The 14 Best Substitutes For Taleggio Cheese

Taleggio cheese is a type of Italian cheese that has been around since the 10th century.

It’s known for its soft, creamy texture and pungent aroma.

But what if you can’t find any Taleggio in your local store?

Don’t worry, there are plenty of other cheeses that can be used as substitutes for Taleggio.

Whether you need something milder or stronger than Taleggio, I have compiled a list of 14 different types of cheese to consider when replacing it in recipes.

From Gorgonzola to Brie, each substitute has its own unique flavor profile and will add a delicious twist to your dishes.

Keep reading to discover my top picks for substituting Taleggio cheese!

What is Taleggio Cheese?

Taleggio is a semi-soft Italian cheese made from cow’s milk.

It has a mild, slightly salty flavor and an aromatic aroma that can range from sweet to pungent depending on its age.

The cheese is aged for at least two months in caves or cellars, which gives it its characteristic orange rind and creamy texture.

Taleggio has been produced since the 10th century in Lombardy, Italy, where it was originally made with raw milk before pasteurization became commonplace.

Taleggio is usually sold as a square wheel of cheese weighing between 2 and 4 pounds (1 to 2 kg).

Its rind ranges in color from yellowish-orange to reddish-brown and may be covered with white mold spots.

The interior of the cheese is pale yellow with small holes scattered throughout.

When young, Taleggio has a soft texture that becomes firmer as it ages; when ripe, it should have an elastic consistency similar to mozzarella or provolone cheeses.

Its flavor also changes over time—when young it tastes mild and milky but develops more intense flavors as it matures.

The 14 Best Substitutes For Taleggio Cheese

Taleggio cheese is a delicious Italian specialty, but it can be hard to find in some places.

Luckily, there are plenty of substitutes that will still give you the same flavor and texture.

Here we look at fourteen alternatives that you can use in your cooking:

1 – Brie Cheese

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that originates from the region of Brie in France.

It has a mild, slightly salty flavor with a slight tang and a soft, creamy texture.

It is often served as part of an hors d’oeuvre platter or as a dessert cheese.

Brie can be used instead of Taleggio cheese in many dishes.

For example, it can be used in a salad, melted over a steak, in a sandwich, or melted in a tart or quiche. In a salad, it can be diced or crumbled and combined with other ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and greens.

For a steak, it can be melted on top and served with a side of vegetables.

In a sandwich, it can be spread on top of other ingredients such as meats and vegetables, and in a tart or quiche, it can be used as a base or filling.

Brie can also be served on its own with crackers or bread, or it can be melted and used as a dip or spread.

2 – Fontina Cheese

Fontina cheese is an Italian semi-soft cheese made from cow’s milk. It is aged for a minimum of three months and has a pungent, earthy flavor.

Fontina has a buttery, nutty taste and a creamy texture that holds its shape when melted.

It is often used in fondue, grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and pizza.

To use Fontina cheese instead of Taleggio cheese, you can substitute it in any recipe that calls for Taleggio.

Fontina cheese has a milder flavor than Taleggio, so you may need to use a bit more of it to get the same flavor impact.

Fontina cheese is excellent melted on top of dishes like pizza, pasta, or vegetables.

You can also use it in quiches or omelets for a creamy and flavorful addition.

For a delicious appetizer or snack, try melting Fontina cheese on top of toasted baguette slices and serve with fresh herbs or honey.

3 – Gruyere Cheese

Gruyere cheese is a type of Swiss cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a creamy, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor.

It is aged for a minimum of five months, which gives it its characteristic hard texture and deep, complex flavor.

It is often used in fondue, but it can also be used in other dishes such as on top of casseroles, soups, and sandwiches.

Gruyere cheese can be used instead of Taleggio cheese in a variety of dishes.

It can be melted into sauces and soups, used as a topping for pizzas and casseroles, or added to omelets and quiches. It can also be eaten on its own, as it has a rich, nutty flavor.

4 – Bel Paese Cheese

Bel Paese cheese is a semi-soft Italian cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a mild, creamy flavor that’s slightly salty and slightly nutty. It has a slightly waxy texture and a pale yellow color.

Bel Paese cheese is a great melting cheese, making it perfect for pizzas, toasted sandwiches, and gratins.

To use Bel Paese cheese instead of Taleggio cheese, you could use it melted on pizzas and sandwiches, diced in salads, or grated over gratins.

Its mild flavor and creamy texture make it a great substitute for Taleggio, as it will still provide a great melty texture and a nice salty, nutty flavor.

Bel Paese also has a higher melting point than Taleggio, so it won’t break down as quickly when heated.

5 – Havarti Cheese

Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a buttery, creamy flavor and a soft texture that is slightly elastic.

It is often aged for up to six months in order to develop a richer flavor and texture.

Havarti can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and salads to grilled cheese sandwiches and quesadillas.

It can also be melted over vegetables or used in a cheese sauce.

When used as a replacement for Taleggio cheese, Havarti can be used in a variety of ways.

It can be used to make a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce for pasta dishes, added to a grilled cheese sandwich for a richer flavor, or used to top a salad instead of Taleggio.

It can also be melted over vegetables for an additional layer of flavor, or used to make a quesadilla with a unique flavor.

6 – Camembert

Camembert is a soft, creamy, and slightly pungent French cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a white, soft rind and is usually round in shape. The cheese has a rich, creamy flavor and a strong aroma.

Camembert can be used instead of Taleggio cheese in dishes that require a creamy, soft cheese. It can be used in spreads, sauces, and melted over vegetables, meats, and other dishes.

