Mamma Mia: Exploring the Varieties of Italian Cheeses

There’s a reason why Italian words dominate the culinary scene. It seems like every popular modern food category has an Italian subcategory that can be found on grocery store shelves.

Italian cheeses are no exception. The great Italian lands boast a panoply of special and hard cheeses that are worthy of the most romantic of meals.

Asiago

Asiago, a hard, usually savory cheese from the Veneto region of Italy, is one of the most popular and widely-known Italian cheeses. It is made from cow’s milk and typically aged for five months, although extra-aged versions are also produced.

Asiago has a yellow-white color, a smooth texture, and a slightly bitter, piquant taste. It is often used to flavor sauces and pizzas as well as pasta and risotto and is also great on its own and as part of charcuterie boards. 

Fontina

Fontina is an Italian cheese that varies greatly in terms of taste, texture, and aroma. It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk with a natural rind. Depending upon the region of production, the flavors and intensity of the cheese can vary from mild and buttery to sharp and tangy.

In Northern Valle d’Aosta, Fontina is sweet and nutty with notes of hazelnut, while in Liguria, it can be more pungent and spicy. There is a variety of ages of Fontina, from young to aged, which affects the intensity of the flavors and melting qualities.

Pecorino Romano vs Parmigiano Reggiano

Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano are two of the most popular and widely enjoyed varieties of Italian cheese, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Understanding the difference is essential.

Pecorino Romano is a firm, salty cheese made from sheep’s milk that has a sharp, robust flavor and granular texture. Parmigiano Reggiano, on the other hand, is a soft, more subtle cheese made using cow’s milk that pairs well with pasta or salads.

Mascarpone

Mascarpone is one of the most coveted Italian cheeses and is widely used in many Italian dishes. Its creamy texture and delicate flavors make it unique compared to other soft cheeses. With its mild and buttery taste, it pairs perfectly with sweet dishes.

However, due to the popularity of mascarpone, there have been a variety of popular Italian cheeses made to reflect its intense flavor and creamy texture. From Gorgonzola to Parmigiano Reggiano to Ricotta, these cheese varieties are a must-try to truly explore the extent of mascarpone’s character. 

Mozzarella

Italian cheese is known for its delicious and high-quality varieties. One of the most popular Italian cheese types is mozzarella, which is produced from the milk of cows, buffalos, or even sheep. Mozzarella has a smooth and creamy texture, and when heated, it has a tendency to melt quickly.

This cheese can be found in various forms, such as block cheese, formed into balls, or soft cheese for spreading. Mozzarella can also be blended with other cheeses to create distinctive flavors and textures. Whether it is served fresh, grilled, or smoked, mozzarella can always add an Italian touch to any dish. 

Learn More About Different Italian Cheeses

Italian cheeses are incredibly diverse, each with its own unique flavor and texture. From the fresh fruity flavors of Burrata to the salty complexity of Parmigiano-Reggiano, Italian cheeses are the perfect addition to any meal. Exploring the different Italian cheeses will continue to delight both foodies and cheese aficionados alike. 

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