Morlacco Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese
Morlacco Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Taleggio Cheese is soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Morlacco Cheese?
Morlacco is a soft, low-fat cow's milk cheese from Monte Grappa in Italy's Veneto region, made with an uncooked curd. It is known for the milk of the Burlina cow, a piebald local breed now at risk of extinction.
What Is Taleggio Cheese?
Taleggio is a semisoft Italian cheese with a washed, smear-ripened rind and a strong smell. The taste is milder than the aroma suggests, creamy and pale yellow inside, with an unusual fruity tang.
What's the Difference Between Morlacco Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Morlacco Cheese (skimmed or whole), Taleggio Cheese (Heated to 90–95°F)
- Texture: Morlacco Cheese (soft, artisan), Taleggio Cheese (Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center)
- Rind: Morlacco Cheese (natural), Taleggio Cheese (Soft, thin, pinkish-red)
- Aging: Morlacco Cheese (20 days to 3 months), Taleggio Cheese (At least 35 (up to 50) days)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Morlacco Cheese | Taleggio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Monte Grappa, Veneto, Italy | Val Taleggio, Po Valley |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Skimmed or whole | Heated to 90–95°F |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center |
| Rind | Natural | Soft, thin, pinkish-red |
| Aging | 20 days to 3 months | At least 35 (up to 50) days |
| Taste | — | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour |
Taste Comparison: Does Morlacco Cheese Taste Like Taleggio Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Morlacco Cheese offers fresh, contrasted with Taleggio Cheese's herbaceous, aromatic. Aging plays into this as well. Morlacco Cheese at 20 days to 3 months develops a different profile than Taleggio Cheese at at least 35 (up to 50) days.
Can You Substitute Morlacco Cheese for Taleggio Cheese?
In most recipes, Morlacco Cheese and Taleggio Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center.
Which Is Better, Morlacco Cheese or Taleggio Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Morlacco Cheese. For a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center profile, Taleggio Cheese is the better fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morlacco Cheese the same as Taleggio Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Morlacco Cheese is typically aged 20 days to 3 months, Taleggio Cheese at least 35 (up to 50) days.
Is Morlacco Cheese similar to Taleggio Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Morlacco Cheese for Taleggio Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Morlacco Cheese taste like Taleggio Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Morlacco Cheese made of?
Morlacco Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or whole). It's typically aged 20 days to 3 months. It originates in Italy.
What is Taleggio Cheese made of?
Taleggio Cheese is made from cow milk (heated to 90–95°f), using calf rennet. It's typically aged at least 35 (up to 50) days. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Morlacco Cheese or Taleggio Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Morlacco Cheese is soft, artisan, while Taleggio Cheese is soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center.