Bellavitano Cheese Melting: The Ultimate Guide

Wisconsin's Sartori Cheese debuted its first award-winning BellaVitano cheese in 2008, and it has since become a versatile favourite that can be melted, sliced, or grated. The cheese is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese and features a rich and creamy texture with a nutty, fruity taste. It is made from pasteurized cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes, and some varieties are soaked in wine or beer. The rind, which is an integral part of the tasting experience, is also edible and adds to the complexity of the cheese.

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Bellavitano cheese's meltability

Bellavitano cheese, a nutty, fruity, cow's milk cheese, was debuted by Wisconsin's Sartori Cheese in 2008. It is known for its versatility and has won dozens of awards, including "Best New Cheese in the World" at an international cheese competition.

The cheese has a rich and creamy texture with a slight crunch from the calcium crystals that form during the aging process. It can be sliced, grated, or melted and is often described as having a buttery texture that "melts in your mouth." The rind, which is an integral part of the tasting experience, can also be eaten and adds a layer of complexity to the flavor.

Bellavitano cheese is unique to Wisconsin and is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese. It is made from pasteurized milk from local dairies and vegetarian rennet. The curd is formed, cut, and hand-salted before being pressed for several hours. The wheels are then bathed in brine to form the rind, after which they are cured and aged for several months. Some varieties are further aged after being rubbed or soaked in different flavorings, such as wine or beer.

The meltability of Bellavitano cheese is likely due to its creamy texture and high fat content from the pasteurized milk. When melted, it becomes even creamier and can be used in a variety of dishes or as a topping for crusty bread. Its meltability also makes it a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches or paninis. However, it is important to note that overcooking or overheating Bellavitano cheese may cause it to become greasy or separate, so it is best to melt it slowly and at a lower temperature.

How to melt Bellavitano cheese

Bellavitano cheese is a versatile, award-winning cheese from Wisconsin, USA. It was debuted by Wisconsin's Sartori Cheese in 2008 and has since won dozens of awards. The cheese is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese and is made from pasteurized cow's milk, cheese cultures, salt, and enzymes. It has a rich and creamy texture with a nutty, fruity taste.

To melt Bellavitano cheese, you can use a variety of methods depending on your desired outcome and the dish you are preparing. Here are some common ways to melt Bellavitano cheese:

• Grating or slicing: Before melting, it is recommended to grate or slice the cheese. Grating the cheese will help it melt more evenly and quickly. You can use a box grater or a food processor to grate the cheese. If you prefer slicing, cut the cheese into thin, even slices.
• Melting in a pan: You can melt Bellavitano cheese in a pan on the stovetop. Place the grated or sliced cheese in a non-stick pan over low to medium heat. Stir the cheese constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon until it is melted. This method is suitable for making dishes like macaroni and cheese or for using the melted cheese as a topping.
• Baking in the oven: If you want to melt Bellavitano cheese for a recipe that requires baking, such as a casserole or a grilled cheese sandwich, you can place the grated or sliced cheese on top of the dish and bake it in the oven. Adjust the oven temperature according to your recipe, typically around 350°F to 400°F. Keep an eye on the dish, and remove it from the oven once the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Using a double boiler: For a gentle melting process, you can use a double boiler. Fill a pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place a heat-safe bowl on top of the pot, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Add the grated or sliced Bellavitano cheese to the bowl and stir until it is completely melted. This method is useful for dishes like fondue or when you need melted cheese for a dip or sauce.
• Combining with liquids: Bellavitano cheese can also be melted by combining it with liquids such as wine or beer. For example, you can create a cheese sauce by melting the cheese in a saucepan with some milk or cream, stirring constantly over low heat until smooth. Alternatively, you can blend the cheese with a small amount of liquid, such as wine or beer, to create a creamy, cheesy spread.

When melting Bellavitano cheese, it is important to keep the heat low to medium to prevent the cheese from burning or becoming tough. Stirring constantly will also help ensure even melting and a smooth, creamy texture.

