Pimento Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese

Q: Is Pimento Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

No. Pimento Cheese and Scamorza Cheese are distinct cheeses from United States and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Pimento Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Pimento Cheese for Scamorza Cheese, though the result will shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Q: Does Pimento Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Pimento Cheese or Scamorza 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.

Pimento Cheese is a spreadable cheese from United States, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Pimento Cheese?

Pimento cheese is a spread of grated cheddar, mayonnaise and chopped pimentos worked into a chunky paste. It started in the Northern United States in the early 1900s and is now tied to Southern cooking, served on crackers, in sandwiches and at the Masters Tournament.

What Is Scamorza Cheese?

Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.

What's the Difference Between Pimento Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?

Origin: Pimento Cheese (United States), Scamorza Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style), Scamorza Cheese (cow's milk)
Texture: Pimento Cheese (Spreadable), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Pimento Cheese	Scamorza Cheese
Country of Origin	United States	Italy
Specific Origin	Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States	Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy
Milk Type	Cheddar, farmers’ style	Cow's milk
Texture	Spreadable	Semi-soft
Rind	—	Natural
Taste	Sweet, rounded chili	—

Taste Comparison: Does Pimento Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Pimento Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

Pimento Cheese can stand in for Scamorza Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect spreadable bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft.

Which Is Better, Pimento Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a spreadable cheese, go with Pimento Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pimento Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pimento Cheese originates in United States, while Scamorza Cheese comes from Italy.

Is Pimento Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Pimento Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Pimento Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Pimento Cheese made of?

Pimento Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United States.

What is Scamorza Cheese made of?

Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Pimento Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pimento Cheese is spreadable, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.