Pecorino Cheese vs Romano Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Romano Cheese
Pecorino Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Romano Cheese is hard and made from cow, goat, or 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 Romano Cheese?
Romano, also known as Pecorino Romano, is a hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, originally from the region around Rome. It is known for its sharp, piquant flavor and is most often used grated over pasta dishes, soups, and salads.
What's the Difference Between Pecorino Cheese and Romano Cheese?
- Milk type: Pecorino Cheese (sheep's milk), Romano Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pecorino Cheese | Romano Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Hard |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Taste | — | Mild, sharp, tangy |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Pecorino Cheese and Romano Cheese
Pecorino Cheese
Romano Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Cheese Taste Like Romano Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Romano Cheese?
Pecorino Cheese can stand in for Romano Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Pecorino Cheese or Romano Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pecorino Cheese the same as Romano Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pecorino Cheese is made from sheep milk; Romano Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep.
Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Romano Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Romano Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Pecorino Cheese taste like 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 Romano Cheese made of?
Romano Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Romano Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Pecorino Cheese and Romano Cheese.