Parmesan Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Parmesan Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular Italian cheese made from unpasteurised cow's milk and aged at least 12 months. Protected as a PDO across Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of Bologna and Mantua, it is known for its sharp, salty, deeply savoury taste.

What's the Difference Between Parmesan Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Parmesan Cheese (hard, artisan), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky)
• Rind: Parmesan Cheese (natural), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard)
• Aging: Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months)
• Taste: Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Parmesan Cheese Taste Like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami character. On the nose, Parmesan Cheese offers nutty, strong, contrasted with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese's mild, milky. More specifically, Parmesan Cheese shows sharp, salty, savory, strong umami, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans toward lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty. Aging plays into this as well. Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years develops a different profile than Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months.

Can You Substitute Parmesan Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmesan Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for grainy, flaky. Flavor-wise, Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese brings umami notes.

Which Is Better, Parmesan Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, artisan cheese, go with Parmesan Cheese. For a grainy, flaky profile, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmesan Cheese suits recipes that want salty, savory notes, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese fits dishes calling for umami.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmesan Cheese the same as Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Parmesan Cheese is typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 12 to 36 months.

Is Parmesan Cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Parmesan Cheese for Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Parmesan Cheese taste like Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is umami. Aromas also diverge. Parmesan Cheese leans nutty, strong, and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is closer to mild, milky.

What is Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Parmesan Cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan, while Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky.