Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese vs Ricotta Romana Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is a grainy, flaky cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Ricotta Romana Cheese is soft, moist and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano is an iconic Italian cheese produced in specific regions of Italy, including Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and parts of Mantua and Bologna. It is made from raw cow's milk and aged at least 12 months, developing a deep, complex flavor that's slightly nutty and salty. Parmigiano Reggiano is essential in Italian cooking and as a finishing cheese.
What Is Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Ricotta Romana is a PDO-protected ricotta from the Lazio region, made from sheep's milk. It has a grainier texture and a richer, slightly saltier flavor compared to other ricottas, which makes it a favorite for adding depth to traditional Roman dishes, such as spinach and ricotta gnocchi.
What's the Difference Between Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Ricotta Romana Cheese?
- Milk type: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Cow's milk), Ricotta Romana Cheese (Sheep's)
- Milk treatment: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Raw), Ricotta Romana Cheese (Whey)
- Texture: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Grainy, flaky), Ricotta Romana Cheese (Soft, moist)
- Rind: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Hard), Ricotta Romana Cheese (None)
- Aging: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (12 to 36 months), Ricotta Romana Cheese (Fresh)
- Taste: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (Umami), Ricotta Romana Cheese (Sweet, slightly creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Ricotta Romana Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Emilia-Romagna Region | Lazio |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Whey |
| Texture | Grainy, flaky | Soft, moist |
| Rind | Hard | None |
| Aging | 12 to 36 months | Fresh |
| Taste | Umami | Sweet, slightly creamy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese | Ricotta Romana Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Almonds, Amaro, Asparagus, Bresaola, Chicken, Clam Chowder, Cod, Madeira, Mushrooms, Pesto, Pistachios, Prosciutto, Roasted Vegetables, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Avocado, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cava, Champagne, Dijon Mustard, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Dried Fruit, Ginger, Honey, Honeycomb, Macaroni and Cheese, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pecans, Prosecco, Pumpkin, Salami, Salmon, Scotch, Steak, Tequila | — |
Which would you pick?
One click, anonymous — see what others chose.
Where to buy Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Ricotta Romana Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
Ricotta Romana Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Taste Like Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Ricotta Romana Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy character. On the nose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese offers mild, milky, contrasted with Ricotta Romana Cheese's mild. More specifically, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese shows lactic (fermented milk), sweet (fresh cream, melted butter), fruity or citrusy (apricot, banana, dried fruits, lemon, pineapple), balanced by savory nutty (hazelnut, walnut) and meaty, while Ricotta Romana Cheese leans toward characteristic delicate and sweet flavor. Aging plays into this as well. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese at 12 to 36 months develops a different profile than Ricotta Romana Cheese at fresh.
Can You Substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese can stand in for Ricotta Romana Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect grainy, flaky bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, moist. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami while Ricotta Romana Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Ricotta Romana Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a grainy, flaky cheese, go with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese. For a soft, moist profile, Ricotta Romana Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese suits recipes that want umami notes, while Ricotta Romana Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, slightly creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese the same as Ricotta Romana Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk; Ricotta Romana Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is typically aged 12 to 36 months, Ricotta Romana Cheese fresh.
Is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese similar to Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese for Ricotta Romana Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese taste like Ricotta Romana Cheese?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese reads as umami, while Ricotta Romana Cheese is sweet, slightly creamy. Aromas also diverge. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese leans mild, milky, and Ricotta Romana Cheese is closer to mild.
What is Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese made of?
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 36 months. It originates in Italy.
What is Ricotta Romana Cheese made of?
Ricotta Romana Cheese is made from sheep milk (whey), using animal rennet. It's typically aged fresh. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese or Ricotta Romana Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese is grainy, flaky, while Ricotta Romana Cheese is soft, moist.
See full profiles: Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Ricotta Romana Cheese.