Parmesan Cheese vs Stilton Cheese

Parmesan Cheese is a hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Stilton Cheese is hard, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in England.

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 Stilton Cheese?

Stilton is an English cheese made in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, in a blue version and a white one. The blue kind gets its veins from Penicillium roqueforti. Both hold PDO status, so no cheese made elsewhere can use the name.

What's the Difference Between Parmesan Cheese and Stilton Cheese?

• Origin: Parmesan Cheese (Italy), Stilton Cheese (England)
• Milk treatment: Parmesan Cheese (unpasteurized), Stilton Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Parmesan Cheese (hard, artisan), Stilton Cheese (hard, blue-veined)
• Aging: Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years), Stilton Cheese (9 to 12 weeks)
• Taste: Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory), Stilton Cheese (spicy, strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Parmesan Cheese Taste Like Stilton Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Stilton Cheese brings spicy, strong character. Aging plays into this as well. Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years develops a different profile than Stilton Cheese at 9 to 12 weeks.

Can You Substitute Parmesan Cheese for Stilton Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmesan Cheese and Stilton 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 hard, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory while Stilton Cheese brings spicy, strong notes.

Which Is Better, Parmesan Cheese or Stilton 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 hard, blue-veined profile, Stilton Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmesan Cheese suits recipes that want salty, savory notes, while Stilton Cheese fits dishes calling for spicy, strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmesan Cheese the same as Stilton Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmesan Cheese originates in Italy, while Stilton Cheese comes from England. Aging also differs: Parmesan Cheese is typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years, Stilton Cheese 9 to 12 weeks.

Is Parmesan Cheese similar to Stilton Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmesan Cheese for Stilton Cheese?

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

Does Parmesan Cheese taste like Stilton Cheese?

Parmesan Cheese reads as salty, savory, while Stilton Cheese is spicy, strong.

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 Stilton Cheese made of?

Stilton Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 9 to 12 weeks. It originates in England.

Which should I choose, Parmesan Cheese or Stilton Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmesan Cheese is hard, artisan, while Stilton Cheese is hard, blue-veined.