Pecorino Cheese vs Ricotta Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Ricotta Cheese
Pecorino Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist and made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo 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 Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, primarily sheep, cow, goat, or buffalo milk. It has a creamy texture and a mild, sweet flavor, making it versatile for both savory dishes, like lasagna and ravioli, and sweet dishes, such as cheesecakes and cannoli.
What's the Difference Between Pecorino Cheese and Ricotta Cheese?
- Milk type: Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk), Ricotta Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk)
- Texture: Pecorino Cheese (hard), Ricotta Cheese (Soft, moist)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Cheese | Ricotta Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Whey |
| Texture | Hard | Soft, moist |
| Rind | — | None |
| Aging | — | Fresh |
| Taste | — | Sweet, slightly creamy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Pecorino Cheese | Ricotta Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Fruit Compote, Pumpkin |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Albariño, Apricot, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Honey, Honeycomb, Kiwi, Mangoes, Pesto, Raspberry, Roasted Vegetables, Strawberries |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Pecorino Cheese and Ricotta Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Ricotta Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Cheese Taste Like Ricotta Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Ricotta Cheese?
Pecorino Cheese can stand in for Ricotta Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, moist.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Cheese or Ricotta 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 soft, moist profile, Ricotta Cheese is the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pecorino Cheese the same as Ricotta Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk; Ricotta Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.
Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Ricotta Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Ricotta Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Ricotta 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 Ricotta Cheese made of?
Ricotta Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (whey), using animal or microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Ricotta Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pecorino Cheese is hard, while Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist.
See full profiles: Pecorino Cheese and Ricotta Cheese.