Dolcelatte is a type of Italian blue cheese that is known for its sweet taste and soft creamy texture.
The name literally translates to “sweet milk” in Italian. Made from pasteurised cow’s milk, the soft cheese has a milder taste compared to traditional Italian blue cheese, Gorgonzola. It can be used as a spread over warm bread, for salads and more commonly in rich sauces and baked dishes.
Suitable for vegetarians, the Italian blue cheese is typically served with grapes, fresh figs as well as dried fruits such as apricots and raisins. It also pairs well with whole-grain crackers and almonds. Some good wine pairings include Port, Rose, Merlot as well as Sparkling wine.
Jump to:
Dolcelatte vs Gorgonzola
Compared to Gorgonzola, Dolcelatte is milder tasting, slightly sweeter and has a softer texture. It is aged for 2-3 months and uses only the curd of one milking, resulting in a higher fat content of 50%. On the other hand, gorgonzola cheese is aged for at least 3-4 months.
Developed in the Lombardy region by the Galbani cheese company, it was created for the British market in the 1960s as a milder tasting cheese to Gorgonzola.
Good Alternatives For Italian Blue Cheese
Dolcelatte can be substituted with the following cheeses:
- French St Agur, French, creamy cow's milk blue cheese
- Fromager d'Affinois Blue, a triple cream blue-style brie cheese
- Danablu, Danish Blue
- Gorgonzola Dolce, a sweet, less aged gorgonzola
- Stilton
- Feta Cheese
French St Agur and Fromager d'Affinois Blue will provide a similar sweet taste and rich texture to the Italian cheese. Gorgonzola has a strong and pungent flavour which will serve as a stronger tasting alternative. Besides, feta cheese can be a good option that provides an earthy tone without the strong flavour of blue cheese.
Where to Buy Dolcelatte Cheese?
It can be purchased in supermarkets and online. However, be sure it has the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) logo on the packaging. Termed as DOP in Italy, the cheese enjoys the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in Europe. This means that the cheese can only be traditionally produced and manufactured within specific regions of Italy.
If the logo is missing from the packaging, the cheese is likely not produced in Italy and not considered as genuine Italian blue cheese.
Recipes
There are many uses for the delicious Italian blue cheese. Many will serve this cheese as a starter or as a dessert with fruits and crackers. Alternatively, it is used to thicken and add a creamy texture to sauces Here are some easy dolcelatte recipes.
Gnocchi with Spinach, Pine Nuts and Blue Cheese
Baked Pasta Shells with Salmon and Broccoli
Can You Freeze Dolcelatte Cheese?
Like other aged cheeses, you can freeze blue cheese and this will last up to 3 months in the freezer. However, the texture of the cheese may be slightly crumblier. Therefore, it may not be suitable to use a soft spread when thawed. Like most cheeses, this soft cheese will freeze well and work better in sauces and dishes where the texture is less noticeable.
Erina