Kefalotyri Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Kefalotyri Cheese is a hard goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus and Greece, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Kefalotyri Cheese?
Kefalotyri is a hard, salty cheese from Greece and Cyprus, made from sheep milk, goat milk, or both. It is known for grating over pasta and vegetables, and for saganaki, where slices are fried in olive oil.
What Is Pecorino Cheese?
Pecorino is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and its name comes from pecora, the Italian word for sheep. Six main varieties carry PDO status, with Pecorino Romano the best known outside Italy.
What's the Difference Between Kefalotyri Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Origin: Kefalotyri Cheese (Cyprus and Greece), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Kefalotyri Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Aging: Kefalotyri Cheese (2 to 3 months), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Kefalotyri Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus And Greece | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Greece And Cyprus | Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Hard | Hard |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 2 to 3 months | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
| Taste | Salty, sharp, spicy, strong, tangy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Kefalotyri Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Kefalotyri Cheese shows drier and stronger when aged a year or more, while Pecorino Cheese leans toward buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk. Aging plays into this as well. Kefalotyri Cheese at 2 to 3 months develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Can You Substitute Kefalotyri Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
Kefalotyri Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Kefalotyri Cheese or Pecorino 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 Kefalotyri Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Kefalotyri Cheese originates in Cyprus and Greece, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. Kefalotyri Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Kefalotyri Cheese is typically aged 2 to 3 months, Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.
Is Kefalotyri Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Kefalotyri Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Kefalotyri Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Kefalotyri Cheese made of?
Kefalotyri Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Cyprus and Greece.
What is Pecorino Cheese made of?
Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Kefalotyri Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.