Bel Paese (cheese)

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Bel Paese (cheese)

Bel Paese is a mild, semi-soft cow’s milk cheese from Italy. It has a creamy texture and a pale, creamy-yellow color. The cheese is usually made in small wheels and ages for about six to eight weeks. It melts easily, making it great for pizzas and casseroles, and many people use it as a substitute for mozzarella.

Origin and name
Bel Paese was created in 1906 by Egidio Galbani in Melzo, a town near Milan in Lombardy. He wanted to make a mild cheese for everyday eating. The name Bel Paese means “beautiful country” in Italian and is a traditional way to refer to Italy. The name also comes from a book by Antonio Stoppani.

Where it’s made
Originally from Melzo, Bel Paese is now produced in Italy and in the United States.

Flavor and use
The cheese has a gentle, buttery flavor and a light milky aroma. It’s commonly eaten as a snack or dessert cheese and is a favorite for melting on pizzas or in casseroles. It pairs well with fruity wines, including dry red or white wines.

Appearance and authenticity
Genuine Bel Paese can be recognized by its wrapper: Italian-made versions show Antonio Stoppani’s image, often with a map of Italy; U.S.-made packages display a map of America.