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Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Montasio Cheese

There is nothing like enjoying Montasio cheese (frico) with a drink and some friends.

Montasio cheese is traditionally made in the Italian Alps, but it has become popular throughout Europe and is even considered part of American cuisine.

As such, you can find more than one type of montasio cheese: young or aged, grass-fed or not, smoked or not.

The preparation and flavor of each type are quite different, but they all have one thing in common: they are delicious.

Even though the taste of montasio cheese cannot be beaten, sometimes you can’t stand it anymore.

Perhaps you’ve eaten enough to make your stomach turn – or maybe someone told you that montasio cheese is bad for your health.

There are many foods that can be used as substitutes for montasio cheese, though they don’t completely mimic the flavor.

Keep on reading to find out more about your options.

What is Montasio Cheese?

what is montasio cheese

When thinking of traditional Italian dishes, most people imagine pizzas and pasta.

However, another dish hasn’t received as much attention – Montasio Cheese (Frico).

Montasio cheese (frico) is a unique and delicious meal made using montasio cheese.

It has been traditionally eaten in the northern part of Italy, in regions such as Friuli Venezia Giulia, where it originated.

Nowadays, this delicious dish is commonly eaten across the country.

This cheese is made from cow’s milk, which gives it a sharp but mild flavor.

The cheese taste is very similar to parmesan, so that it can be used as an alternative to this more common cheese.

However, Montasio cheese offers benefits over regular parmesan – for example, its flavor is less harsh and goes well with pasta.

This cheese is extremely healthy – it’s rich in calcium and vitamin B12.

The cheese also offers benefits for the heart, as it is low-fat and contains a high number of proteins.

Montasio Cheese offers a great alternative to standard Italian dishes.

It can be made quickly and easily using a frying pan, meaning it’s perfect for last-minute meals.

If you want to try something new and tasty, Montasio Cheese is the way to go.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Montasio Cheese (Frico)

If you can’t find Montasio Cheese (Frico), don’t worry – there are several other options.

Here we look at five alternatives that will offer a similar taste and texture:

SubstituteKey CharacteristicsSubstitute Ratio
GoudaSemi-hard cheese with a smooth and creamy textureUse as a 1:1 substitution for Montasio cheese
Parmigiano-ReggianoHard cheese with a rich, nutty flavor and granular textureUse as a 1:1 substitution for Montasio cheese
Swiss CheeseSemi-hard cheese with a mild and slightly nutty flavorUse as a 1:1 substitution for Montasio cheese
AsiagoSemi-hard cheese with a subtle nutty flavor and a hint of sweetnessUse as a 1:1 substitution for Montasio cheese
Latteria CheeseSemi-hard cheese with a delicate and buttery flavorUse as a 1:1 substitution for Montasio cheese

When it comes to discovering cheese delights and finding substitutes for Montasio cheese, consider the following options:

1 – Gouda

gouda

Gouda is a traditional Dutch cheese made from cow’s milk.

Nowadays, the taste of this cheese has spread throughout the world.

The cheese comes in different varieties – there are several flavors and tastes available.

Goudas are typically quite sharp, making them an ideal substitute for Montasio Cheese (Frico).

When compared to Montasio Cheese, gouda is typically a bit saltier.

Some people believe that it has a slightly stronger smell when compared to Montasio cheese.

In terms of taste, these two types of cheese are very similar.

A type of smoked gouda exists, and it’s typically available in the United States – however, most Italian stores don’t carry it.

2 – Parmigiano-Reggiano

parmigianoreggiano

Parmigiano-Reggiano is the most popular Italian cheese outside Italy – this cheese is incredibly delicious and versatile.

It’s typically much more expensive than Montasio Cheese (Frico).

Parmigiano-Reggiano is made from cow’s milk, and it has a sharp taste.

It typically has an intense flavor, so you don’t need to add much salt or pepper to the dish.

The texture of this cheese is very similar to parmesan – if anything, it’s more crumbly.

The difference between Montasio Cheese (Frico) and Parmigiano-Reggiano lies in the production process – parmesan is typically mass-produced.

At the same time, Parmigiano-Reggiano is only made in specific areas of Italy using traditional methods.

3 – Swiss Cheese

swiss cheese

Swiss cheese has a similar taste and texture to Montasio Cheese (Frico).

However, this cheese is typically much softer than the Italian alternative.

Like parmesan, Swiss cheeses are typically produced using cow’s milk – you’ll typically find it in supermarkets.

Swiss cheese offers a great flavor and balance between sweet and salty.

In general, it offers a milder flavor than Montasio Cheese.

The texture of Swiss cheese is very soft, which makes it an ideal replacement for Montasio Cheese (Frico) in dishes.

4 – Asiago

asiago

Asiago is another Italian cheese that can replace Montasio Cheese (Frico).

This cheese has a similar texture to Montasio; however, it doesn’t melt quite as well.

People typically associate Asiago with red wine – this type of cheese typically pairs well with different wines.

It’s also perfect for salads because it adds a sharp flavor.

The term “Asiago” refers to the production process.

The cheese is typically made using cow’s milk or goat’s milk.

There are many different varieties of Asiago, which means you can find it in various flavors.

5 – Latteria Cheese

latteria cheese

This type of cheese is typically made in Italy using cow’s milk or goat’s milk.

Latteria Cheese is similar to Montasio Cheese (Frico), and it can be easily substituted for standard Italian dishes.

Latteria cheese has a mild taste and offers a soft texture.

It melts very well, which makes it perfect for pizzas or sandwiches.

The flavor of Latteria cheese is slightly sharper than Montasio and has a similar scent to gouda.

Latteria cheese typically comes in wheel shapes; however, the taste and texture are similar to Montasio Cheese.

Conclusion

Montasio Cheese (Frico) is a traditional Italian cheese that can be difficult outside of Italy.

However, there are several other alternatives available; only five of these substitutes stand out as top-quality options.

Depending on your taste preference, it is possible to find a substitute for Montasio Cheese (Frico) that matches this traditional Italian dish’s unique flavor and scent.

Make sure to keep in mind the differences in each cheese when going for a substitute.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Montasio Cheese

Searching for the ideal substitutes for Montasio cheese? Your quest ends here! Explore our list of the 5 best alternatives that seamlessly capture the essence of Montasio, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • Gouda
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Swiss Cheese
  • Asiago
  • Latteria Cheese

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  • Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
Keyword substitutes for montasio cheese
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