Pecorino Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese

Q: Is Pecorino Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?

No. Pecorino Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Pecorino Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese, though the result will shift in flavor and finish.

Q: Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Sheep's Milk 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 is a hard sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.

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 Sheep's Milk Cheese?

Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.

What's the Difference Between Pecorino Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Pecorino Cheese	Sheep's Milk Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	—
Specific Origin	Italy	—
Milk Type	Sheep's milk	Sheep
Texture	Hard	—
Aging	Fresco, semi-stagionato or stagionato	—

Taste Comparison: Does Pecorino Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Pecorino Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?

In most recipes, Pecorino Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.

Which Is Better, Pecorino Cheese or Sheep's Milk 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 Sheep's Milk Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Pecorino Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Pecorino Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Pecorino Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk 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 Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?

Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.

Which should I choose, Pecorino Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?

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