, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Pimento Cheese vs Swiss Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Pimento Cheese and Swiss Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Pimento Cheese and Swiss Cheese?"
- "Is Pimento Cheese and Swiss Cheese the same?"
- "How does Pimento Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Pimento Cheese compare to Swiss Cheese?"
- "Is Pimento Cheese or Swiss Cheese better?"
Pimento Cheese Overview
Pimento cheese is a popular spread in the Southern United States, made from cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Sometimes referred to as the "pâté of the South," it has a creamy, tangy flavor and is often used as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for crackers, or a dip for vegetables.
Swiss Cheese Overview
Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Pimento Cheese comes from United States. Swiss Cheese originated from United States.
Milk Type and Treatment
Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk. Swiss Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable". Swiss Cheese has a fat content of ~28-32% and a moisture content of . Swiss's texture can be described as "semi-firm".
Taste and Aroma
Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili". Swiss Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly sweet taste. Swiss's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty".
Appearance and Aging
Pimento Cheese's appearance is available in grated cheese mixed into a spread . Swiss Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 1-3 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Swiss Cheese's rind is described as none , with microbial or vegetarian rennet.
Ranking
Pimento is ranked #130 out of 996 types based on community views. Swiss is ranked #78 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Pimento | Swiss | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Chardonnay, Dijon Mustard, Ham, Pastrami, Tuna, Turkey |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | Cabernet Franc, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Gamay, IPA, Kolsch, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Roast Beef, Salami, Sauvignon Blanc, Steak |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Pimento and Swiss pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Pimento Cheese | Swiss Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | United States |
| Specific Origin | Southern United States | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cheddar, farmers’ style | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Not Specified | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | ~28-32% |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | ~37-41% |
| Rind | Not Specified | None |
| Texture | Spreadable | Semi-Firm |
| Taste | Sweet, rounded chili | Mild, Nutty, Slightly Sweet |
| Aroma | Sweet, rounded chili | Mild, Slightly Nutty |
| Colors | Not Specified | Pale Yellow |
| Forms | Grated cheese mixed into a spread | Block, Sliced, Shredded |
| Age | Not Specified | Typically 1-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Microbial or Vegetarian |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a spreadable cheese, go for Pimento. But if you enjoy a semi-firm consistency, Swiss might be the better pick. Pimento has a sweet, rounded chili taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Swiss offers a mild, nutty, slightly sweet profile, ideal for different meals.
