Naboulsi Cheese vs Paški Sir Cheese

Naboulsi Cheese is a semi-hard, brined goat or sheep-milk cheese from Middle East and Palestine, while Paški Sir Cheese is slightly elastic, granular and made from sheep milk, originating in Croatia.

What Is Naboulsi Cheese?

Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.

What Is Paški Sir Cheese?

Paški sir is a hard sheep milk cheese from the Croatian island of Pag, where salt-laden wind shapes the plants the sheep eat. It carries Protected Designation of Origin status and has won gold and Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards.

What's the Difference Between Naboulsi Cheese and Paški Sir Cheese?

• Origin: Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine), Paški Sir Cheese (Croatia)
• Milk type: Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Paški Sir Cheese (Sheep’s milk)
• Texture: Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined), Paški Sir Cheese (Slightly elastic, granular)
• Rind: Naboulsi Cheese (natural), Paški Sir Cheese (Hard)
• Taste: Naboulsi Cheese (salty), Paški Sir Cheese (salty, savory, tangy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Naboulsi Cheese Taste Like Paški Sir Cheese?

Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty, while Paški Sir Cheese brings salty, savory, tangy character. On the nose, Naboulsi Cheese offers fresh, contrasted with Paški Sir Cheese's pleasant.

Can You Substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Paški Sir Cheese?

Naboulsi Cheese can stand in for Paški Sir Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for slightly elastic, granular. Flavor-wise, Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty while Paški Sir Cheese brings salty, savory, tangy notes.

Which Is Better, Naboulsi Cheese or Paški Sir Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, brined cheese, go with Naboulsi Cheese. For a slightly elastic, granular profile, Paški Sir Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Naboulsi Cheese suits recipes that want salty notes, while Paški Sir Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory, tangy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Naboulsi Cheese the same as Paški Sir Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Naboulsi Cheese originates in Middle East and Palestine, while Paški Sir Cheese comes from Croatia. Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Paški Sir Cheese uses sheep.

Is Naboulsi Cheese similar to Paški Sir Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Paški Sir Cheese?

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

Does Naboulsi Cheese taste like Paški Sir Cheese?

Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty, while Paški Sir Cheese is salty, savory, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Naboulsi Cheese leans fresh, and Paški Sir Cheese is closer to pleasant.

What is Naboulsi Cheese made of?

Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.

What is Paški Sir Cheese made of?

Paški Sir Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized), using natural rennet. It's typically aged minimum of two months, up to five months. It originates in Croatia.

Which should I choose, Naboulsi Cheese or Paški Sir Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined, while Paški Sir Cheese is slightly elastic, granular.