, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Parmesan Cheese vs Stilton Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Stilton Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Parmesan Cheese and Stilton Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Parmesan Cheese and Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Parmesan Cheese and Stilton Cheese the same?"
- "How does Parmesan Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Parmesan Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Parmesan Cheese or Stilton Cheese better?"
Parmesan Cheese Overview
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.
Stilton Cheese Overview
Stilton is one of the best-known British blue cheeses, traditionally made in two varieties: blue and white. Blue Stilton is creamy and crumbly with a distinctively sharp, rich flavor produced by the blue veins. White Stilton, less common, is the milder of the two and does not have the blue veining.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy. Stilton Cheese originated from England.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Parmesan is not a protected cheese. Stilton Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Parmesan Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized. Stilton Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Parmesan's texture can be described as "hard, artisan". Stilton's texture can be described as "hard, blue-veined".
Taste and Aroma
Parmesan Cheese has a salty, savory taste. Parmesan's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Stilton Cheese has a spicy, strong taste.
Appearance and Aging
Parmesan Cheese's appearance is colored straw . Stilton Cheese has a color of blue-grey .
Rind and Rennet Type
Parmesan Cheese's rind is described as natural . Stilton Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Parmesan is ranked #43 out of 996 types based on community views. Stilton is ranked #24 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Parmesan | Stilton | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Barleywine, Madeira |
| Other Good Pairings | Shrimp | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Parmesan and Stilton pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Parmesan Cheese | Stilton Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | England |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Texture | Hard, artisan | Hard, blue-veined |
| Taste | Salty, savory | Spicy, strong |
| Aroma | Nutty, strong | Not Specified |
| Colors | Straw | Blue-grey |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard, artisan cheese, go for Parmesan. But if you enjoy a hard, blue-veined consistency, Stilton might be the better pick. Parmesan has a salty, savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Stilton offers a spicy, strong profile, ideal for different meals.
