Pimento Cheese vs Tulum Cheese
Pimento Cheese is a spreadable cheese from United States, while Tulum Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, originating in Turkey.
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 Tulum Cheese?
Tulum is a Turkish goat's milk cheese ripened inside a goatskin casing, which is what the word tulum means in Turkish. It is made in several regions, and versions from Erzincan, İzmir, Divle, Çimi and Kargı each taste different.
What's the Difference Between Pimento Cheese and Tulum Cheese?
- Origin: Pimento Cheese (United States), Tulum Cheese (Turkey)
- Milk type: Pimento Cheese (Cheddar, farmers’ style), Tulum Cheese (goat)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pimento Cheese | Tulum Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United States | Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Northern United States, Now Associated With The Southern United States | Turkey |
| Milk Type | Cheddar, farmers’ style | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Spreadable | — |
| Aging | — | About 6 months |
| Taste | Sweet, rounded chili | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Pimento Cheese Taste Like Tulum Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Pimento Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
Pimento Cheese can stand in for Tulum Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Pimento Cheese or Tulum 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 Pimento Cheese the same as Tulum Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pimento Cheese originates in United States, while Tulum Cheese comes from Turkey.
Is Pimento Cheese similar to Tulum Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pimento Cheese for Tulum Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Pimento Cheese taste like Tulum 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 Tulum Cheese made of?
Tulum Cheese is made from goat milk (raw). It's typically aged about 6 months. It originates in Turkey.
Which should I choose, Pimento Cheese or Tulum Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.