Pecorino Siciliano Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese

Q: Is Pecorino Siciliano Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?

No. Pecorino Siciliano Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese are distinct cheeses from Italy and Montenegro respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Pecorino Siciliano Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Pecorino Siciliano Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Pecorino Siciliano Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Pecorino Siciliano Cheese or Pljevlja 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 Siciliano Cheese

Pljevlja Cheese

Pecorino Siciliano Cheese is a hard and compact sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Montenegro.

What Is Pecorino Siciliano Cheese?

Pecorino Siciliano is an ancient sheep’s milk cheese from Sicily, known for its sharp and spicy flavor. This hard cheese is typically aged for at least four months and has a compact, crumbly texture. It’s often enjoyed on its own or used to enhance the flavors of pasta dishes and baked goods.

What Is Pljevlja Cheese?

Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.

What's the Difference Between Pecorino Siciliano Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?

Origin: Pecorino Siciliano Cheese (Italy), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
Milk type: Pecorino Siciliano Cheese (Sheep's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
Texture: Pecorino Siciliano Cheese (Hard and compact), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
Aging: Pecorino Siciliano Cheese (At least 4 months, up to over 12 months), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Pecorino Siciliano Cheese	Pljevlja Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Montenegro
Specific Origin	Sicily	Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja
Milk Type	Sheep's milk	Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed
Milk Treatment	Raw	—
Texture	Hard and compact	Soft to semihard
Rind	White to light yellow	—
Aging	At least 4 months, up to over 12 months	4 to 8 weeks
Taste	Varies from fresh and floral to fruity and spicy with age	—

Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Siciliano Cheese Taste Like Pljevlja Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Pecorino Siciliano Cheese at at least 4 months, up to over 12 months develops a different profile than Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.

Can You Substitute Pecorino Siciliano Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

Pecorino Siciliano Cheese can stand in for Pljevlja Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard and compact bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to semihard.

Which Is Better, Pecorino Siciliano Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard and compact cheese, go with Pecorino Siciliano Cheese. For a soft to semihard profile, Pljevlja Cheese is the better fit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pecorino Siciliano Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Siciliano Cheese originates in Italy, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Pecorino Siciliano Cheese is made from sheep milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Pecorino Siciliano Cheese is typically aged at least 4 months, up to over 12 months, Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.

Is Pecorino Siciliano Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Pecorino Siciliano Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Does Pecorino Siciliano Cheese taste like Pljevlja Cheese?

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

What is Pecorino Siciliano Cheese made of?

Pecorino Siciliano Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using lamb's rennet. It's typically aged at least 4 months, up to over 12 months. It originates in Italy.

What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?

Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.

Which should I choose, Pecorino Siciliano Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Siciliano Cheese is hard and compact, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.