Pecorino Sardo Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese

Q: Is Pecorino Sardo Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?

No. Pecorino Sardo Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Pecorino Sardo Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Pecorino Sardo Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese, though the result will shift in flavor and finish.

Q: Does Pecorino Sardo Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Pecorino Sardo Cheese or Sheep's Milk 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.

Pecorino Sardo Cheese is a firm but springy and elastic for dolce, hard and grainy for maturo sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.

What Is Pecorino Sardo Cheese?

Pecorino sardo is a firm sheep milk cheese from Sardinia, made with milk from the island's local Sarda sheep and curdled with calf's rennet. It comes in two versions: dolce, aged 20 to 60 days, and maturo, aged more than two months and sharper in taste.

What Is Sheep's Milk Cheese?

Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.

What's the Difference Between Pecorino Sardo Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Pecorino Sardo Cheese	Sheep's Milk Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	—
Specific Origin	Sardinia	—
Milk Type	Sheep's Milk	Sheep
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized or Thermized	—
Texture	Firm but springy and elastic for Dolce, Hard and grainy for Maturo	—
Rind	Pale yellow to mahogany	—
Aging	20 to 60 days for Dolce, At least 60 days for Maturo	—
Taste	Mild and sweet for Dolce, More piquant and pronounced in salt for Maturo	—

Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Sardo Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Pecorino Sardo Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?

In most recipes, Pecorino Sardo Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.

Which Is Better, Pecorino Sardo Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pecorino Sardo Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Pecorino Sardo Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Pecorino Sardo Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Pecorino Sardo Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?

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

What is Pecorino Sardo Cheese made of?

Pecorino Sardo Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized or thermized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 20 to 60 days for dolce, at least 60 days for maturo. It originates in Italy.

What is Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?

Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.

Which should I choose, Pecorino Sardo Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.