What Is Bel Paese Cheese?
A mild, semi-soft Italian cow's milk cheese, known for its creamy texture and delicate, buttery, and slightly tangy flavor.
What Does Bel Paese Cheese Taste Like?
Bel Paese Cheese has a mild, buttery, creamy, slightly sweet, earthy, subtle tang taste with milky, mildly fungal, sweet, yeasty aromas.
- Taste
- Mild, Buttery, Creamy, Slightly sweet, Earthy, Subtle tang
- Texture
- Semi-soft, Smooth, Springy, Melts easily
- Aroma
- Milky, Mildly fungal, Sweet, Yeasty
- Acidity
- Low to Medium
Technical Metrics
Nutrition Facts
Per 28g (1 oz)Chef’s Secret
Bel Paese is excellent for melting. To prevent oil separation, grate it and incorporate into sauces slowly over low heat, or use it as a topping for pizzas and gratins.
Bel Paese Cheese Substitutes & Ratios
The best substitute for Bel Paese Cheese is Fontina, used at a 1:1 ratio. Similar semi-soft texture and mild, nutty, buttery flavor, excellent melting qualities.
| Substitute | Ratio | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Fontina Best | 1:1 | Similar semi-soft texture and mild, nutty, buttery flavor, excellent melting qualities. |
| Muenster Cheese | 1:1 | Mild, semi-soft, good melting cheese with a less complex flavor profile. |
| Havarti | 1:1 | Creamy, buttery, and mild, melts beautifully, but slightly firmer than Bel Paese. |
| Young Brie | 1:1 | Softer, richer, and creamier, but with a more pronounced mushroomy rind flavor. |
How to Choose & Store Bel Paese Cheese
- Look for cheese with an intact, pale-yellow rind and a creamy-white interior.
- Avoid any signs of excessive moisture or strong ammonia smell.
What Pairs Well With Bel Paese Cheese?
- Fruit (pears
- grapes)
- Honey
- Crusty bread
- Light-bodied white wines
- Sandwiches
- Casseroles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bel Paese Cheese taste like?
Mild, Buttery, Creamy, Slightly sweet, Earthy, Subtle tang Milky, Mildly fungal, Sweet, Yeasty
What is a good substitute for Bel Paese Cheese?
The best substitute is Fontina (1:1). Similar semi-soft texture and mild, nutty, buttery flavor, excellent melting qualities.
How do you choose and store Bel Paese Cheese?
Look for cheese with an intact, pale-yellow rind and a creamy-white interior. Avoid any signs of excessive moisture or strong ammonia smell.