Asiago Cheese vs Montasio Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Montasio Cheese
Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Montasio Cheese is elastic to crumbly and hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Asiago Cheese?
This Italian cheese from the Veneto and Trentino regions comes in two varieties: fresh (Asiago Pressato) and aged (Asiago d'allevo). Fresh Asiago is soft and creamy with a sweet, mild flavor, while the aged version is harder, crumbly, and has a sharper, more pronounced taste. Asiago is versatile in the kitchen, used in everything from sandwiches to pasta dishes.
What Is Montasio Cheese?
Montasio is a mountain cheese from northeastern Italy, with a PDO designation. It has a firm texture and can vary in flavor from mild and milky in younger cheeses to richer and more robust in aged varieties. Montasio is often enjoyed grated over pasta and risotto or sliced in sandwiches.
What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Montasio Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago Cheese | Montasio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Fruili-Venezia Giulia And Parts Of Belluno, Treviso, Padua, And Venice In Veneto |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Elastic to crumbly and hard |
| Aging | — | Fresco: 60-120 days; Mezzano: 120 days-10 months; Stagionato: 10-18 months; Stravecchio: over 18 months |
| Taste | — | Mild, creamy, and fruity to savory, piquant, with hints of spice |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Asiago Cheese and Montasio Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Montasio Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Montasio Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Montasio Cheese?
Asiago Cheese can stand in for Montasio Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Montasio Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asiago Cheese the same as Montasio Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Asiago Cheese similar to Montasio Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Montasio Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago Cheese taste like Montasio Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Asiago Cheese made of?
Asiago Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Italy.
What is Montasio Cheese made of?
Montasio Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged fresco: 60-120 days; mezzano: 120 days-10 months; stagionato: 10-18 months; stravecchio: over 18 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Montasio Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Asiago Cheese and Montasio Cheese.