The 5 Best Substitutes for Scamorza Cheese

Have you ever heard of Scamorza cheese? It’s an Italian stretched curd cheese, traditionally made with buffalo’s milk or cow’s milk.

You may have seen it for sale – as a pear-shaped container of small cheeses tied together.

The use and taste of Scamorza are similar to mozzarella, and it is often used in pizzas or pasta as a substitute for mozzarella.

It is also used in dishes that can benefit from the smoky flavor that comes from Scamorza when it is lightly browned in a pan before being added to the dish.

If you are looking for substitutes for Scamorza cheese, this article will provide you with five great alternatives.

Let’s dive into the list.

What’s Scamorza Cheese?

Scamorza cheese is a type of stretched-curd cheese originating in the Apulia region of Italy.

It belongs to the pasta filata family, making it one of the few kinds of cheese that are stretched and kneaded after being heated in hot water or whey.

Scamorza takes its name from the Italian word ‘scamozzare,’ which means ‘to cut off’.

This refers to how this cheese is traditionally formed – by tying, then hanging, a ball of mozzarella until it forms a pear shape.

The flavor profile of Scamorza has nutty undertones with salty overtones, and its texture can range from medium-soft for fresh versions all the way to firm for aged versions.

This cheese is excellent when used melted in dishes such as pizza and pasta or served sliced on an antipasto board.

Its distinctive flavor adds extra depth to many recipes.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Scamorza Cheese

If you’ve ever run out of Scamorza cheese while cooking, don’t worry — there are plenty of great substitutes that work just as well.

Whether you need a substitution for a recipe or if you simply can’t find this type of cheese in your area, these five alternatives will get the job done.

1 – Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a classic Italian cheese celebrated for its mild and slightly salty taste.

It has a smooth and creamy texture that perfectly brings together the flavors of pizza, pasta, and more.

Mozzarella cheese can be substituted for Scamorza cheese as well, leading to even more delicious dishes.

To do so, when baking or baking in an oven, avoid adding extra liquid to the mixture; this ensures that you get the desired texture of mozzarella.

When pan-frying or barbequing, adding a bit of olive oil helps retain the smoothness and creaminess for which mozzarella is prized.

Enjoy experimenting with this beloved Italian cheese in all your favorite recipes.

2 – Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is perhaps the world’s most well-known type of cheese.

Its creamy and sharp taste brings a touch of indulgence to any dish, while its milky warmth keeps us comfortable in those cold winter months.

Its texture is smooth with a slightly grainy feel.

As the most common cheese used around the world, it can be found in various forms, from white to yellow or even blue.

It makes a great substitute for Scamorza cheese due to its comparable melting properties and savory flavor.

Additionally, it brings an easily identifiable color to dishes as it melts into its classic orange hue.

Cheddar is an ideal choice for anyone looking to cook up something special.

3 – Provolone Cheese

Provolone cheese is a popular Italian variety with a slightly sharp and nutty flavor.

It has a smooth texture that is almost buttery in nature – similar to mozzarella but with a saltier taste.

A great alternative to Scamorza cheese, Provolone can easily be substituted in Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta.

For example, when using it as a topping on pizzas, add it during the last few minutes of baking, so it doesn’t get too crispy or burned on the outside yet melts perfectly inside.

Overall, Provolone is an ideal choice for any recipe that calls for Scamorza cheese, as it provides amazing flavor and well as an irresistible melted texture.

4 – Burrata Cheese

For those who love cheese, burrata cheese is a must-try.

This delicious Italian cheese has a firmer outer layer, and instead of a pate inside like the typical mozzarella, it has a soft, luscious center made from spun dough filled with cream and stracciatella.

The taste is mild and slightly salty at first, which gives way to the decadent soft inner curds.

For cooks looking for an alternative to scamorza cheese, burrata is perfect.

It’s similar in size and shape but provides an interactive taste experience that sets it apart.

Whether you eat this creamy Italian delight on its own or add it as a topping to pizza or salad, burrata cheese will definitely elevate your dish.

5 – Tallegio Cheese

Tallegio Cheese is an Italian cow’s milk cheese from the Lombardy region that has a firm, creamy texture and strong nutty taste.

This cheese is well-known for its overall flavor complexity, being slightly salty and tart with earthy notes.

It also molds quickly and should be consumed when aged no more than 2 months old.

If you’re searching for the cheese to substitute for Scamorza cheese, then Tallegio is your perfect match.

The resemblances between the two are quite remarkable – they have similar shapes, softness levels, and flavors, even though Tallegio has a longer maturing time than Scamorza.

With its versatility in cooking, Tallegio Cheese can be used as part of antipasti platters, melted in one of your favorite dishes, or simply enjoyed as part of any cheese board.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Scamorza cheese is a delicious Italian cheese that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

If you’re looking for substitution options: mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, provolone cheese, burrata cheese, and Tallegio cheese are great choices.

Each of these cheeses brings its own unique flavor profile as well as melting properties to the table, making them ideal alternatives to scamorza cheese.

Whether you are looking to cook up something special or just want to make a cheese board, these options will provide an ample amount of variety for your taste buds.