Bel Paese

Bel Paese is an Italian cheese originating from Lombardy. The cheese is made from cow's milk and has a pale yellow color. Its aroma is pleasant and milky, while the flavors are mild, buttery, and slightly sweet, often compared with mozzarella.

Bel Paese matures from 6 to 8 weeks, and it is then consumed, usually sliced and served with fruits such as pears, figs, and apples. It melts well, so it's also often used on pizza or in casseroles. The authentic Bel Paese can be easily identified by a map of Italy and a picture of Antonio Stoppani depicted on the label (in America, there is a map of the USA on the label).

The name of the cheese is derived from a book Il Bel Paese, written by the man on the label himself, Antonio Stoppani, in 1873. The name of his book and this cheese means beautiful country.