Pecorino Cheese vs Pecorino Romano Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Pecorino Romano Cheese
Pecorino Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Pecorino Romano Cheese is hard and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Pecorino Cheese?
Pecorino is a term for Italian cheeses made from sheep's milk. The most well-known varieties include Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Toscano, and Pecorino Sardo, each named after their region of origin. These cheeses vary in texture from soft and buttery to hard and granular, and they range in flavor from mild to sharp and salty, often aged to develop deeper flavors.
What Is Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Pecorino Romano is one of the most ancient types of cheese and a staple in Italian cuisine. Made from sheep's milk, it is salty and sharp, traditionally used grated over pasta dishes, incorporated into sauces, or eaten on its own with a drizzle of honey. Pecorino Romano is predominantly produced in the regions of Lazio, Sardinia, and Tuscany.
What's the Difference Between Pecorino Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese?
- Texture: Pecorino Cheese (hard), Pecorino Romano Cheese (Hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Cheese | Pecorino Romano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Lazio, Sardinia, Grosseto |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Texture | Hard | Hard |
| Rind | — | Pale yellow to brown or black |
| Aging | — | 5–8 months or longer |
| Taste | — | Sharp, salty |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Pecorino Cheese | Pecorino Romano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Olives |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Amaro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Pistachios |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Pecorino Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Pecorino Romano Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Cheese Taste Like Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Pecorino Romano Cheese?
In most recipes, Pecorino Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for hard.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Pecorino Cheese. For a hard profile, Pecorino Romano Cheese is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pecorino Cheese the same as Pecorino Romano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Pecorino Romano Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Pecorino Romano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Pecorino Romano Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Pecorino Cheese made of?
Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk. It originates in Italy.
What is Pecorino Romano Cheese made of?
Pecorino Romano Cheese is made from sheep milk, using rennet rennet. It's typically aged 5–8 months or longer. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Pecorino Romano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Cheese is hard, while Pecorino Romano Cheese is hard.
See full profiles: Pecorino Cheese and Pecorino Romano Cheese.