Nazareth

Cheese Type: Hard

Country: Belgium

Milk Type: Cow

Nazareth is a semi-soft cheese in the Italian table cheese tradition, produced for everyday eating and cooking rather than for extended aging. It sits comfortably in the family of mild, approachable wheels that form the backbone of Italian home cooking.

Flavor Profile

The paste is smooth, supple, and pale, with a mild, buttery flavor and a gentle lactic tang. The finish is clean and creamy with no sharpness or pungency. Its restraint is deliberate: this is a cheese built to work alongside other ingredients rather than to command attention on its own.

How to Use

Nazareth melts smoothly and evenly, which makes it useful in baked pasta, gratins, paninis, and pizza. It slices cleanly for sandwiches and cubes well for antipasto platters. Its mildness makes it broadly appealing, including to those who avoid stronger cheeses.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair with a Pinot Grigio, a light Chianti, or a crisp lager. Serve with cured meats, marinated vegetables, olives, and Italian bread.

Storage

Wrap in wax paper and store in the refrigerator crisper drawer. Best consumed within two to three weeks of cutting.