Taleggio cheese

Taleggio cheese is a pungent cow's milk cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. The cheese is cave aged and becomes quite tangy.  It is thought that this may be one of the oldest soft cheeses.  The cheese has a strong aroma but the flavor is fairly mild.

Pair with white or red Burgundy, Barbaresco or even a rich Chardonnay The making of the cheese dates back to the year 1200. Prior to the 1900's the cheese was called "stracchino" which means "tired" or "exhausted. The reference is to the tired herds of cattle making their journey from the Alpine pastures back to the plains. The exhausted herd was still able to produce milk for making cheese and thus the term "stracchino" was born.

Use the cheese on your cheese board or use it melted atop pastas or other hot dishes.

Substitute For Taleggio Cheese

If you don't have Taleggio some good substitutes include:

• Italian Robiola cheese is a good alternative.
• OR - You can use a Limburger cheese which is typically easy to find but it is very strong.  It is considered a "stinky cheese".
• OR -  For a variation use Fontina cheese which will be typically more mild.
• OR - Substitute Bel Paese which is usually easy to find but lacks the pungent quality of Teleggio.

Where To Buy Taleggio Cheese

This popular cheese can be found in many well-stocked grocery stores.  Whole Foods Markets typically stock Taleggio.  You can also purchase it online at Amazon.com: Taleggio DOP.