Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

Vacherin Mont d'Or is a soft, seasonal cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of Switzerland and France. It is bound in a strip of spruce bark, sold in a round spruce box, and often warmed in that box and eaten like fondue.

What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

• Origin: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Italy), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (Switzerland)
• Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (thermized (Swiss), raw (French))
• Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (soft)
• Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (washed rind)
• Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (at least 2 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at at least 2 weeks.

Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

In most recipes, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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.

Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese originates in Italy, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at least 2 weeks.

Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

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

Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese made of?

Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (thermized (swiss), raw (french)). It's typically aged at least 2 weeks. It originates in Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft.