Montasio Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese

Q: Is Montasio Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?

No. Montasio Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and Montenegro respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Montasio Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Montasio Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Montasio Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Montasio Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Montasio Cheese

Pljevlja Cheese

Montasio Cheese is a elastic to crumbly and hard cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.

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 Is Pljevlja Cheese?

Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.

What's the Difference Between Montasio Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?

Origin: Montasio Cheese (Italy), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
Milk type: Montasio Cheese (cow's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
Texture: Montasio Cheese (Elastic to crumbly and hard), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
Aging: Montasio Cheese (Fresco: 60-120 days; Mezzano: 120 days-10 months; Stagionato: 10-18 months; Stravecchio: over 18 months), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Montasio Cheese	Pljevlja Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Montenegro
Specific Origin	Fruili-Venezia Giulia And Parts Of Belluno, Treviso, Padua, And Venice In Veneto	Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed
Milk Treatment	Unpasteurized	—
Texture	Elastic to crumbly and hard	Soft to semihard
Aging	Fresco: 60-120 days; Mezzano: 120 days-10 months; Stagionato: 10-18 months; Stravecchio: over 18 months	4 to 8 weeks
Taste	Mild, creamy, and fruity to savory, piquant, with hints of spice	—

Taste Comparison: Does Montasio Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Montasio Cheese at fresco: 60-120 days; mezzano: 120 days-10 months; stagionato: 10-18 months; stravecchio: over 18 months develops a different profile than Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.

Can You Substitute Montasio Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

Montasio Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect elastic to crumbly and hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to semihard.

Which Is Better, Montasio Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a elastic to crumbly and hard cheese, go with Montasio Cheese. For a soft to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montasio Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Montasio Cheese originates in Italy, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Montasio Cheese is made from cow milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Montasio Cheese is typically aged fresco: 60-120 days; mezzano: 120 days-10 months; stagionato: 10-18 months; stravecchio: over 18 months, Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.

Is Montasio Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Montasio Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Montasio Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

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.

What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?

Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.

Which should I choose, Montasio Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Montasio Cheese is elastic to crumbly and hard, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.