Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Stawley Cheese

Q: Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Stawley Cheese?

No. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Stawley Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and England, Great Britain and United Kingdom 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 Stawley Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Stawley Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Stawley 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 Stawley Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

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 Stawley Cheese?

Stawley is a soft cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Somerset, England. It has a pale yellow color and a mold-ripened rind that contributes to its unique aroma of mushroom and nutty scents. The flavor profile of Stawley includes notes of caramel, floral, milky, and sweet, creating a pleasant and balanced taste experience. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread or enjoy on its own. Ideal for cheese boards, it pairs well with fresh bread or a light wine. This cheese reflects the traditional methods and quality of the region's cheesemaking.

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

Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Stawley Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk), Stawley Cheese (goat's milk)
Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Stawley Cheese (unpasteurized)
Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Stawley Cheese (soft)
Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Stawley Cheese (mold ripened)
Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Stawley Cheese (caramel, floral, milky, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese	Stawley Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	England, Great Britain And United Kingdom
Specific Origin	Emilia-Romagna Region	Stawley, Near Wellington, Somerset
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Goat's milk
Milk Treatment	Raw	Unpasteurized
Texture	Grainy, flaky	Soft
Rind	Hard	Mold ripened
Aging	12 to 36 months	—
Taste	Umami	Caramel, floral, milky, sweet

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

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Stawley Cheese's mushroom, nutty.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Stawley Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can stand in for Stawley 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Stawley 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 profile, Stawley Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Stawley Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, floral, milky, sweet.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Stawley Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Stawley Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk; Stawley Cheese uses goat.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Stawley Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Stawley Cheese?

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

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Stawley Cheese?

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Stawley Cheese is caramel, floral, milky, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Stawley Cheese is closer to mushroom, 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 Stawley Cheese made of?

Stawley Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

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

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