Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese is a soft, creamy buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy and made from cow milk.

What Is Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese?

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana is a fresh, soft pasta filata cheese made from the milk of the Italian Mediterranean buffalo, produced in Campania and a few nearby areas under PDO rules. By production value it is Italy's fourth PDO product.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio is a long-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, the hard granular cow's milk cheese of Parma and Reggio Emilia. It is dry and grainy, with the sharp, salty, savory taste that makes it a grating cheese.

What's the Difference Between Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

• Milk type: Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese (Water buffalo's), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (cow)
• Texture: Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese (Soft, creamy), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (hard, dry and grainy)
• Taste: Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese (Rich, tangy), Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese (sharp, salty and savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese reads as rich, tangy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory character. More specifically, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese shows dop status; made from water buffalo milk; known for its rich taste and creamy texture., while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese leans toward strong umami from a high glutamate content.

Can You Substitute Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese can stand in for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, dry and grainy. Flavor-wise, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese reads as rich, tangy while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese brings sharp, salty and savory notes.

Which Is Better, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese. For a hard, dry and grainy profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese suits recipes that want rich, tangy notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp, salty and savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese is made from buffalo milk; Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese uses cow.

Is Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

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

Does Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese reads as rich, tangy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is sharp, salty and savory.

What is Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese made of?

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese is made from buffalo milk (raw), using traditional rennet. It's typically aged eaten fresh. It originates in Italy.

What is Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese made of?

Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal (calf) rennet.

Which should I choose, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheese is soft, creamy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Stravecchio Cheese is hard, dry and grainy.