San Michali Cheese vs Stawley Cheese
San Michali Cheese is a compact, with very small irregular holes cow-milk cheese from Greece, while Stawley Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is San Michali Cheese?
San Michali is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Greek island of Syros, aged at least four months. It carries PDO status, tastes salty and piquant, and is one of the most expensive cheeses in Greece.
What Is Stawley Cheese?
Stawley is a soft cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Somerset, England. It has a pale yellow color and a mold-ripened rind that contributes to its unique aroma of mushroom and nutty scents. The flavor profile of Stawley includes notes of caramel, floral, milky, and sweet, creating a pleasant and balanced taste experience. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread or enjoy on its own. Ideal for cheese boards, it pairs well with fresh bread or a light wine. This cheese reflects the traditional methods and quality of the region's cheesemaking.
What's the Difference Between San Michali Cheese and Stawley Cheese?
- Origin: San Michali Cheese (Greece), Stawley Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: San Michali Cheese (Cow’s milk), Stawley Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: San Michali Cheese (Pasteurized), Stawley Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: San Michali Cheese (Compact, with very small irregular holes), Stawley Cheese (soft)
- Rind: San Michali Cheese (Often covered with paraffin), Stawley Cheese (mold ripened)
- Taste: San Michali Cheese (Salty, peppery), Stawley Cheese (caramel, floral, milky, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| San Michali Cheese | Stawley Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Island Of Syros | Stawley, Near Wellington, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Cow’s milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Compact, with very small irregular holes | Soft |
| Rind | Often covered with paraffin | Mold ripened |
| Aging | At least four months | — |
| Taste | Salty, peppery | Caramel, floral, milky, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does San Michali Cheese Taste Like Stawley Cheese?
San Michali Cheese reads as salty, peppery, while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet character.
Can You Substitute San Michali Cheese for Stawley Cheese?
San Michali Cheese can stand in for Stawley Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect compact, with very small irregular holes bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, San Michali Cheese reads as salty, peppery while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, San Michali Cheese or Stawley Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a compact, with very small irregular holes cheese, go with San Michali Cheese. For a soft profile, Stawley Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, San Michali Cheese suits recipes that want salty, peppery notes, while Stawley Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, floral, milky, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Michali Cheese the same as Stawley Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. San Michali Cheese originates in Greece, while Stawley Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk; Stawley Cheese uses goat.
Is San Michali Cheese similar to Stawley Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute San Michali Cheese for Stawley Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does San Michali Cheese taste like Stawley Cheese?
San Michali Cheese reads as salty, peppery, while Stawley Cheese is caramel, floral, milky, sweet.
What is San Michali Cheese made of?
San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least four months. It originates in Greece.
What is Stawley Cheese made of?
Stawley Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, San Michali Cheese or Stawley Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes, while Stawley Cheese is soft.