Pljevlja Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)

Q: Is Pljevlja Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

No. Pljevlja Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) are distinct cheeses from Montenegro and Australia respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Pljevlja Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

In most recipes you can swap Pljevlja Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian), though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Pljevlja Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Pljevlja Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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.

Pljevlja Cheese is a soft to semihard cow or sheep-milk cheese from Montenegro, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.

What Is Pljevlja Cheese?

Pljevlja is a traditional cheese from the northern region of Montenegro, made from cow's milk. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong, salty flavor. Often served as part of a mezze platter, Pljevlja cheese is enjoyed with bread, olives, and sometimes drizzled with honey for a balance of flavors.

What Is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.

What's the Difference Between Pljevlja Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Origin: Pljevlja Cheese (Montenegro), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
Milk type: Pljevlja Cheese (Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (cow's milk)
Texture: Pljevlja Cheese (Soft to semihard), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Pljevlja Cheese	Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Country of Origin	Montenegro	Australia
Specific Origin	Northern Montenegro, Municipality Of Pljevlja	—
Milk Type	Sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, mixed	Cow's milk
Texture	Soft to semihard	Soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened
Rind	—	Washed
Aging	4 to 8 weeks	—
Taste	—	Nutty, sharp, sweet

Taste Comparison: Does Pljevlja Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Pljevlja Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Pljevlja Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft to semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened.

Which Is Better, Pljevlja Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft to semihard cheese, go with Pljevlja Cheese. For a soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pljevlja Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pljevlja Cheese originates in Montenegro, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia. Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk; Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) uses cow.

Is Pljevlja Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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

Can I substitute Pljevlja Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Pljevlja Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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

What is Pljevlja Cheese made of?

Pljevlja Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk, using traditional, industrial rennet. It's typically aged 4 to 8 weeks. It originates in Montenegro.

What is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?

Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.

Which should I choose, Pljevlja Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pljevlja Cheese is soft to semihard, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened.