Rabacal Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese

Q: Is Rabacal Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

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

Q: Can I substitute Rabacal Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Rabacal Cheese for Scamorza Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Rabacal Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

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

Q: Which should I choose, Rabacal 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.

Rabacal Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan goat and sheep-milk cheese from Portugal, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Rabacal Cheese?

Rabaçal is a Portuguese sheep's and goat's milk cheese from the village of Rabaçal in the Coimbra district, protected as a DOP since 1996. It is sold mainly as a hard cheese with a delicate, balanced taste that sharpens as it ages.

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 Rabacal Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?

Origin: Rabacal Cheese (Portugal), Scamorza Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Rabacal Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Scamorza Cheese (cow's milk)
Texture: Rabacal Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)
Rind: Rabacal Cheese (smooth, dry to slightly oily), Scamorza Cheese (natural)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Rabacal Cheese	Scamorza Cheese
Country of Origin	Portugal	Italy
Specific Origin	Rabaçal, Coimbra District, Portugal	Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy
Milk Type	Goat's and sheep's milk	Cow's milk
Texture	Semi-hard, artisan	Semi-soft
Rind	Smooth, dry to slightly oily	Natural
Taste	Smooth	—

Taste Comparison: Does Rabacal Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Rabacal Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

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

Which Is Better, Rabacal Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

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

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rabacal Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Rabacal Cheese originates in Portugal, while Scamorza Cheese comes from Italy. Rabacal Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Scamorza Cheese uses cow.

Is Rabacal Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Rabacal Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

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

Does Rabacal Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

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

What is Rabacal Cheese made of?

Rabacal Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk, using animal rennet. It originates in Portugal.

What is Scamorza Cheese made of?

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

Which should I choose, Rabacal Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

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