Italian cuisine has grown in popularity in the US since the end of World War II. Today, pizza, spaghetti, and other pasta dishes are American staples. To make these dishes as they were intended to be tasted, restaurants use a full range of cheeses to create unique flavors. Some of these cheeses may be familiar to you, while others can make a bold delicious addition to your home cooking.

Important Cheeses in Pizza, Pasta, & More

1. Parmigiano-Reggiano

This cheese is better known simply as Parmesan in America. It has a strong, complex flavor, which is why you'll most often see only a small amount grated over a dish. It pairs well with equally flavorful red wines.

2. Ricotta

This is a fresh cheese, which means that it isn't aged before it’s sold and served. It has a slightly sweet flavor, so it's used in both entrees and desserts. You've probably encountered it in lasagna, where its creamy taste and soft, slightly grainy texture acts as a counterpoint to the acidic tomato sauce.

3. Mozzarella

This cheese has a mild, buttery flavor. It's stored in liquid, which helps keep it fresh and soft. It's one of the most famous cheeses in Italian cuisine, particularly in the U.S. Mozzarella is known for pairing well with fresh tomato and basil to create the classic caprese salad, as well as its use as a topping on pizza margherita.

4. Provolone

Provolone starts off with a mild taste, but it can be aged into a sharper flavor. It's similar to mozzarella and is most often used on sandwiches. One of its main selling points is how smoothly it melts, so it's also delicious in baked dishes. It’s also popular outside Italian cooking and can be found in many melt sandwiches.

5. Asiago

This is an aged cheese with a fuller flavor. In traditional Italian cuisine, this hard cheese is mostly eaten in chunks as a snack alongside salami, but it can also be added to soups, salads, and more. The longer the cheese is aged, the less you need to add a pop of flavor.

For mouthwatering Italian cuisine in Jackson, NJ, choose Inzillo's Pizzeria and Restaurant. This quality restaurant makes their pizza crust from scratch and uses the best, freshest ingredients available. To make an order or learn about their catering options, call (732) 370-0310. Get ready for your next visit by viewing their menu online.