Pecorino Cheese vs Reggianito Cheese

Q: Is Pecorino Cheese the same as Reggianito Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Reggianito Cheese?

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

Q: Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Reggianito Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Reggianito 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 Cheese

Reggianito Cheese

Pecorino Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Reggianito Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Argentina.

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What Is Pecorino Cheese?

Pecorino is an Italian hard cheese made from sheep's milk, and its name comes from pecora, the Italian word for sheep. Six main varieties carry PDO status, with Pecorino Romano the best known outside Italy.

What Is Reggianito Cheese?

Reggianito is a hard, granular cow's milk cheese from Argentina, made in small 6.8 kg (15 lb) wheels. It ages 5 to 6 months and is used mostly for cooking and for grating over pasta.

What's the Difference Between Pecorino Cheese and Reggianito Cheese?

Origin: Pecorino Cheese (Italy), Reggianito Cheese (Argentina)
Milk type: Pecorino Cheese (Sheep's milk), Reggianito Cheese (Cow's milk)
Aging: Pecorino Cheese (fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato), Reggianito Cheese (5 to 6 months)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Pecorino Cheese	Reggianito Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Argentina
Specific Origin	Italy	Argentina
Milk Type	Sheep's milk	Cow's milk
Texture	Hard	Hard
Rind	—	Natural
Aging	Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato	5 to 6 months
Taste	—	Full-flavored, salty

Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Cheese Taste Like Reggianito Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Pecorino Cheese at fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato develops a different profile than Reggianito Cheese at 5 to 6 months.

Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Reggianito Cheese?

Pecorino Cheese can stand in for Reggianito Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Pecorino Cheese or Reggianito 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 Cheese the same as Reggianito Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Cheese originates in Italy, while Reggianito Cheese comes from Argentina. Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk; Reggianito Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Pecorino Cheese is typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato, Reggianito Cheese 5 to 6 months.

Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Reggianito Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Reggianito Cheese?

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

Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Reggianito 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's typically aged fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato. It originates in Italy.

What is Reggianito Cheese made of?

Reggianito Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 5 to 6 months. It originates in Argentina.

Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Reggianito Cheese?

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