Mixed Milk Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Mixed Milk Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Mixed Milk Cheese?
Mixed milk cheese is any cheese made from more than one type of milk, such as cow, goat, sheep or buffalo. Feta, Scamorza, Wensleydale, Faisselle and Corsican farmhouse cheeses all belong to this group.
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 Mixed Milk Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
- Milk type: Mixed Milk Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mixed Milk Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | — | Hard |
| Aging | — | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | — | Umami |
Taste Comparison: Does Mixed Milk Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Mixed Milk Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Mixed Milk Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Mixed Milk Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano 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 Mixed Milk Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mixed Milk Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese uses cow.
Is Mixed Milk Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mixed Milk Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mixed Milk Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Mixed Milk Cheese made of?
Mixed Milk Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
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, Mixed Milk Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.