Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese
Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese is a semi-soft, brined cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Australia, while Pecorino Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese?
Mozzarella (Australian) is a semi-soft, brined cheese made in Australia from either cow's or water buffalo's milk. It can be produced using pasteurized or unpasteurized milk and has a fat content of 45%. This cheese is known for its milky flavor and fresh, milky aroma, making it a popular choice for many dishes. It has a white color and is rindless, which gives it a smooth and consistent texture. Australian Mozzarella is often used in cooking, particularly on pizzas and in salads, thanks to its excellent melting properties and mild taste.
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 Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese and Pecorino Cheese?
- Origin: Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese (Australia), Pecorino Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese (cow's or water buffalo's milk), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Texture: Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese (semi-soft, brined), Pecorino Cheese (hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese | Pecorino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Australia | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's or water buffalo's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft, brined | Hard |
| Rind | Rindless | — |
| Aging | — | Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato |
| Taste | Milky | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for hard.
Which Is Better, Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, brined cheese, go with Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese. For a hard profile, Pecorino Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese originates in Australia, while Pecorino Cheese comes from Italy. Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep.
Is Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese made of?
Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Australia.
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, Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mozzarella (Australian) Cheese is semi-soft, brined, while Pecorino Cheese is hard.