Italian cheese is known for its versatility and delicious flavors. While French cheeses are often enjoyed before or after a meal, Italian cheeses are seamlessly integrated into various dishes, from breakfast to dinner.
The King of Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano
Parmigiano-Reggiano, also known as the King of Cheese, is a staple in Italian cuisine. It is commonly grated over fresh pasta, sprinkled on top of asparagus, or mixed with arugula and a squeeze of lemon. This cheese is renowned for its rich, nutty flavor and can also be baked into lasagna or cheesecake.
Serve: Parmigiano-Reggiano pairs well with bold Italian red wines like Amarone or Barolo. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in salads, pasta dishes, and even desserts with pears or figs.
Deliciously Blue: Gorgonzola
Gorgonzola, originating from Lombardy, is a unique Italian blue cheese. It is made in two styles: dolce (sweet) and naturale (aged). The younger dolce variety has a creamy, Brie-like texture, while the aged version is more intense and crumbly. Gorgonzola is known for its garlicky and peppery flavors.
Serve: Gorgonzola pairs well with robust Italian red wines like Amarone or Barolo. It is a fantastic cheese for salads, pasta dishes, and desserts.
A Taste of Tuscany: Pecorino Toscano
Pecorino Toscano, hailing from Tuscany, is a sheep's milk cheese. It has a slightly oily texture due to the high percentage of butterfat in sheep's milk. Pecorino Toscano is aromatic, luxurious, and offers hints of olive and toasted walnuts.
Serve: Pecorino Toscano is traditionally enjoyed with melted cheese and drizzled olive oil over fresh fava beans. It pairs well with salads, prosciutto, and wines like Chianti or Brunello.
Heavenly Taleggio
Taleggio, produced in Lombardy, is a cheese that surprises with its unique flavor profile. Despite its pungent aroma, Taleggio has a balanced and complex taste, with nutty and beefy notes. This cheese becomes soft and gooey when served at room temperature.
Serve: Taleggio is perfect when melted on fresh polenta or spread on crusty bread. It pairs well with fruity white wines like Soave or bold reds like Barbaresco or Barolo.
Fantastic Fontina d'Aosta
Fontina d'Aosta, originating from the Italian Alps, is a cow's milk cheese with perfumy and fruity flavors. It is made from raw, fresh milk and has firm and supple textures. The flavors of Fontina d'Aosta are a symphony of fruits, nuts, and herbs.
Serve: Fontina d'Aosta is perfect with charcuterie, fruit, or in fonduta (a butter and egg-laden fondue). It can also be enjoyed in paninis, grilled cheese sandwiches, or on a cheeseboard.
The Italian Classic: Mozzarella di Bufala
Mozzarella di Bufala, produced in the area south and west of Naples, is a unique Italian cheese made from water buffalo milk. It has a moist, tender, and buttery texture, with a sweet and milky flavor. Mozzarella di Bufala is traditionally made by hand, resulting in a pull-apart texture.
Serve: Mozzarella di Bufala is best enjoyed with juicy tomatoes, basil leaves, good olive oil, flaky salt, and black pepper. It is also delicious with anchovies and crusty bread.
The Delightful Provolone
Provolone, originally from Basilicata in Southern Italy, is a cheese that comes in different shapes and styles. It is made from cow's milk and can be aged for varying periods, resulting in different intensities of flavor. Provolone has a slightly salty and pleasantly piquant taste.
Serve: Provolone is great for sandwiches with ingredients like broccoli rabe, roast pork, or meatballs. It can also be melted in omelets or enjoyed with a cold beer and a bowl of olives.
The Approachable Asiago
Asiago, produced in the Po Valley and the Alpine pastures, is a cow's milk cheese that is mild, lactic, and supple. It has a springy texture when young and becomes hard-as-Parmesan with age. Asiago's flavors intensify but never become sharp or biting.
Serve: Asiago is a perfect cheese for snacking, especially with salami, good bread, and an amber ale. Fresco Asiago is great for sandwiches and salads, while aged Asiago is ideal for grating on pasta, salads, and gratins.
Robiola Piemonte: A Creamy Delight
Robiola Piemonte, originating from Piedmont, is a family of fresh, snowy cheeses made with cow, goat, or sheep's milk, or a combination of the three. It has a tangy and creamy flavor, with a texture similar to ice cream that is about to melt. Robiola Bosina, made with sheep and cow's milk, and Robiola Rocchetta, made from all three milks, are popular varieties.
Serve: Robiola Piemonte pairs perfectly with a glass of Prosecco for a delightful combination.
When thinking of Italian cheese, one may naturally think of legendary regions like Parma, Roma, Asiago, and Gorgonzola. However, when it comes to buying the best Italian cheese, Wisconsin is a surprising contender.
Wisconsin has won numerous awards for cheese, surpassing even Italy in terms of accolades. In fact, Wisconsin won the best-of-class award for Parmesan at the World Cheese Championship in 2018, defeating the team from Parma.
Italian Cheese Made in Wisconsin
Whether it's Parmigiano-Reggiano, Provolone, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, or any other Italian cheese, choosing a Wisconsin-made option ensures quality and excellence.
Italian cheese is a culinary treasure, and Wisconsin's dedication to producing exceptional cheeses has earned it a place in the hearts of cheese enthusiasts worldwide.
- Q: What is the King of Cheese?
- A: The King of Cheese is Parmigiano-Reggiano, a highly regarded Italian cheese known for its rich flavors.
- Q: Where is Gorgonzola cheese from?
- A: Gorgonzola cheese originates from Lombardy, Italy.
- Q: What type of milk is used to make Mozzarella di Bufala?
- A: Mozzarella di Bufala is made from water buffalo milk.
- Q: What are some popular Italian cheese dishes?
- A: Italian cheese is commonly used in dishes such as pasta, risotto, salads, and pizzas.
Italian cheese offers a wide range of flavors and textures, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. From the King of Cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano, to the creamy delight of Robiola Piemonte, each cheese brings its own unique characteristics to the table.
Whether you choose to enjoy Italian cheese smoked or grilled, Wisconsin-made Italian cheeses ensure exceptional quality and taste. So, indulge in the flavors of Italy and elevate your culinary experience with these beloved Italian cheeses.
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