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No one can resist cheese in any of its forms. It is not only delicious but also the kind of ingredient that goes well with every dish. You can use it to make sauces and dips or sprinkle it on top of foods.
Cheese comes in so many different varieties. Each variety of cheese has its own unique taste. Recipes that require cheese also mention the kind you should use to get the authentic taste.
But if you can’t find a certain variety, you can use a substitute.
Caciocavallo is a type of stretched-curd cheese used as an ingredient for hot or cold sandwiches. Caciocavallo is mainly manufactured from sheep’s or cow’s milk.
It can be used on its own, used in appetizers, or various other dishes. In addition, the distinct taste of caciocavallo makes it a desirable ingredient in the making of light desserts, usually in a combined form with grapes.
People also use Caciocavallo for sprinkling on top of fresh salads. You can serve it at the end of a meal, along with fruits. However, if you are short on this cheese, use the alternatives mentioned in this article.
Caciocavallo means cheese on horseback, and it has got its name because of its characteristic of being always tied in a rope.
Caciocavallo is one of the best cheeses from Italy and is most widespread in the regions of Basilicata and the Island of Sardinia.
Caciocavallo cheese is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, phosphorous, selenium, and vitamin A. Caciocavallo is also a good source of proteins and saturated fats.
The calorie density of Caciocavallo is high, and it also contains certain risky components, which include saturated fats and cholesterol.
Caciocavallo Substitute
There is a high chance that you currently have some type of cheese in your freezer. But before you decide to use it as a substitute for caciocavallo, you should make sure that the two are similar.
If you don’t use the right substitute, the taste and quality of the dish you are making will get affected. The only way to maintain authentic taste is to use a substitute that is similar to caciocavallo.
Here are the types of cheese that you can use as a substitute for caciocavallo without affecting the authentic taste of a dish:
1) Parmigiano Reggiano
A hard cheese that is aged for 1-3 years and comes from unpasteurized cow milk. The most common use of Parmigiano Reggiano is on pasta in grated form. However, you can add some to soups and risottos.
The special thing about this cheese is that it does not contain lactose. So, if you are lactose intolerant and looking for a caciocavallo substitute, go for this one.
Bear in mind, Parmigiano Reggiano is an expensive cheese. However, it comes with a lot of benefits.
If you are looking for an affordable option, Parmigiano Reggiano is not the right choice for you. Because of the long time required for this cheese to get ready, it is sold at a high price.
But there are other substitutes of caciocavallo that come at affordable prices.
2) Provolone
Provolone is a semi-hard cheese that is aged for 4 months. It has two types: provolone dolce is sweeter while Provolone Picante is sharper. It is one of the most versatile cheeses and can be added to salads, pasta, and soups.
It is great for those who follow a gluten-free diet. The taste is similar to caciocavallo cheese. However, the two differ when it comes to shape and texture after cooking.
The taste of provolone is creamy. It is readily available and is affordable.
Provolone is one of the best substitutes for caciocavallo for multiple reasons. It is not only affordable but also diet-friendly. If you are making a gluten-free dish, you can add provolone to it.
You will get to enjoy a creamy dish without having to worry about your weight.
3) Mozzarella
This tasty cheese comes from buffalo’s milk. The flavor profile of Mozzarella is salty and tangy. Mozzarella has a high moisture content, so it is not a great alternative for soups.
It should be consumed one day after its production.
However, it can stay longer when kept in brine. Caciocavallo and Mozzarella are pulled cheese. This makes them great for pizzas and other toppings. Put some in salads or sandwiches according to your need.
A health benefit of Mozzarella is that it is low in calories than other cheese making it a great choice for those looking to consume fewer calories. Thus, it makes a great caciocavallo substitute.
Another reason why Mozzarella is a good choice is that it is easily available everywhere. In addition, it is the favorite type of cheese of many people. Since people like its taste, they can add it to any dish as a substitute for caciocavallo.
Mozzarella is also an affordable choice, so you don’t have to worry about burdening your pocket when buying it.
4) Scamorza
This is also a stretched curd cheese and is elastic and stringy. It is a semi-hard cheese that comes in a pear shape. The taste is creamy and milky. Scamorza is a traditional Italian cheese.
You can bake or smoke the cheese and add ingredients of your choice. It is a quick and easy fix to be used as a snack. Scamorza is a famous Mozzarella alternative.
However, if the need arises, you can substitute caciocavallo for scamorza.
If you like the taste of mozzarella, you will also like scamorza. You can go for this substitute when mozzarella is not available.
5) Pecorino Romano
This is a salty cheese made from sheep’s milk. The flavor of this cheese is stronger than caciocavallo. In addition to the strong flavor, it has a buttery and nutty side as well.
So, you have to keep this in mind when adding salt to the ingredients. The strong taste comes with aged cheese. Since it is a hard cheese, pecorino romano goes well with bread and pasta.
You can also mix it with milk to reduce its hardness. It can be added to a number of dishes. But if you have never tried it before, you should taste it first.
Due to the strong taste of pecorino romano, it is not liked by everyone. But if you enjoy the strong taste of this cheese, you can use it as a substitute for caciocavallo.
Conclusion
We can conclude that there are many great alternatives to this unique-shaped cheese. The flavor and texture of the substitutes mentioned above are similar and distinct in some properties.
Your best bet is Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Others may work for you as well, depending on your choice and taste buds. Each cheese shows its distinct characteristics, uses, and taste profile.
Hence, you can choose one according to your liking and the characteristics of each cheese.
The price of cheese also plays an important role. Some types of cheese have to be aged for a long time, while others can only be used fresh.
This is why we have mentioned multiple substitutes so you can pick the one that suits your taste and doesn’t affect your budget.
So, try one of the substitutes of caciocavallo and make delicious dishes for you and your family.