Jarlsberg Cheese vs Pasta Filata Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Pasta Filata Cheese is soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous and made from cow or buffalo milk.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
What Is Pasta Filata Cheese?
Pasta filata is the Italian spun-curd technique behind mozzarella, provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza. Fresh curd is kneaded in hot water until it turns soft, elastic and stringy, which gives the finished cheese its fibrous structure.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Pasta Filata Cheese?
- Milk type: Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk), Pasta Filata Cheese (cow, water buffalo)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Pasta Filata Cheese (soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Pasta Filata Cheese (fresh for mozzarella, aged for provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Pasta Filata Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | — |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow, water buffalo |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semihard | Soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | — |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | Fresh for mozzarella, aged for provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Pasta Filata Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Pasta Filata Cheese at fresh for mozzarella, aged for provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Pasta Filata Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese can stand in for Pasta Filata Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Pasta Filata Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semihard cheese, go with Jarlsberg Cheese. For a soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous profile, Pasta Filata Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Pasta Filata Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk; Pasta Filata Cheese uses cow or buffalo. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Pasta Filata Cheese fresh for mozzarella, aged for provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Pasta Filata Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Pasta Filata Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Pasta Filata Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
What is Pasta Filata Cheese made of?
Pasta Filata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk. It's typically aged fresh for mozzarella, aged for provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Pasta Filata Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Pasta Filata Cheese is soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous.