Italian blend cheese is a delightful mix of classic Italian flavors that can elevate any dish. This cheese blend typically combines mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and sometimes Romano or Asiago cheeses. Often, you’ll encounter it in dishes like pizza or pasta, where the rich flavors can meld together perfectly.
Each cheese in the blend brings its unique taste and texture to the table. Mozzarella provides a creamy, mild flavor and a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Provolone adds a slightly smoky touch, while Parmesan brings a nutty sharpness. Finally, Romano or Asiago can contribute an even stronger, tangy flavor.
With its diverse components, Italian blend cheese can be a delicious addition to many recipes. When used in cooking, the combination of cheeses creates a symphony of flavors sure to satisfy any palate. So next time you’re whipping up your favorite Italian meal, give it an extra punch with this wonderful mix of cheeses.
What is Italian Blend Cheese?
Parmesan
Parmesan is a hard, granular cheese with a sharp, nutty flavor. It is aged for at least 12 months and is perfect for grating on pasta or salads.
Asiago and Romano
Asiago is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, sweet taste. It melts well, making it ideal for sandwiches or pizza. Romano is a hard cheese with a strong, salty flavor and is commonly used for grating on pasta dishes.
Mozzarella and Provolone
Mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese known for its stretchy texture. It is the main ingredient in pizza and caprese salads. Provolone is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, smoky flavor, often used in sandwiches.
Italian blend cheese is a mix of these distinct Italian cheeses, providing a diverse range of flavors and textures. This blend is versatile and can enhance the taste of various dishes, such as pasta, salads, or sandwiches.
Culinary Uses
Pasta Dishes
Italian blend cheese elevates the flavors in various pasta recipes. Classics like spaghetti, pesto, and Alfredo dishes gain additional richness from this cheese.
Pizza
Using Italian blend cheese on pizza crusts creates an authentic and delicious flavor experience. Sprinkle it on your Margherita, Sicilian, or Neapolitan-style pizza.
Soups and Salads
Enhance soups and salads with a touch of Italian blend cheese. It adds depth to minestrone soup and brightens up Caesar salad.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Transform plain garlic bread into a cheesy, flavorful treat by adding Italian blend cheese. It’s the perfect accompaniment to pasta dishes or finger food.
Stromboli
Italian blend cheese pairs well with various fillings, taking your stromboli to the next level. Use it with meats, vegetables, or sweet ingredients.
Lasagna
Incorporating Italian blend cheese in lasagna layers creates a delectable, creamy texture. This cheese complements both meat and vegetarian options.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size
One serving is about 28 grams (1 ounce). Keep in mind that portion sizes may vary depending on the cheese type in the blend.
Calories
In a 28-gram serving, you can expect around 100 to 110 calories. The exact number depends on the specific cheeses used.
Total Fat and Saturated Fat
Italian blend cheese typically has 7-9 grams of total fat per serving. Out of this, 4-6 grams come from saturated fat.
Cholesterol and Sodium
Cholesterol content ranges from 20-30 milligrams per serving, while sodium levels are approximately 170-200 milligrams.
Total Carbohydrates and Dietary Fiber
It contains less than 1 gram of total carbohydrates per serving and has no dietary fiber.
Protein and Calcium
You’ll get around 6-8 grams of protein per serving from Italian blend cheese. It’s also a rich calcium source, providing about 180-220 milligrams.
Popular Brands
Kraft
Kraft offers Italian blend cheese in shredded form. This blend consists of mozzarella, provolone, romano, asiago, and parmesan. It’s perfect for adding flavor to pizzas, pasta, and salads. Kraft strives for quality in their products.
Table 1: Kraft Italian Blend Cheese
| Cheese Types | Flavor |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Mild |
| Provolone | Tangy |
| Romano | Sharp |
| Asiago | Nutty |
| Parmesan | Robust |
Stella
Stella’s combines mozzarella, fontinella, and parmesan. This delicious mixture is great for topping Italian dishes. Stella is known for its artisanal approach to cheese-making. Their commitment to excellence ensures a high-quality blend.
Table 2: Stella Italian Blend Cheese
| Cheese Types | Flavor |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Mild |
| Fontinella | Sweet |
| Parmesan | Robust |
Sargento
Sargento features mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan. The combination enhances recipes with rich flavors. Sargento is a reputable brand with a wide variety of cheese products. With their blend, you can elevate your culinary creations.
Table 3: Sargento Italian Blend Cheese
| Cheese Types | Flavor |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Mild |
| Provolone | Tangy |
| Parmesan | Robust |
Ingredients and Process
Pasteurized Dairy
Italian blend cheese begins with pasteurized milk. During pasteurization, harmful bacteria are eliminated, ensuring safe and high-quality cheese.
Low Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
A key component of Italian blend cheese is low moisture part-skim mozzarella. This helps create the perfect texture and meltability for various dishes.
Enzymes and Cultures
Enzymes break down casein, while cultures ferment the dairy. Both contribute to the cheese’s distinctive taste and texture.
Potato Starch and Powdered Cellulose
Potato starch and powdered cellulose act as anti-caking agents. They prevent clumping and ensure the cheese maintains an even consistency.
Lactose
Lactose is the sugar naturally occurring in dairy. In Italian blend cheese, its levels are low due to the cheese-making process.
Shopping Tips
Pickup and Delivery Options
You can buy it in-store or order it online. Check for pickup and delivery options. Some stores even provide same-day delivery services.
Price
The price varies by brand. It typically ranges from $5 to $15 per pound. Compare prices to find the best deal.
Real, Natural Cheese
Make sure to check the ingredients list. Some brands use artificial flavors and fillers. Look for real, natural cheese for the best taste and texture.