Top 60 Western European Fresh Cheeses

Though there are many buffalo mozzarella cheeses made with a combination of buffalo and cow's milk, to be labeled as such, the genuine mozzarella di bufala campana must be made from 100% domestic water buffalo milk and produced either in Campania or the neighboring Lazio, Apulia and Molise regions. Buffalo milk is known to be higher in calcium and protein while lower in cholesterol, which makes this mozzarella cheese particularly prized and sought after. Buffalo mozzarella always comes packaged in brine; it has a mild yet slightly sour taste, and goes well with various Italian antipasti dishes, especially with classics like the Caprese salad.Expand

Burrata, literary meaning buttered, is an artisan cheese from the Puglia region of Southern Italy, especially the provinces of Bari and Barletta-Andria-Trani. The cheese is made by hand with cow's milk, rennet, and cream. It is believed that the cheese was created by Lorenzo Bianchino Chieppa, a cheesemaker who had an idea to form a shell of stretched mozzarella strings and fill it with luscious, rich cream and smaller, leftover pieces of mozzarella. The result was a true delicacy with the creamiest interior and a rich flavor of fresh milk, which very quickly became extremely popular. Burrata should be eaten as fresh as possible - ideally within 24 hours of being made. It can be served alone, seasoned only with some salt, pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, but it is also delicious when accompanied by fresh tomatoes and prosciutto crudo, or when used as a topping for pizzas or bruschettas.Expand

Made from cow's milk, in particular, mozzarella and cream, Burrata di Andria is popularly known as 'the queen of cheeses'. It originates from Apulia, namely the town of Andria, and although Burrata has been produced only since 1950s, it has already become an Italian classic, despite its relatively short history. The outer shell of this fresh cheese is solid mozzarella, while the inside contains both mozzarella and cream, giving this masterfully created delicacy an unusual, soft texture. Burrata has a delicate yet rich flavor of fresh milk and it is most often served seasoned with just salt, pepper and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil but it also pairs beautifully with bruschettas topped with prosciutto, figs, tomatoes and various fresh vegetables.Expand

Stracciata is an artisan Italian cheese produced in Molise. It is made from cow's milk. The curd is cut or torn, and it is then stretched into ribbons that can be folded or braided. Although stracciata is usually snow-white, in spring and summer it develops a yellowish hue. On the outside, it is buttery, mild, sweet, fresh, and slightly salty, while the inside is milky and piquant. The cheese melts in the mouth easily, leaving notes of warm melted butter on the palate. The name stracciata is derived from the verb stracciare, meaning to tear. It is recommended to eat stracciata with prosciutto, olive oil, and crusty bread.Expand

Stracciatella is a traditional cheese hailing from Puglia. This cheese is actually the inside of the burrata, made from shredded threads of mozzarella di bufala (sfilacci, made from water buffalo's milk) that are mixed with fresh cream. The texture is silky, buttery, almost runny, and creamy, while the flavors are fresh, milky, and slightly acidic. Stracciatella is very versatile, and due to its mild flavors it can be served with almost anything – from pastas and risottos to pizzas and bruschettas.Expand

Ricotta di Bufala Campana is a product obtained through the processing of the 'first whey' (sweet) obtained in the cheese-making process which uses milk from the Mediterranea Italiana buffalo breed. The production area is within the provinces of Benevento, Caserta, Naples and Salerno in Campania; the provinces of Frosinone, Latina and Rome in the Lazio region; the Province of Foggia in the Apulia region and Isernia in the Molise region. Since the arrival of buffalo in Southern Italy in the XVI century, the production of Ricotta di Bufala Campana and Mozzarella di Bufala Campana has been very closely linked. Ricotta di Bufala Campana is different from other ricotta cheeses due to its creamy consistency, softness, color and sweet milky aromas, characteristics which are given to the fact that buffalo whey is richer in fats and free from lipase, an enzyme that can influence the sensory properties of fat. The ricotta is porcelain white, rindless, with a grainy but not sandy consistency that is soft and creamy. The flavor is characteristic, fresh and slightly sweet, whilst the aroma is reminiscent of milk and cream. It can be eaten on its own or used as an ingredient in many recipes and stuffed dishes. The product is generally used to prepare local sweet and savory dishes from the Neapolitan cuisine. Amongst the most famous recipes, there is the Pastiera Napoletana, a typical Easter cake.Expand

Mozzarella is a fresh, soft, stretched curd cheese, made with whole cow's milk. Due to the fact that it has a fragrant aroma of fresh milk and a delicate creamy flavor, mozzarella is traditionally paired with light white wines. This Italian classic originates from the region of Campania, but nowadays it is produced all across the country. The cheese is made with water buffalo's milk or cow's milk, when it's often referred to as mozzarella fior di latte (in order to distinguish it from water buffalo milk mozzarella). The ancient tradition of making mozzarella cheese dates back to the 4th century BCE, however, the first official reference to its name was found in a 1570 cookery book by Bartolomeo Scappi, a famous Renaissance chef. It is an excellent table cheese used for preparing a number of different dishes and the essential ingredient of the caprese salad and the famous pizza napoletana.Expand

