Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese

Q: Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?

No. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and France respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 Saint Felicien Cheese?

Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.

What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?

Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Saint Felicien Cheese (France)
Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Saint Felicien Cheese (pasteurized)
Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Saint Felicien Cheese (soft, artisan)
Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese	Saint Felicien Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	France
Specific Origin	Emilia-Romagna Region	Rhône-Alpes, France
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Raw	Pasteurized
Texture	Grainy, flaky	Soft, artisan
Rind	Hard	Flower-style (fleurie) casing
Aging	12 to 36 months	4 to 6 weeks
Taste	Umami	Creamy

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Saint Felicien Cheese's nutty. 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 Saint Felicien Cheese leans toward similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect grainy, flaky bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Saint Felicien 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 soft, artisan profile, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Saint Felicien Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

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

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Saint Felicien Cheese is closer to nutty.

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 Saint Felicien Cheese made of?

Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan.