, with up to 20% goat's milk allowed. Originating in Greece, it is smooth and pale yellow, known for its elastic texture and mild, buttery flavor with a slight tang. Kasseri is often used in pies, pastries, and as a table cheese, especially in Greek and Turkish cuisines.

Taleggio Cheese Overview

Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Kasseri Cheese comes from Greece. Taleggio Cheese originated from Italy.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Kasseri Cheese has a PDO (1996). Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Kasseri Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

Kasseri's texture can be described as "firm to hard". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Taste and Aroma

Kasseri Cheese has a rich taste. Kasseri's aroma can be described as "flowery". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Kasseri Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow , is available in wheels and is aged at least 2 months, peak at 10+ months . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Kasseri Cheese's rind is described as develops as ages and uses natural rennet. Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Ranking

Kasseri is ranked #112 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #27 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Kasseri Cheese Taleggio Cheese
Country of Origin Greece Italy
Specific Origin Thrace, Macedonia, Thessaly, Lesbos Val Taleggio, Po Valley
Certification PDO (1996) PDO (1996)
Milk Type Goat's and sheep's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Traditionally raw, increasingly pasteurized Heated to 90–95°F
Rind Develops as ages Soft, thin, pinkish-red
Texture Firm to hard Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center
Taste Rich Sweet, delicate, slightly sour
Aroma Flowery Herbaceous, aromatic
Colors Pale yellow Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside
Forms Wheels Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight
Age At least 2 months, peak at 10+ months At least 35 (up to 50) days
Rennet Type Natural rennet Calf rennet

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a firm to hard cheese, go for Kasseri. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Kasseri has a rich taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Kasseri Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses

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