Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Pecorino Cheese

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

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 Is Pecorino Cheese?

Pecorino is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and its name comes from pecora, the Italian word for sheep. Six main varieties carry PDO status, with Pecorino Romano the best known outside Italy.

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

• Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk), Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Pecorino Cheese (hard)
• Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese shows 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, while Pecorino Cheese leans toward buttery, nutty, mild cream and milk. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can stand in for Pecorino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect grainy, flaky bite and body where the recipe calls for hard.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Pecorino Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a grainy, flaky cheese, go with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese. For a hard profile, Pecorino Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Pecorino Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk; Pecorino Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Pecorino Cheese fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Pecorino Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Pecorino Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Pecorino Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

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.

What is Pecorino Cheese made of?

Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato. It originates in Italy.

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

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