Bel Paese

Bel Paese is a delightful semi-soft Italian cheese that dates back to 1906. It was created by Egidio Galbani with the goal of introducing a mild and delicate cheese to the Italian market. The name "Bel Paese" which means "beautiful country" in Italian, is inspired by a book written by Antonio Stoppani.

Originally, this cheese was produced in Melzo, a town near Milan in the Lombardy region. Today, it is manufactured both in Italy and the United States. Made from cow's milk, Bel Paese matures over six to eight weeks, resulting in a creamy texture, a light milky aroma, and a pale yellow color.

The cheese is typically shaped into small discs and bears a strong resemblance to French Saint-Paulin and German Butterkäse. Bel Paese is cherished for its mild, buttery flavor and pairs wonderfully with fruity wines, making it a popular choice as a snack or dessert cheese. It's also an excellent melter, perfect for pizzas or casseroles, and can often serve as a substitute for mozzarella.