The production cycle takes up to two days, following which, the maturing/ageing process can take from two months to a year. “Depending upon the type, you age a cheese anywhere from a few weeks to up to a year (and sometimes longer). Bel Paese is ready after only two months of ageing, but a Parmesan-style cheese needs to age for 9 to 12 months. Camemberts and Bries are perfect after 6 weeks. As the cheese ages, the bacteria stays active and creates a lot of flavour. The acidity and flavour increases. Younger cheeses are nuttier; they sharpen with age. Drying also plays a part in concentrating flavour. The acidity and drying alter the protein structure of the cheese and that is what gives Fontina its characteristic crumbly texture,” explains Reddy. One of the defining features of Gruyere is its fantastic melting properties. Its velvety, smooth texture when melted makes it a sought-after choice for culinary applications where melting is crucial, such as fondue, sauces, and gratins. It’s great for making dishes like this because it doesn’t have a strong flavor that might compete with the broccoli. Once this report was published, it would not be long before producers in the U.S. would want to copy it, so it was agreed that Bel Paese cheese would be produced domestically in the U.S.

Pizza - Everybody's favorite treat is classically topped with mozzarella, tomato sauce, and endless topping choices In my early days of working in a cheese shop, I sold a little Italian import known as Galbani Bel Paese. Stracchino can be eaten on its own, but also makes for an amazing substitute for mozzarella cheese on pizza . 18. Crescenza If you have a recipe that calls for Taleggio but you don’t have this particular cheese on hand, or you don’t like its flavor and would prefer something else, these are the best substitutes for Taleggio cheese you could use . 1. Bel PaeseProvolone, possessing similar melting qualities as Bel Paese, is easy to incorporate into recipes like sandwiches, baked pasta dishes, and pizza.

Cheese Board: Bel Paese is excellent on a cheese board due to its mild, buttery flavor. Pair it with a variety of fruits, nuts, and bread for an enjoyable tasting experience. If you want to substitute mozzarella in another dish, like lasagna, you might want to carefully read the recipe and keep in mind how the difference in taste and consistency could change the final result. Gouda cheese has a mild, nutty, and caramel-like flavor that can be a good choice as a Bel Paese substitute, especially in recipes like pizza or pasta dishes. Its rich and creamy taste is versatile enough for various culinary applications, from savory to sweet dishes. Serving Suggestions: Bel Paese is excellent on a cheese board, in sandwiches, melted over pasta or pizza, or simply enjoyed alone.

These incredibly flavorful cheese varieties range from soft to hard consistency, with some being perfect for melting and others being the the hallmark flavor of well-known dishes! There are plenty of familiar Italian cheeses here that are just as popular here in the States! 1. Mozzarella By 1898 there were twelve workers, by 1899, they founded their own laboratory, and in 1900 they built a new factory in Milan. Havarti has no outside rind, is very smooth, and has a combination of sweet, buttery, and slightly acidic notes to its taste. It’s a pretty mild cheese , and that’s what makes it a perfect option to please everyone. Caciocavallo is a stretched-curd cheese , originated from South Italy. It’s made of cow’s milk and is somehow similar to provolone . It’s a perfect topping for pizzas and salads, and the younger version of caciocavallo has a milder taste , making it a nice option if you’re looking for a cheese similar to mozzarella. 10. Edam Sprinkle Thermophilic starter culture over the surface of the milk and allow to rehydrate for a few minutes. Stir culture through milk using an up and down motion for 1 minute.

One last good substitute for Taleggio cheese is Gorgonzola dolce , which means sweet Gorgonzola in Italian, and it’s a very popular cheese worldwide. After 3 weeks, remove cheese from the ripening box and clean with brine solution and then dry thoroughly. Whether you’re a cheese lover or just looking for a new and exciting ingredient to add to your cooking, Bel Paese cheese is definitely worth trying. Provolone is another Italian cheese, made from cow’s milk and, just like mozzarella, it’s a curd cheese. It has a creamy interior and a semi-hard exterior , with a taste that varies depending on the aging period.

Using a sieve and ladle, remove whey down to the level of the curd. Gently stir the curd for a few minutes to break up the curd mass. Lasagna - Sheets of pasta, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella are baked together to make a delicious classic White Cheddar is a widely available cheese , made from cow’s milk, that can be a decent substitute for mozzarella if wisely chosen. It doesn’t have the same elasticity so, even if it melts well, it won’t produce the same stringy pizza slices mozzarella would. Stracchino is another type of Italian cow’s-milk cheese , with a very soft and creamy texture . It is usually eaten very fresh, and it has the same kind of taste as mozzarella.