Mont d'Or Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Mont d'Or Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?

Mont d'Or, or Vacherin Mont d'Or, is a seasonal, soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. Available from September to May, it has a delicate, creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Mont d'Or is traditionally eaten warmed in the box it comes in, making the interior deliciously runny.

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 Mont d'Or Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Origin: Mont d'Or Cheese (France), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Aging: Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
• Taste: Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Mont d'Or Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. More specifically, Mont d'Or Cheese shows known for its creamy taste and powerful aroma; gets resinous flavor from spruce bark, 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. Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Mont d'Or Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Mont d'Or Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Mont d'Or Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese suits recipes that want resinous, mild to pungent notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mont d'Or Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Mont d'Or Cheese originates in France, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Mont d'Or Cheese is typically aged 21 to 60 days, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Mont d'Or Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Mont d'Or Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami.

What is Mont d'Or Cheese made of?

Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.

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, Mont d'Or Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mont d'Or Cheese is soft, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.