Different Types Of Cheese You Must Know About

April 11, 2023

Cheese — creamy, tangy, sharp, or smoky — is one of the most beloved and versatile foods in the world. From pizza toppings to charcuterie boards, pasta dishes to desserts, cheese elevates everything it touches.

But did you know there are hundreds of varieties of cheese, each with its own unique texture, flavor, origin, and method of production? Whether you’re a cheese lover or just diving into the world of dairy delights, this guide will introduce you to the most popular types and their countless uses in the kitchen.

What Is Cheese, Really?

Cheese is a dairy product made by coagulating milk into curds using enzymes like rennet. These curds are then processed, aged, or seasoned to create different types of cheese. The flavor, texture, and appearance of cheese depend on:

  • The type of milk used (cow, goat, sheep, etc.)

  • The aging time

  • The method of processing

  • Add-ins like herbs, mold, or spices

Cheese is not only rich in flavor but also packed with calcium, protein, phosphorus, and vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to meals.

Craving a slice?

Order More & Save!

3.00 Off any order of 30.00 or more! 5.00 Off any order of 50.00 or more!
8.00 Off any order of 80.00 or more!

How Cheese Is Used!

Cheese is incredibly versatile and used in both savory and sweet dishes:

  • Melted on pizzas, burgers, and grilled sandwiches

  • Grated into pasta, tacos, or salads

  • Cubed for snacks or charcuterie boards

  • Baked into casseroles, lasagna, or soufflés

  • Whipped or blended into cheesecakes, dips, and ice creams

  • Fried into snacks like mozzarella sticks or halloumi fries

From Pronto Pizza to lasagna and beyond, cheese is a staple in nearly every cuisine.

Different Types of Cheese You Should Know

1. Cheddar

  • Flavor: Sharp, nutty, aged

  • Texture: Firm, crumbly with age

  • Use: Sandwiches, mac & cheese, burgers

2. Mozzarella

  • Flavor: Mild, creamy

  • Texture: Soft, stretchy when melted

  • Use: Pizzas, lasagna, caprese salads

3. Brie

  • Flavor: Buttery, earthy

  • Texture: Soft, creamy interior with a bloomy rind

  • Use: Cheese boards, baked with fruit or honey

4. Gouda

  • Flavor: Sweet, nutty

  • Texture: Semi-soft to hard (depending on age)

  • Use: Melts well in casseroles and grilled sandwiches

5. Parmesan

  • Flavor: Salty, umami-rich, nutty

  • Texture: Hard and granular

  • Use: Grated over pasta, soups, salads

6. Feta

  • Flavor: Salty, tangy

  • Texture: Crumbly

  • Use: Salads, wraps, Mediterranean dishes

7. Gruyère

  • Flavor: Sweet, nutty, slightly earthy

  • Texture: Firm, melts beautifully

  • Use: Fondue, quiches, French onion soup

8. Provolone

  • Flavor: Mild to sharp (depending on age)

  • Texture: Semi-hard

  • Use: Sandwiches, pizzas, baked pasta

9. Swiss (Emmental)

  • Flavor: Mild, nutty

  • Texture: Firm, hole-ridden

  • Use: Melts well for sandwiches, fondue

10. Ricotta

  • Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet

  • Texture: Soft and grainy

  • Use: Lasagna, cannoli, baked pasta, desserts

Cheese Facts & Tips

  • Cheese can be aged from days to years — aged cheeses are typically sharper and firmer.

  • Hard cheeses like Parmesan have lower moisture and longer shelf life.

  • Soft cheeses like Brie or fresh mozzarella should be consumed sooner.

  • Cheese pairs beautifully with wine, fruits, nuts, and cured meats for a gourmet experience.

FAQs: All About Cheese

What are the 10 most popular cheeses?

  1. Cheddar

  2. Mozzarella

  3. Brie

  4. Gouda

  5. Parmesan

  6. Feta

  7. Gruyère

  8. Provolone

  9. Swiss

  10. Ricotta

Which cheese is the tastiest?

Taste is subjective! But popular favorites include cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella for melt, Brie for creaminess, and Parmesan for depth.

What is the most expensive cheese?

Pule cheese, made from donkey milk in Serbia, is the most expensive cheese in the world — priced up to $600 per pound. Other rare cheeses include Moose cheese and Caciocavallo Podolico.

Which cheeses are the healthiest?

  • Feta (low in fat and calories)

  • Cottage cheese (high in protein)

  • Ricotta (light and nutrient-rich)

  • Parmesan (low moisture, high calcium)

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer it sharp, creamy, smoky, or mild, cheese has a place in every kitchen. From topping your pizza to crafting a gourmet charcuterie board, the world of cheese offers endless possibilities.

Explore, taste, and find your favorite — because when it comes to cheese, there’s always something new to discover.

Craving a slice?

Looking for the best 24-hour Pizza in South Amboy NJ?

Tap below to call or order online. Bella Pizza is open 24/7 in South Amboy— your favorite local slice is waiting!

Close
Close