It can also be used as a topping on pizzas, pies, and tarts.

Camembert can also be used in macaroni and cheese, quiches, and gratins.

When using Camembert instead of Taleggio, it is important to keep in mind that it is a much softer cheese and tends to melt faster, so it is best used in dishes that require a shorter cooking time.

7 – Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a type of cheese that is made from goat’s milk.

It is usually soft and creamy in texture, with a mild flavor that is slightly tangy and salty.

It can range from a spreadable consistency to a crumbly texture, depending on the age of the cheese.

Goat cheese is commonly used as a substitute for Taleggio cheese in recipes.

It has a mild tangy flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to pizzas and pastas.

When substituting goat cheese for Taleggio cheese, it is important to remember that the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Goat cheese is usually softer and creamier than Taleggio cheese, so it may require additional cooking time to achieve the desired texture. Additionally, goat cheese does not melt as easily as Taleggio, so it may be necessary to add a little extra liquid to the dish or top it with a sauce to help it melt.

When substituting goat cheese for Taleggio, it is also important to remember that it will be slightly saltier, so it may be necessary to adjust the recipe’s seasoning accordingly.

8 – Chevre

Chevre is a type of cheese made from goat’s milk. It is a soft, white cheese with a mild, tangy flavor that can range from crumbly to creamy.

Chevre is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches and more.

It has a milder flavor than Taleggio, so it won’t overpower the other ingredients in the dish.

To use Chevre as a substitute for Taleggio, it can be spread on top of pizzas, bruschettas, and crostinis. It can also be used in place of Taleggio in creamy pasta dishes and risottos.

To give a dish a bit of extra flavor and texture, Chevre can be crumbled or sliced and added to salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

10 – Roquefort

Roquefort is a type of blue cheese that is made from sheep’s milk and aged in limestone caves near the town of Roquefort in Southern France.

It has a salty, tangy flavor that is often described as piquant or sharp, and a creamy, crumbly texture.

It is also known for its blue veins, which are created by the presence of the mold Penicillium roqueforti.

You can substitute Roquefort for Taleggio cheese in any recipe that calls for a strong, pungent cheese.

The salty, tangy flavor of Roquefort complements a variety of dishes, from salads to pastas to pizzas. It can also be used in a cheese plate or as a topping for a sandwich.

It is especially good when paired with a sweet condiment, such as honey or a fig jam.

When using Roquefort as a substitute for Taleggio cheese, it is important to note that its flavor is much stronger, so it should be used in smaller quantities.

11 – Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola is a type of blue cheese made from cow’s milk.

It has a strong, sharp flavor and a creamy texture. The cheese is aged for a minimum of three months, and its blue veins are created by the addition of a type of mold called Penicillium glaucum.

Gorgonzola can be used instead of Taleggio cheese in many recipes.

It can be used as a topping on pizza or in a pasta dish. It can also be crumbled over salads or used to make a creamy cheese sauce.

When substituting Gorgonzola for Taleggio, it is important to remember that Gorgonzola is much stronger in flavor than Taleggio, so it is best to start with a small amount and adjust the amount as needed to suit personal tastes.

12 – Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a crumbly, salty cheese that originated in Greece.

It is made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep and goat’s milk.

Feta has a tangy flavor and is often used in salads and other dishes. It can also be served as a snack or as a garnish.

To use Feta cheese instead of Taleggio cheese, you can crumble it over dishes such as salads, pizzas, pastas, and casseroles.

It can also be used as a topping for bruschetta or other crostini dishes.

Feta can also be used in place of other creamier cheeses in recipes that require melting or baking, such as macaroni and cheese or lasagna.

It adds a salty, tangy flavor to these dishes that adds complexity and depth.

13 – Ricotta

Ricotta is a type of cheese made from the whey of cow, sheep, goat, or Italian water buffalo milk.

It is a soft, creamy, and slightly grainy cheese with a mild flavor and light texture.

Ricotta is a versatile cheese that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.

Ricotta can be used as a substitute for Taleggio cheese in many recipes.

The mild flavor of ricotta makes it a great choice for dishes that call for a mild cheese.

Ricotta can be used as a topping for pizzas, stirred into pasta dishes, or used as a filling for lasagna.

It can also be used to make creamy sauces, dips, and spreads. Ricotta can also be used in sweet dishes such as cheesecakes, cannoli, and sweet breads.

When substituting ricotta for Taleggio cheese, you may need to add a bit of salt to bring out the flavor.

14 – Reblochon

Reblochon is a type of French cheese made from raw cow’s milk.

It has a soft and creamy texture, with a nutty, slightly acidic flavor. It is typically used in dishes such as tartiflette and fondue.

When using Reblochon instead of Taleggio cheese, it can be used in the same recipes and dishes.

It has a more intense flavor than Taleggio, so you may want to use less Reblochon than you would Taleggio.

Reblochon is best when melted and is often used in dishes such as fondue, croque monsieur, and quiche.

It can also be used in sauces and soups, as well as on pizza or focaccia.

Reblochon has a milder flavor than Taleggio and is less pungent, making it a good option for dishes where a more delicate flavor is desired.

Is Taleggio a good melting cheese?

Yes, Taleggio is a great melting cheese. When melted, Taleggio has a smooth, velvety texture that pairs nicely with many different dishes. It is often used to add flavor and creaminess to sauces and to top pizzas and gratins. It is also an excellent cheese for fondue and for melting over baked potatoes and other vegetables.