Naboulsi Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese

Q: Is Naboulsi Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

No. Naboulsi Cheese and Scamorza Cheese are distinct cheeses from Middle East and Palestine and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

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

Q: Does Naboulsi Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Naboulsi Cheese or Scamorza 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.

Naboulsi Cheese is a semi-hard, brined goat or sheep-milk cheese from Middle East and Palestine, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Scamorza Cheese?

Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.

What's the Difference Between Naboulsi Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?

Origin: Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine), Scamorza Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Scamorza Cheese (cow's milk)
Texture: Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Naboulsi Cheese	Scamorza Cheese
Country of Origin	Middle East And Palestine	Italy
Specific Origin	Nablus, Palestine	Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy
Milk Type	Goat's or sheep's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	—
Texture	Semi-hard, brined	Semi-soft
Rind	Natural	Natural
Taste	Salty	—

Taste Comparison: Does Naboulsi Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

Naboulsi Cheese can stand in for Scamorza 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 semi-soft.

Which Is Better, Naboulsi Cheese or Scamorza 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 semi-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Naboulsi Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

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

Is Naboulsi Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

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

Does Naboulsi Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

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

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 Scamorza Cheese made of?

Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Naboulsi Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.