Cheese is the best ever happened to the culinary industry (and foodies, right?). There are hundreds if not thousands of cheese types available in the market. Bel Paese is one of them, but it can be hard to find. So, in case you need to use Bel Paese cheese but cannot find it, we have the Bel Paese cheese substitutes in the article!
Bel Paese Cheese – What Is It?
It is the Italian semi-soft cheese with a mild flavor. Even if it’s an Italian cheese, it can be found in the US. The cheese has an ivory color with a creamy texture (with tang, of course). Bel Paese cheese is usually available in small wheels. In addition, there are flavored varieties of this cheese with different herbs (for making cheese platters).
Bel Paese Cheese Substitute
Bel Paese cheese is usually used as dessert cheese and is consumed as snacks. It can be paired with fruity wine or beverage. However, it tends to have a slightly bland taste. Now, let’s have a look at the substitutes!
1) Cheddar
The cheddar cheese belongs to England (Somerset, in particular). Cheddar cheese is widely available all across the globe. The cheddar can replace Bel Paese cheese in the casserole dishes. Also, it goes fine with sandwiches and toppings on the pizza. As far as salads, dips, and desserts are concerned, cheddar cheese has a promising taste.
2) Mozzarella
Mozzarella cheese is Italian cheese and is a fine substitute for Bel Paese cheese. The cheese is sourced from water buffaloes and crows. It is available in shredded as well as grated forms. All in all, it makes a great substitute in salads, pizzas, soups, paste, and more.
3) Parmesan
This is another famous cheese form available and is originated from Italy. The best thing about parmesan cheese is that it’s available around the world. The cheese has a dense and thick texture which makes it a promising replacement. As far as the flavor is concerned, it has a nutty flavor. However, the sodium content is pretty less as compared to Bel Paese.
4) Provolone
Provolone is another top-notch substitute for Bel Paese. It is the Italian cheese which is made from cow milk and leaves behind a yellow color. The provolone cheese has a tangy flavor which makes it similar to Bel Paese. It makes a great replacement in salads, soups, and kinds of pasta.
5) Gouda
Gouda cheese is sourced from sheep, goat, or cow milk. This cheese originates from Europe (the Netherlands, in particular). However, it’s widely available in the market.
6) Reblochon
This is the French cheese which is made from cow milk. The cheese has a semi-soft texture and tends to melt down quickly when it’s heated. In addition, it has a creamier texture with a nutty flavor. Reblochon cheese makes a fine replacement for Bel Paese cheese if the recipe involves potatoes and onions.
7) Gruyere
Gruyere is the swiss cheese that works perfectly as the substitute for Bel Paese cheese. This cheese is made from cow milk and has a yellow color. This cheese tends to melt pretty quickly, which is the prime reason it’s great for replacing Bel Paese. In addition, it has a nutty flavor.
8) Edam
To begin with, this is the semi-hard cheese that comes from Holland. This is the low-fat cheese and tends to have a similar texture to Bel Paese cheese. Even more, the taste is pretty identical. It goes fine with pasta, salads, and meats. Also, you can use it in sandwiches.
9) Appenzeller
Appenzeller is the swiss cheese and has a semi-hard form. As far as the texture is concerned, appenzeller has a creamy texture and can replace Bel Paese cheese in the majority of dishes. However, you can only use the fresh cheese for replacement.
10) Emmental
Again, it’s the swiss cheese which is made from cow milk. Emmental cheese has a nutty flavor which makes it great for substituting Bel Paese cheese. The cheese tends to melt pretty quickly. Also, it goes well in sandwiches and sauces.
11) Havarti
This cheese has an origin in Denmark. Havarti cheese has a creamy and rich texture. It will melt pretty quickly. As far as the substitution is concerned, it can replace Bel Paese cheese in pasta and sandwiches.