Ciliegine is a traditional type of mozzarella cheese. It consists of small and smooth white balls of mozzarella that's made with pasteurized cow's milk, or sometimes with water buffalo's milk. Ciliegine are just a bit smaller than bocconcini, another type of mozzarella balls that can often be used interchangeably with ciliegine. The texture is soft, spongy, and elastic, while the flavors are mild, delicate, fresh, and milky. These small mozzarella balls are typically sold in their own brine and used in various salads and appetizers. The name ciliegine is derived from the Italian word for cherry, referring to the size of the cheese.Expand

Stracchino di crescenza is an Italian cheese that is typically made with cow's milk, but it can also be made with water buffalo's milk. The texture of stracchino is creamy and buttery, so it's often used as a spread. The flavors are mild, fruity, creamy, and sweet. Although it is nowadays associated with the regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, and Veneto, it was first produced in Lombardy's Po valley. It's recommended to serve stracchino with fresh fruit or cold cuts and pair it with a glass of fruity white wine. The cheese can also be used on pizza, combined with pasta, or used as a topping for warm polenta. The name stracchino is derived from the word stracca, meaning tired, referring to the tired cows who move up and down the Alps and produce very rich milk that is ideal for the production of this cheese.Expand

Serra da Estrela cottage cheese is a milk product obtained by heating and curdling unpasteurized sheep milk from the Churra Bordaleira and Mondegueira breeds, which are raised in the Beira littoral and interior. After heating, rennet is added to the milk to curdle it, and when it separates, it is strained and packaged in parchment immediately. Serra da Estrela cottage cheese ranges in texture from creamy to grainy. It is white and takes the shape of the vessel in which it is placed, and it has a mild and pleasant flavor and aroma.
The history of Serra da Estrela cheese is well documented. In the past, the cheese was packaged in the oldest form of packaging – it was wrapped in cabbage leaves and transported in wicker baskets. It remained a local product for a long time due to the fact that it would spoil easily in transport. Today, this cheese is popular throughout the country, and it is highly valued as an accompaniment to many traditional dishes and as a basic ingredient in regional pastries, puddings, and cakes. It is eaten fresh with a sprinkling of salt and pepper, or as a dessert mixed with honey, nuts, or traditional abóbora de doce (sweet pumpkin preserves).Expand

Caseificio Dicecca is a family-owned dairy located in Altamura, in the heart of Italy’s Apulia region, renowned for producing both authentic and innovative cheeses. Founded in 1930, the dairy has been run by the Dicecca family for four generations, blending traditional techniques with modern approaches to create truly unique products. Their range includes classic cheeses such as burrata, mozzarella, and caciocavallo, as well as more creative and experimental varieties. The dairy also offers unique experiences for visitors, including guided tours of the production facilities and tastings at their Cheese Bar "Baby Dicecca". This blend of tradition, innovation, and hospitality makes Caseificio Dicecca a must-visit destination for cheese lovers and those seeking genuine gastronomic experiences.Expand

Formaggi La Quercia is a renowned cheese producer located in Guidonia Montecelio, in the Lazio region near Rome. Founded in 1921 by shepherds from the Roman countryside, the dairy has earned a reputation over the years as a producer of high-quality dairy products that blend deep tradition with modern production methods. Although it started as a small family-run dairy, it has since become synonymous with quality cheeses, emphasizing traditional production techniques while adhering to modern food safety standards. La Quercia annually collects around 4.5 million liters of milk from carefully selected farms across five districts in the Lazio region. These farms use traditional livestock farming methods, which allows the dairy to produce high-quality dairy products. The dairy is particularly known for its expertise in producing Ricotta Romana DOP, as well as various types of pecorino and goat cheeses, which reflect the richness and authenticity of local food. For its products, La Quercia uses only the finest raw materials, with much of the production process based on artisanal techniques. This ensures that each product has a unique and rich flavor.Expand

Igor Gorgonzola is one of the most renowned Italian producers of Gorgonzola, the traditional blue-veined cheese with Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) status. The company was founded in 1935 and is based in Novara, in the Piedmont region—an area considered the heart of Gorgonzola production. Over the decades, Igor has grown from a small family-run workshop into one of the leading manufacturers and exporters of Gorgonzola cheese worldwide. Their product range includes several types of cheese, notably Gorgonzola Dolce—a mild, creamy version, and Gorgonzola Piccante—a stronger, more mature variety with a pronounced flavor, aimed at more demanding palates. Igor combines traditional cheesemaking techniques with modern technologies to ensure consistent quality and authenticity in every product.Expand

