Image by Jürgen Scheeff

Pecorino sardo

If you're on the hunt for a cheesy delight that's sure to tantalize your taste buds, then look no further than Pecorino Sardo. This traditional Sardinian cheese has been around since ancient Roman times and still stands today as one of the most popular Italian cheeses. This hard-textured cheese is made from sheep’s milk, giving it a unique flavor that sets it apart from other Italian cheeses. It is cured for at least five months, giving it a nutty, sharp taste with a hint of sweetness.

Pecorino sardo


When served as a table cheese, Pecorino Sardo is traditionally shaved into small curls and served on its own. It can also be used in a variety of recipes, from lasagna to pizza to pasta. Its flavor is also perfect for grating over salads and roasted vegetables. Many consider it to be more flavorful than other Italian cheeses as well, such as Grana Padano or parmesan.

Another interesting thing about Pecorino Sardo is the plethora of regional variations it has. For example, some regions might add herbs or local spices to their cheeses while others might change the amount of time they cure them for. Every region has their own unique twist on this classic cheese that adds depth and complexity to each iteration.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, Pecorino Sardo is sure to bring a savory, salty flavor to any dish you make. So if you're in search of something unique and delicious, reach for some Pecorino Sardo and experience it's one-of-a-kind flavor!

Pecorino sardo recipes

Amazing Pecorino sardo recipes sourced from the web.

Image by Jürgen Scheeff ARCHAEOLOGY OF CHEESE – Fiore Sardo (a.k.a. Pecorino Sardo)

ARCHAEOLOGY OF CHEESE – Fiore Sardo (a.k.a. Pecorino Sardo)


/ ( votes)
Cooking time:
Chef's Mandala
Image by Max Griss Preserved Pecorino Sardo

Preserved Pecorino Sardo


/ ( votes)
Cooking time:
Epicurious
Image by Samuele Pieretti Bavette Pasta with Pancetta and Pecorino Sardo Cheese

Bavette Pasta with Pancetta and Pecorino Sardo Cheese


5 / 5 (5 votes)
Cooking time:20 min
Nonna Box

The origin of Pecorino sardo

Pecorino sardo, an archetypal Italian cheese dish, is beloved across the country and around the world. Its savory, salty flavor and slightly tart finish have endeared it to generations of food lovers. But where did this dish originate?

It's widely believed that Pecorino sardo was first made by the Nuragic people, who populated what is now the island of Sardinia. This ancient culture used the milk of goats, sheep, and cows in a variety of dishes, including this signature cheese. They likely used wild thistle to coagulate the milk, giving Pecorino its signature texture. It's thought that the cheese was often served slathered in a mixture of honey, herbs, and spices for extra flavor.

It's likely that the recipe evolved over the years, with new ingredients being added or removed as Sardinian communities adapted to their environment. After centuries of experimentation, a distinctive style of Pecorino emerged, one that had become an integral part of the island's cuisine.

Artisanal producers continue to make the cheese using traditional methods, which involve salting the cheese curds before pressing them into molds. This is a labor-intensive process, but it's essential to achieving the cheese's characteristic flavor and texture.

Today, Pecorino sardo is enjoyed around the globe, thanks in no small part to Sardinia's long history of cheese-making excellence. Whether it's served on its own or used to bring depth to other dishes, this iconic cheese will continue to delight generations to come.

FAQs about Pecorino sardo

What does Sardo cheese taste like?

Sardo cheese has a semi-firm texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. It is not as sharp or salty as other types of cheese like cheddar or Parmesan, but still has a complex flavor.

What is the difference between Pecorino Romano and pecorino sardo?

Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty cheese made from sheep's milk that is primarily produced in Italy. Pecorino Sardo is a similar hard cheese made from sheep's milk that is primarily produced in Sardinia, an autonomous region of Italy. The two cheeses have similar flavor profiles, but the main difference between them is that Pecorino Romano is aged longer and has a sharper, saltier taste.

What kind of cheese is pecorino sardo?

Pecorino Sardo is a hard, aged sheep's milk cheese originating in Sardinia, Italy. It has a deep golden-yellow color and a sharp, salty flavor.

What type of cheese is Sardo?

Sardo is a type of Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It is a hard, salty cheese with a slightly sweet flavor.

Types of Pecorino sardo

Pecorino sardo, a traditional cheese made from the milk of Sardinian sheep, is a gastronomic delight that is becoming increasingly popular around the world. This cheese, which is believed to have first been produced around the 6th century BC, is available in several varieties and provides an array of unique flavors to tantalize any taste bud.

Firmly textured and pale yellow in hue, its flavor can vary depending on age, location, and diet of the sheep it is made from. The younger versions tend to be sweeter, while the aged versions can be sharp and tangy. Its flavour is also heavily influenced by the saltiness of the air in Sardinia where the cheese is produced, making it a truly distinct product.

One type of Pecorino sardo is Pecorino Fresco, a young cheese that is aged for about 4 weeks, producing a softer texture and a mild yet savory flavor. Pecorino Sardo Stagionato, which is aged from three to five months, develops a more piquant flavor profile as the cheese becomes slightly drier and fuller-bodied.

The most well-known of these is Pecorino Sardo DOP, or Denominazione di Origine Protetta (Protected Designation of Origin). This version of the cheese is aged for a minimum of five months and is produced only in specific zones of Sardinia, resulting in a hard cheese with a pungent aroma and a deep, salty flavor.

Pecorino sardo is an incredibly versatile cheese that can be grated over pasta dishes, salads, risotto, and other Italian-inspired dishes; used in baking; and melted into sauces and soups. It's also an ideal snack when paired with dark chocolate or honeycomb. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, Pecorino sardo is sure to add a unique flair to any culinary endeavor, tantalizing your senses and delighting your palette.