This guide invites you to discover the most iconic Italian cheeses, essential to any gourmet exploration of Italy. From the regal Parmigiano Reggiano to the creamy indulgence of Burrata, prepare to tantalize your taste buds and deepen your appreciation for these masterpieces of Italian cuisine. Make sure you have something to snack on before reading this delicious and appetising guide.

A cheese lovers’ paradise

Italy is renowned for its cuisine and its artisanal cheeses, which are among the best in the world. A journey through Italian cheeses will offer you an extraordinary variety of flavours, textures and regional traditions. Here is a guide to the most iconic types of Italian cheese to include in your gourmet exploration:

Parmigiano Reggiano: crumbly and salty

Originating from Emilia-Romagna, this hard Italian cheese is aged for at least 12 months. Known as the 'King of Cheeses', it has an intense and complex flavour, perfect for grating over pasta or enjoying in flakes over a salad.

Mozzarella di Bufala Campana: soft and creamy goodness

Made from buffalo milk in the Campania region of Italy, this fresh mozzarella has a soft texture and a slightly acidic flavour. It is delicious on its own, in caprese salads or on pizza. This Italian cheese is also the classic ingredient of the speciality mozzarella in carrozza: a mozzarella sandwich dipped in egg and milk and fried.

Gorgonzola: a strong blue

Produced in Lombardy and Piedmont, it can be sweet or spicy, with a creamy texture and pungent flavour. Ideal for spreading on bread or melting in sauces. Within the different types of Italian cheese, this one belongs to the family of blue cheeses.

Pecorino Romano: salty and tangy on the palette

A hard Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, typical of Lazio and Sardinia. It has a salty and tangy flavour, perfect for grating over pasta dishes, such as the famous 'Cacio e Pepe'. Of all the varieties of pecorino cheese, this is the best known and most widely used. Pecorino Romano is larger than most cheeses of the same type.

Taleggio: soft and aged to perfection

A soft, aged cheese, produced in Lombardy. It has a thin rind and a sweet, buttery flavour with a slightly acidic aftertaste. Excellent on crostini or in risottos. It melts in the mouth and has a full, fruity, toasted almond flavour with a creamy finish. It can be the star of the dish on its own or as an aperitif. Taleggio is one of the oldest soft Italian cheeses.

Ricotta: delicate and delicious

A fresh cheese made from whey, widespread throughout Italy. It has a creamy texture and a delicate flavour, ideal for pasta fillings, desserts or simply with a drizzle of honey. This Italian cheese is excellent for fresh appetizers flavoured with aromatic herbs or acacia honey, or eaten with a side of fresh or stewed seasonal vegetables.

Asiago: perfect for every occasion

Originating in the Veneto region, it can be fresh (pressed) or mature (d'allevo). The fresh is soft and delicate, while the mature is more compact and savoury. The fresh one pairs perfectly with white and rosé wines, while the mature goes well with the red wines. One of the best Italian cheeses for salads, sandwiches or cheese boards.

Fontina: nutty and creamy in every bite

Produced in the Aosta Valley, this semi-hard Italian cheese has a sweet, nutty flavour. It can be served with celery or grapes, or in hot sandwiches. It is an excellent ingredient in cooking, as it melts to form a creamy mass, ideal for sauces. The famous fondue is made with Fontina, butter, eggs and wild mushrooms.

Provolone: versatile and exquisite whatever the shape

A pasta filata cheese that can be sweet or spicy, depending on maturity. Produced mainly in Lombardy, it is very versatile. This Italian cheese is salted with brine and hung to dry. At this moment, the plastic-wrapped curd allows for improvisation, so that the Provolone can appear in any form and shape.

Burrata: a divine creamy heart

Originating in Puglia, this soft Italian cheese with a creamy heart of stracciatella has a velvety texture and a rich, buttery flavour. Perfect eaten fresh with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Burrata is often confused with Mozzarella as its presentation and shape may seem the same, but you know what they say... it's what's on the inside that counts.

Italy's rich tapestry of cheeses offers a true feast for the senses, a celebration of tradition and craftsmanship that transcends the boundaries of taste. Each cheese tells a story of its region, its people, and their passion for quality. As you embark on this flavourful journey, let these Italian cheeses not only satisfy your appetite, but also deepen your connection to the heart and soul of Italian cuisine. On Shop & Fly, the e-commerce platform of Aeroporti di Roma, you can purchase a selection of these exquisite cheeses and bring a piece of Italy right to your home. Discover more. Buon appetito!

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