Mila Südtirol is a leading dairy cooperative from South Tyrol, known for producing high-quality dairy products rooted in Alpine tradition, environmental respect, and sustainable development. Founded in 1962 as an association of milk producers from the Val Venosta valley, Mila has grown over the decades into a symbol of quality and authenticity. Today, the cooperative brings together around 2,200 mountain farmers whose farms are mostly located at altitudes above 1,000 meters, ensuring exceptional freshness and purity of raw milk. Mila offers a wide range of dairy products, reflecting the richness of the region and the care of its farmers. Mila operates two modern production facilities: one specialized in the processing of milk, yogurt, cream, butter, and skyr, and another focused on the production of hard cheeses, mascarpone, and additional quantities of skyr. Mila is deeply committed to preserving local culture and nature, promoting sustainable agriculture and animal welfare in every aspect of its operations.Expand

Galbani is a leading and iconic Italian dairy brand with a tradition spanning over a century. Founded in 1882 in the town of Ballabio, in the Lombardy region of Italy, by Egidio Galbani, the brand quickly gained a strong reputation thanks to its commitment to premium quality and innovations such as the creation of Bel Paese cheese in 1906. Today, Galbani is recognized worldwide for its expertise in producing cheeses that combine authenticity, rich flavor, and high production standards. The Galbani product range includes some of the most renowned Italian cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, mascarpone, gorgonzola, and parmesan, as well as traditional cured meats like prosciutto, mortadella, and salami. Galbani mozzarella is especially well-known and beloved for its soft texture and creamy taste, widely used in dishes like pizza, pasta, and salads. Since 2006, Galbani has been part of the French company Lactalis, the world's largest dairy group, which has enabled the brand to expand globally and produce locally for various markets, including the United States. While some products are now made outside of Italy, Galbani remains faithful to its Italian roots and traditional methods of cheese-making. The brand successfully blends heritage and innovation, with a continued dedication to authentic taste and quality, making it one of the most beloved cheese brands among consumers and chefs worldwide.Expand

Biraghi is one of the largest dairy producers in Italy, with its modern production facility located in Cavallermaggiore, in the Piedmont region. The production process at Biraghi combines advanced technology with deeply rooted traditional methods, placing special emphasis on quality control and the origin of raw materials. All products are made from 100% Italian milk sourced exclusively from local farms in Piedmont. Among the most important products is Gran Ricotta Biraghi, which undergoes a lengthy aging process under precise temperature and humidity control in specially designed rooms. Biraghi successfully merges industrial capacity with the care typical of artisanal production, maintaining a strong focus on quality, local sourcing, and product innovation.Expand

Caseificio Valsamoggia is a family-run dairy established in 1974 in Monteveglio, part of the municipality of Valsamoggia in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Founded by Sigfrido Manzini and his wife Luisa Cocchi, the dairy was created with the aim of preserving traditional cheesemaking skills. Today, it is successfully operated by the second and third generations of the Manzini family. Over the decades, Caseificio Valsamoggia has built a strong reputation based on quality, dedication, and respect for local recipes. Among their products are both fresh and aged cheeses, including their creamy mascarpone, made from carefully selected milk and known for its smooth texture and rich, full flavor. The mascarpone from this dairy is especially appreciated for its versatility in the kitchen - it is used in desserts like tiramisu, as well as in savory dishes such as risottos and sauces. Through a combination of tradition, innovation, and local ingredients, Caseificio Valsamoggia remains true to its family heritage and commitment to quality, recognized by both local and international customers.Expand

Alta Tuscia Formaggi is a renowned Italian cheese producer based in the town of Bagnoregio, in the heart of the Lazio region. The company is known for its unique blend of traditional cheesemaking craftsmanship and modern technology, allowing it to preserve authenticity while meeting high quality standards. Their production relies exclusively on 100% Italian milk of the highest quality, sourced from carefully selected local farms. This ensures the freshness of the raw material and supports a sustainable local supply chain. The product range includes various types of cheese, such as aged pecorinos, flavored caciottas, and innovative creations like sheep’s milk camembert. Particularly noteworthy are the cheeses aged in caves, pits, or wine barrels, which develop distinctive aromas and character.Expand

Azienda Agricola Le Starze is a family-run farm spanning 130 hectares of unspoiled nature. It specializes in the production of raw milk cheeses made from cow’s, goat’s, and sheep’s milk, sourced from animals that roam freely and graze on natural pasture. During periods when grazing is not possible, the animals are fed exclusively with alfalfa. All products are made without the use of industrial ferments, preserving the authenticity and natural character of their flavors. One of their most renowned products is Mozzarella nella Mortella - mozzarella wrapped in myrtle leaves, which imparts a unique aroma with notes of green grass, lemon, and cedar. This practice originates from an ancient tradition of preserving cheese during transportation from mountain pastures to the coastal areas.Expand