Parmesan Cheese vs Pimento Cheese
Parmesan Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable, originating in United States.
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 Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a spread of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and chopped pimentos worked into a chunky paste. It started in the Northern United States in the early 1900s and is now tied to Southern cooking, served on crackers, in sandwiches and at the Masters Tournament.
What's the Difference Between Parmesan Cheese and Pimento Cheese?
- Origin: Parmesan Cheese (Italy), Pimento Cheese (United States)
- Milk type: Parmesan Cheese (cow's milk), Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style)
- Texture: Parmesan Cheese (hard, artisan), Pimento Cheese (Spreadable)
- Taste: Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory), Pimento Cheese (Sweet, rounded chili)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmesan Cheese | Pimento Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | United States |
| Specific Origin | Parma And Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy | Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cheddar, farmers’ style |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Hard, artisan | Spreadable |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Minimum 12 months, average 2 years | — |
| Taste | Salty, savory | Sweet, rounded chili |
Taste Comparison: Does Parmesan Cheese Taste Like Pimento Cheese?
Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili character. On the nose, Parmesan Cheese offers nutty, strong, contrasted with Pimento Cheese's sweet, rounded chili. More specifically, Parmesan Cheese shows sharp, salty, savory, strong umami, while Pimento Cheese leans toward pimento peppers, mayonnaise, sometimes spicy additions.
Can You Substitute Parmesan Cheese for Pimento Cheese?
Parmesan Cheese can stand in for Pimento Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for spreadable. Flavor-wise, Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory while Pimento Cheese brings sweet, rounded chili notes.
Which Is Better, Parmesan Cheese or Pimento 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 spreadable profile, Pimento Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmesan Cheese suits recipes that want salty, savory notes, while Pimento Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, rounded chili.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmesan Cheese the same as Pimento Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmesan Cheese originates in Italy, while Pimento Cheese comes from United States.
Is Parmesan Cheese similar to Pimento Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Parmesan Cheese for Pimento Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Parmesan Cheese taste like Pimento Cheese?
Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Pimento Cheese is sweet, rounded chili. Aromas also diverge. Parmesan Cheese leans nutty, strong, and Pimento Cheese is closer to sweet, rounded chili.
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 Pimento Cheese made of?
Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Parmesan Cheese or Pimento Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan, while Pimento Cheese is spreadable.