What to pair melted Bellavitano with

Bellavitano is a versatile cheese that can be melted, sliced, or grated. It is produced by Wisconsin's Sartori Cheese and debuted in 2008. The cheese is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese and is made from pasteurized milk from local dairies and vegetarian rennet.

When it comes to flavour pairings, there are many options that can complement the rich and creamy texture of melted Bellavitano cheese. Here are some suggestions:

Wines

The award-winning Merlot BellaVitano, produced by Sartori, pairs beautifully with a glass of Merlot, as the subtle fruitiness of the wine complements the cheese's creamy richness. Other wine pairings include Chianti, light reds, and Port, which go well with the fruity, nutty, and rich flavours of Bellavitano Gold.

Beers

The sweetness and maltiness of a dark malty ale balance the creaminess of the cheese. An India Pale Ale (IPA) also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese.

Breads and Crackers

For a simple yet delicious treat, spread melted Bellavitano on warm, crusty artisan bread. It can also be served on a cracker or bread of your choice.

Meats and Nuts

Thin slices of prosciutto enhance the savoury notes of the cheese, while toasted walnuts or almonds add a crunchy texture that pairs well with the creamy cheese.

Fruits and Chocolates

Dried fruits such as apricots or figs bring a touch of sweetness that complements the fruity undertones of the cheese. For a decadent dessert pairing, try Bellavitano with semisweet chocolates to highlight its rich flavours.

Other Savoury Options

Black pepper, espresso, balsamic vinegar, raspberry, Kentucky bourbon, and Tennessee whiskey are some unique flavours that can be paired with Bellavitano. It can also be used like a Parmesan, Cheddar, or Gouda, grated or shaved over pasta or salad, melted into hot dishes, or served on a cheese board.

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The history of Bellavitano cheese

Wisconsin's Sartori Cheese debuted its first Bellavitano cheese in 2008, although one source claims it was introduced in 1999. The result of years of experimentation, Bellavitano is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese and is crafted using time-honored techniques and the highest-quality milk. The cheese is made from pasteurized milk from local dairies and vegetarian rennet. The milk for all Sartori cheeses comes from within a 70-mile radius of their cheesemaking facilities in Wisconsin.

After the curd is formed and cut, it is hand-salted, then pressed for several hours. The 20-pound wheels are then bathed in brine to help form the rind, which is meant to be eaten as it adds to the complexity of the cheese. The wheels are then cured and aged for several months, with some varieties aged for up to 22 months. Later, some of these wheels are either rubbed or soaked in different flavorings, like Merlot, Espresso, and Black Pepper, and then they’re further aged.

Shortly after its debut, Bellavitano was named the "Best New Cheese in the World" at an international cheese competition. Since then, it has won dozens of awards, including several gold and silver medals at the World Cheese Awards and International Cheese Awards. In 2017, Bellavitano was awarded grand champion, beating out more than 2,000 American cheeses.

The cheese has a rich and creamy texture with a crave-worthy taste reminiscent of aged, premium Wisconsin Cheddar balanced by a full-flavored Parmesan. It has a slight crunchy feel from the calcium crystals (calcium lactate) that appear naturally during the aging process.

How Bellavitano is made

Bellavitano cheese is made from pasteurized milk sourced from local dairies and vegetarian rennet. The milk used for all Sartori cheeses is obtained from within a 70-mile radius of their cheesemaking facilities. Once the curd is formed and cut, it is hand-salted and then pressed for several hours. The 20-pound wheels are then bathed in brine to form the rind, after which they are cured and aged for several months. The rind is meant to be eaten and adds to the complexity of the cheese. Subsequently, some of these wheels are either rubbed or soaked in different flavourings, such as wines and beers like Merlot, Chardonnay, and New Glarus Raspberry Ale, and then they are further aged. Some varieties of the cheese can be aged for as long as 22 months.

The process of making Bellavitano cheese was developed by Wisconsin's Sartori Cheese and introduced in 1999 or 2008, after years of experimentation. The cheese has since won dozens of awards, including "Best New Cheese in the World" at an international cheese competition. It is inspired by traditional Italian farmstead cheese and is known for its rich and creamy texture and versatile flavour.

Frequently asked questions