Parmesan Cheese vs Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
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, often referred to by its Italian name, Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese known for its rich flavor and grainy texture. Made from cow's milk, it's aged for a minimum of 12 months, often much longer, to develop its distinct nutty and savory profile. Parmesan is a staple in Italian cuisine, commonly grated over pasta dishes, stirred into soups, or eaten on its own.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.
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)
- Taste: Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory), Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmesan Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Emilia-Romagna Region |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Hard, artisan | Grainy, flaky |
| Rind | Natural | Hard |
| Aging | — | 12 to 36 months |
| Taste | Salty, savory | Umami |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Parmesan Cheese | Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | Shrimp | Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila |
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Where to buy Parmesan Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
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.
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.
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). 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.
See full profiles: Parmesan Cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese.