Paneer Cheese vs Pimento Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Paneer Cheese and Pimento Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Paneer Cheese and Pimento Cheese?"
  • "Is Paneer Cheese and Pimento Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Paneer Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Paneer Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese?"
  • "Is Paneer Cheese or Pimento Cheese better?"

Paneer Cheese Overview

Paneer is a fresh, unaged cheese common in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Made from cow or buffalo milk, it has a mild flavor and a dense, crumbly texture that holds its shape when cooked. Paneer doesn't melt, making it ideal for dishes like saag paneer, paneer tikka, and various curries where it absorbs flavors beautifully.

Pimento Cheese Overview

Pimento cheese is a popular spread in the Southern United States, made from cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Sometimes referred to as the "pâté of the South," it has a creamy, tangy flavor and is often used as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for crackers, or a dip for vegetables.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Paneer Cheese comes from Bangladesh and India. Pimento Cheese originated from United States.

Milk Type and Treatment

Paneer Cheese is made with cow or buffalo milk that is typically pasteurized. Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk.

Composition and Texture

Paneer's texture can be described as "semisoft, crumbly". Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable".

Taste and Aroma

Paneer Cheese has a mild, slightly milky taste. Paneer's aroma can be described as "very little aroma". Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili".

Appearance and Aging

Paneer Cheese's appearance is colored white , is available in rectangles, immersed in chilled water and is aged fresh . Pimento Cheese comes in grated cheese mixed into a spread .

Rind and Rennet Type

Paneer Cheese's rind is described as rindless and uses vinegar, lemon juice, yogurt, or buttermilk rennet.

Ranking

Paneer is ranked #217 out of 996 types based on community views. Pimento is ranked #118 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Paneer Cheese Pimento Cheese
Country of Origin Bangladesh And India United States
Specific Origin Northern India, Pakistan Southern United States
Milk Type Cow's or water buffalo's milk Cheddar, farmers’ style
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Not Specified
Rind Rindless Not Specified
Texture Semisoft, crumbly Spreadable
Taste Mild, slightly milky Sweet, rounded chili
Aroma Very little aroma Sweet, rounded chili
Colors White Not Specified
Forms Rectangles, immersed in chilled water Grated cheese mixed into a spread
Age Fresh Not Specified
Rennet Type Vinegar, lemon juice, yogurt, or buttermilk Not Specified

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semisoft, crumbly cheese, go for Paneer. But if you enjoy a spreadable consistency, Pimento might be the better pick. Paneer has a mild, slightly milky taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pimento offers a sweet, rounded chili profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Paneer Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pimento Cheese to Other Cheeses

Did you find what you are looking for?