Pecorino Toscano Cheese vs Pljevlja Cheese

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

No. Pecorino Toscano 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 Toscano Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Q: Does Pecorino Toscano 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 Toscano 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 Toscano Cheese

Pljevlja Cheese

Pecorino Toscano Cheese is a soft or semihard 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 Toscano Cheese?

Pecorino Toscano is a PDO-certified cheese from Tuscany made from sheep's milk. It has a softer texture and milder flavor compared to other Pecorinos and can be eaten fresh or aged. The fresh version is creamy and mild, while the aged version is firmer and nuttier, often served as part of an antipasti platter or grated into dishes.

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 Toscano Cheese and Pljevlja Cheese?

Origin: Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Italy), Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro)
Milk type: Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Sheep's milk), Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed)
Texture: Pecorino Toscano Cheese (Soft or Semihard), Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard)
Aging: Pecorino Toscano Cheese (At least 20 days (soft), Four months (semihard)), Pljevlja Cheese (4 to 8 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Pecorino Toscano Cheese	Pljevlja Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Montenegro
Specific Origin	Tuscany, Some Municipalities Of Umbria And Lazio	Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja
Milk Type	Sheep's milk	Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed
Milk Treatment	Raw or pasteurized	—
Texture	Soft or Semihard	Soft to semihard
Rind	Straw-colored	—
Aging	At least 20 days (soft), Four months (semihard)	4 to 8 weeks
Taste	Fragrant	—

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

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Pecorino Toscano Cheese at at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard) develops a different profile than Pljevlja Cheese at 4 to 8 weeks.

Can You Substitute Pecorino Toscano Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Pecorino Toscano Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pecorino Toscano Cheese the same as Pljevlja Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Toscano Cheese originates in Italy, while Pljevlja Cheese comes from Montenegro. Pecorino Toscano Cheese is made from sheep milk; Pljevlja Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Pecorino Toscano Cheese is typically aged at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard), Pljevlja Cheese 4 to 8 weeks.

Is Pecorino Toscano Cheese similar to Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Pecorino Toscano Cheese for Pljevlja Cheese?

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

Does Pecorino Toscano 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 Toscano Cheese made of?

Pecorino Toscano Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw or pasteurized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged at least 20 days (soft), four months (semihard). 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 Toscano Cheese or Pljevlja Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Toscano Cheese is soft or semihard, while Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard.