10 Most Popular Cheeses Originated in Italy
If you are a cheese lover, then you must have tried or heard about Italian cheeses. Italy is home to some of the most delicious and varied cheeses in the world. From creamy and soft to hard and crumbly, Italian cheeses come in various textures and flavors.
In this post, we will explore the 10 most popular cheeses originated in Italy. Whether you are a foodie or just looking to broaden your cheese horizons, this list will introduce you to some of the best cheeses that Italy has to offer.
The 10 Most Popular Italian Cheeses (BEST)
| Type of Italian Cheese | Description | Tasting Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan) | Parmigiano Reggiano, also known as parmesan cheese, is a hard, granular cheese that originates from the Parma region of Italy. It has a nutty and slightly fruity flavor with a hard and grainy texture. | Nutty, slightly fruity, and hard/grainy texture |
| Mozzarella | Mozzarella is a soft, fresh cheese that originated in southern Italy. It has a milky and slightly tangy flavor with a delicate and creamy texture. | Milky, slightly tangy, delicate, and creamy texture |
| Gorgonzola | Gorgonzola is a blue-veined cheese made from cow’s milk that originated in northern Italy. It has a sharp and tangy flavor with a soft and creamy texture. | Sharp, tangy, soft, and creamy texture |
| Ricotta | Ricotta is a fresh Italian cheese made from whey and milk. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor with a soft and creamy texture. | Mild, slightly sweet, soft, and creamy texture |
| Pecorino | Pecorino is a hard cheese made from sheep’s milk that originated in central Italy. It has a salty and slightly tangy flavor with a crumbly and dense texture. | Salty, slightly tangy, crumbly, and dense texture |
| Provolone | Provolone is a semi-hard cheese that hails from southern Italy. It has a nutty, buttery flavor with a slightly sharp finish. It also has a firmer texture compared to mozzarella cheese. | Nutty, buttery, slightly sharp, firm texture |
| Asiago | Asiago is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk that originated in northern Italy. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor with a firm and crumbly texture. | Nutty, slightly sweet, firm, and crumbly texture |
| Taleggio | Taleggio is a semi-soft cheese that hails from Lombardy, Italy. It has a mild and tangy flavor with a soft and creamy texture. | Mild, tangy, soft, and creamy texture |
| Burrata | Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a creamy and buttery flavor with a soft and delicate texture. | Creamy, buttery, soft and delicate texture |
| Grana Padano | Grana Padano is a hard, granular cheese that is similar to parmesan cheese. It was created in the Po Valley region of northern Italy. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor with a hard and grainy texture. | Nutty, slightly sweet, hard/grainy texture |
1. Parmigiano Reggiano
- Milk Type: Cow’s milk
- Taste: Nutty and slightly fruity
- Texture: Hard and grainy
- Food Pairing: Grated over pasta dishes, salads, soups, and roasted vegetables. It can also be eaten on its own as a snack.
- Wine Pairing: Chianti, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and dry sparkling wines.
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Parmigiano Reggiano is a popular cheese in Italy, known for its nutty and slightly fruity taste and hard, grainy texture. It has been produced for nearly a thousand years and has become one of Italy’s most famous cheeses.
Parmigiano Reggiano is used grated over pasta dishes, soups, salads, and roasted vegetables and can also be eaten on its own as a snack. The truth is that Parmigiano Reggiano cheese was the most loved cheese in Italy in 2020. Its popularity is due to its rich heritage, versatility, and high quality.
2. Mozzarella
- Milk Type: Water buffalo or cow’s milk
- Taste: Milky and slightly tangy
- Texture: Soft and delicate
- Food Pairing: Used in pizza, lasagna, caprese salad, and other Italian dishes. It can also be eaten on its own or with bread.
- Wine Pairing: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and light-bodied reds like Beaujolais or Dolcetto.
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Mozzarella is a popular cheese in Italy, particularly the version made from buffalo milk known as mozzarella di bufala. It has a smooth and creamy texture with a mild flavor.
Mozzarella is commonly used in traditional Italian dishes such as pizza, caprese salad, and pasta. It is also a popular snack in Italy, often eaten on its own or with fresh tomatoes and basil.
3. Gorgonzola
- Milk Type: Cow’s milk
- Taste: Sharp and tangy
- Texture: Soft and creamy
- Food Pairing: Used in sauces, dips, and dressings. It pairs well with pears, figs, honey, and walnuts. It can also be crumbled over salads, pasta, and pizza.
- Wine Pairing: Full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Barolo, and Amarone. It also pairs well with sweet dessert wines like Sauternes or Muscat.
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Gorgonzola is a popular blue-veined Italian cheese that is made from unskimmed cow’s milk. It has a firm, crumbly texture and a sharp, tangy flavor with a definite “bite” from the blue mold. The cheese is mainly produced in the northern Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy.
Gorgonzola is aged for about 3 to 6 months under similar conditions as other blue cheeses and can be buttery or quite salty. It is commonly used in various dishes such as salads, pizza, and pasta, and is enjoyed both on its own as a snack and paired with wine. Overall, Gorgonzola is a flavorful and traditional Italian cheese that has been enjoyed for centuries.
4. Ricotta
- Milk Type: Cow’s milk, sometimes mixed with sheep or goat milk
- Taste: Mild and slightly sweet
- Texture: Soft and creamy
- Food Pairing: Used in lasagna, cannoli, calzone, ravioli, and other Italian dishes. It can also be used as a spread on bread or crackers.
- Wine Pairing: Chianti, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Zinfandel.
- Read in-depth guide
Ricotta is a soft and creamy Italian cheese made from whey, a byproduct of other cheese production. It is commonly made with cow’s milk, but can also be made with sheep or goat milk. The cheese has a mild, slightly sweet taste and a smooth texture that works great in both savory and sweet dishes.
Ricotta cheese is very versatile, and it’s used in various traditional Italian dishes like lasagna, cannoli, and cheesecake. It’s easy to make ricotta cheese at home with just a few simple ingredients like milk, vinegar, and salt. Overall, ricotta cheese is a delicious and popular Italian cheese enjoyed all over the world.
5. Pecorino
- Milk Type: Sheep’s milk
- Taste: Salty and slightly tangy
- Texture: Hard and crumbly
- Food Pairing: Grated over pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, or risotto. It can also be eaten on its own as a snack or appetizer.
- Wine Pairing: Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, and Amarone.
- Read in-depth guide
Pecorino is a group of Italian cheeses made from 100% sheep’s milk. The name “pecorino” comes from the Italian word for sheep, “pecora.” This cheese is typically hard and salty, with a nutty or spicy flavor.
One of the most well-known types of pecorino is Pecorino Romano, which is often grated and used as a seasoning in pasta dishes. Pecorino can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack or paired with wine. Overall, pecorino is a flavorful and traditional Italian cheese that has been enjoyed for centuries.
6. Provolone
- Milk Type: Cow’s milk
- Taste: Nutty, buttery, and slightly sharp
- Texture: Semi-hard with a firm texture
- Food Pairing: Used in sandwiches, pizza, pasta dishes, and as a table cheese. It can also be melted over roasted vegetables or used in a cheese sauce.
- Wine Pairing: Chianti, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.
- Read in-depth guide
Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow’s milk, originating from Southern Italy. It has a varying taste, ranging from mild and sweet to sharp and piquant, depending on the age of the cheese. Provolone piccante is aged for at least four months and has a very sharp flavor.
The cheese is commonly used in sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes and can be found sliced or shredded in grocery stores. Provolone cheese is also crafted by artisanal cheesemakers who use traditional methods to create unique flavors and textures. Overall, provolone is a versatile and popular Italian cheese enjoyed all over the world.
7. Asiago
- Milk Type: Cow’s milk
- Taste: Nutty and slightly sweet
- Texture: Semi-hard with a firm and crumbly texture
- Food Pairing: Grated over pasta dishes, risotto, and pizza. It can also be used in soups or eaten on its own as a snack.
- Wine Pairing: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and medium-bodied red wines like Chianti Classico and Valpolicella.
- Read in-depth guide
Asiago is a semi-hard Italian cheese that originated in the Veneto and Trentino regions of Italy. It is classified as a Swiss-type or Alpine cheese and can be found in both fresh and aged varieties. The cheese has a sweet, nutty flavor with a slightly tart taste depending on how long it’s aged.
Asiago is commonly used for grating on salads, pastas, and soups or enjoyed on its own as a snack. Overall, Asiago is a versatile and delicious Italian cheese perfect for adding flavor to your favorite dishes.
8. Taleggio
- Milk Type: Cow’s milk
- Taste: Mild, tangy, and slightly sweet
- Texture: Semi-soft with a soft and creamy texture
- Food Pairing: Used in risotto, pasta dishes, pizza, and as a table cheese. It pairs well with fruit, nuts, and honey.
- Wine Pairing: Full-bodied red wines like Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. It also pairs well with white wines like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Read in-depth guide
Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind, smear-ripened Italian cheese named after Val Taleggio in the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a thin crust and a creamy interior with a pungent aroma. The cheese has been produced for centuries and is commonly used in cooking for its distinct earthy flavor and melting qualities.
Taleggio cheese can be enjoyed on its own or paired with wine and is a popular choice among cheese lovers around the world.
9. Burrata
- Milk Type: Cow’s milk and cream
- Taste: Creamy and buttery
- Texture: Soft and delicate with a creamy center
- Food Pairing: Used in salads, pizza, pasta dishes, and as a spread on bread. It pairs well with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.
- Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chianti.
- Read in-depth guide
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream, with a soft shell and a creamy interior. The cheese is formed into a plump ball, with an outer casing of solid cheese and an inside filled with cheese curds and cream.
Burrata has a sweet and milky flavor and a supple texture, making it a popular choice for salads, pizzas, and appetizers.
10. Grana Padano
- Milk Type: Cow’s milk
- Taste: Nutty and slightly sweet
- Texture: Hard and grainy
- Food Pairing: Grated over pasta dishes, risotto, soups, and salads. It can also be eaten on its own as a snack.
- Wine Pairing: Chianti, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and dry sparkling wines.
- Read in-depth guide
Grana Padano is a hard, aged Italian cheese that originated in the Po River Valley of northern Italy. It has a similar taste to Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, as both are made from cow’s milk and have a grainy texture. Grana Padano has a sweet, nutty flavor with a granular texture and is commonly used for grating over pasta, salads, and soups.
The cheese is aged for a minimum of 9 months and up to 2 years, resulting in a sharp, intense flavor. Overall, Grana Padano is a delicious and versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as a flavorful addition to many dishes.
Final Thoughts
Italian cheeses are an essential part of any cheese lover’s diet. They offer a wide range of flavors and textures that can be enjoyed on their own or used to elevate a dish to new heights. From the creamy Burrata to the nutty Grana Padano, the 10 most popular cheeses originated in Italy are a testament to the country’s culinary excellence.
So, the next time you’re shopping for cheese, consider adding one of these Italian favorites to your cart. You won’t be disappointed!
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