Types of Italian Cheese

There are literally hundreds of different types of Italian cheese available. We have put the following article together which contains, if not all, but some of the best Italian cheeses you can ever taste…

Just as the cuisine of Italy is famous around the world, so are their various cheeses. Even though, with endless varieties available to explore, not everyone is aware of all the different Italian cheeses. Unfortunately, we are only familiar with just a few of them but in this Tastessence article, we are trying to bring you as close to them as possible. Not just in Italy, but all over the world, you will find different Italian cheeses being used in making Italian dishes. The tempting and delicious essence of Italian cuisine can only be possible with the sophisticated and savory flavors found in these cheeses. This brings us to our article on various types of Italian cheese. As you keep reading, you will find that there are not just five or six Italian cheeses, but many, many available.

Some Famous Italian Cheese

It would be next to impossible for someone to know all the types of cheese found in Italy. Across the world, there are certain Italian cheese which are more popular than others and is easily accessible. As you go through the following section, I’m sure you will be able to recognize them as well.

Fontina – This cheese is made with cow’s milk which has a mild flavor to it with a hint of nuttiness. There are other varieties available from this cheese like Fontal, Fontella, Fontinella, etc. Different varieties of Fontina cheese comes in various textures ranging from soft to hard.

Gorgonzola – Made from unskimmed cow’s milk (at times mixed with goat’s milk as well), Gorgonzola cheese is type of Italian blue cheese. Known for its creamy texture and milder taste, this cheese is used in salads or eaten with fruits.

Mascarpone – This cheese is made with fresh cream, citric acid or lemon juice, and buttermilk. You get a white colored cheese that is mostly used to cooking desserts like tiramisu, sauces for salads and chicken Parmesan, or even substituted for butter in other recipes.

Mozzarella – Pizzas would taste nothing more than cooked dough if it wasn’t was for the delicious, semi-soft Mozzarella cheese for accompaniment. Used in pastas and other Italian dishes, Mozzarella cheese is made with either buffalo’s milk or cow’s milk, depending on the variety.

Parmigiano-Reggiano – This cheese is made with cow’s milk and has a hard texture. A little bit salty, a little bit crumbly, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is used to grate over salads, pastas, soups, and risotto.

Provolone – Made with cow’s milk, Provolone cheese is aged about 4 months to get that sharp taste. This semi-hard cheese has a smoked flavor that can be melted for making sauces or sliced for sandwiches.

Different Italian Cheeses

Here’s a list of Italian cheese that perhaps you’ll be tired of reading. But the list has to be made and that’s what we are trying to do. If, along the list, you feel that we left out any, please do leave us a comment below. And without further ado, let’s get to the list.

After this exhaustive list of different Italian cheeses, you could take up another challenge and view our other Tastessence article on cheese types list. There are hundreds, if not thousands of various cheese types available all over the world. Try to get your hands on as many as you can and make savory Italian dishes.

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