Taleggio cheese is a type of cheese with a semi-soft consistency. It is a pungent cheese that has a thin layer of crust, and it has a mild taste. Besides its mild taste, it has a tang to it which is unique and also one of the main reasons why it is popular. It can be used in a variety of different dishes, but it is commonly used salads and on Italian dishes, such as bruschetta. This type of cheese has come a long way since its early start in Italy, and now it is can be found in most grocery stores. If you do not have access to one or have run out there are plenty of alternatives you can consider. Below is a list of some of the best alternatives to taleggio cheese.
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Brie
Our first alternative when it comes to substituting taleggio cheese is brie. Brie is a cheese of French origin, that is very similar to Taleggio cheese. Both Brie and Taleggio cheese are made of cow’s milk, plus they are both semi-soft cheese with a pungent smell but a mild taste. Brie and taleggio have a creamy texture and are soft enough to spread. You can use brie cheese in almost anything that may require taleggio.
Gruyere
Another excellent alternative to taleggio cheese is gruyere. It is also one of your best substitutes when it comes to replacing taleggio. Although brie has a similar texture to Taleggio, Gruyere offers a completely different consistency. Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that comes in the traditional yellow colour that you expect from any other cheese but it differs from Taleggio because it does not have a semi-soft consistency. Also, gruyere is normally found in a sliced variety where you can clearly see its natural holes in its design. Despite its difference in consistency, it offers an excellent substitute for Taleggio because of its taste and you can also add it in any dish that may require taleggio.
Bel Paese
Also, on our list of best substitutes for taleggio is bel paese. This type of cheese differs from Taleggio because it does not have the trademark pungent smell, but it is very similar to taleggio. Also, Bel Paese is one of the best choices for people who like Taleggio cheese but do not like the smell, as the taste is almost the same. This type of cheese is Italian with a semi-soft variety and it has a mild taste that has the same melting properties as Taleggio. Bel Paese work perfectly well with any dish that may require taleggio.
Urgelia Cheese
Urgelia cheese is another type of cheese that can make a great substitute for taleggio. It is of Spanish origin and it is produced using cow’s milk to create a semi-soft consistency. Because of its semi-soft design, it is commonly compared to Taleggio, but there are a few differences between the two. One of them is that Urgelia tastes fairly different from Taleggio but can make a decent substitute. Also, Urgelia has a saltier and more buttery taste rather than a mild one. If you would like giving a cheese that has a bit more flavour a go, then Urgelia could be one of your best options. You can also add it in almost any dish that may require taleggio.
Limburger
Also on our list of best substitutes for taleggio cheese is limburger. Limburger is an excellent substitute to Taleggio especially if you are interested in something that is a bit stronger in taste than Taleggio cheese is. Unlike Taleggio cheese where the strong smell does not match its flavour, Limburger cheese, has a very strong smell. Despite their differences in taste, Limburger and Taleggio are produced in the same way which why limburger makes an excellent alternative to Taleggio.
Fontina
Fontina is also a decent alternative to taleggio cheese. It can also be considered as your perfect alternative. There are a variety of Fontina cheese available, but finding one that tastes the same as taleggio can be difficult, however if you do find one you can apply in any dish that requires taleggio cheese. There are other commercial options of Fontina which you can use in place of taleggio but they have a much milder taste and smell than the original Fontina cheese.
Robiola
Robiola cheese is another alternative cheese that you can consider in place of taleggio. Also from Italy robiola is an excellent Italian cheese that is actually part of the same family as Taleggio. It has a slightly different appearance to Taleggio with a much yellower appearance but it shares a mild and tangy taste. Similar to Taleggio, this type of cheese is versatile, making it an excellent substitute if you do not want to be disappointed.
Havarti
Another decent substitute when it comes to alternatives for taleggio is Havarti. Havarti is different from the other cheeses that have been mentioned. It comes from Denmark and can be used in any dish that required taleggio. Havarti cheese is also semi-soft but it differs from taleggio because it does not come with a rind. This cheese has a strong smell that it is different from the other cheeses. Unlike a lot of other types of cheese, Havarti has a sweet smell rather than a pungent, sour scent. It is most commonly served in slices so that you can appreciate its natural appearance, so if you like a sweeter alternative to taleggio, Havarti is one of your best options.
Pont-l’Eveque
Lastly Pont-l’Eveque is another type of cheese that makes a great substitute for taleggio. It is a cheese that is traditionally made in France. Pont-l’Eveque cheese is also similar to taleggio because it is part of the washed-rind family and it shares a similar pungent smell that a lot of the other cheeses already mentioned have. It also has a similar taste, and texture so it can be easily substituted for Taleggio in a variety of dishes. It is not that difficult to find Pont-l’Eveque cheese if you want to use it as an alternative to taleggio.
