Southern Italy · Italy
Caciocavallo.
Caciocavallo is a stretched-curd cheese with a supple, almost elastic texture that yields to the tooth with a gentle resistance. Its flavor arc moves from mild butter and cream in younger versions to a more assertive, nutty intensity with subtle tang as it ages, while a faint lactic brightness lingers on the finish—savory without being sharp.
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The story
How it's made.
Why it tastes that way.
Caciocavallo is an ancient pasta filata cheese whose name ('cheese on horseback') refers to the traditional practice of hanging pairs of cheeses over a wooden beam like saddlebags.
The Silano PDO covers a specific area of the Southern Apennines. Production dates back at least to the 14th century.
Production · spec
- Milk
- Cow · pasteurised
- Family
- Pasta filata
- Rind
- natural
- Age
- 1–24 mo
- Intensity
Tasting profile
What it tastes like.
Caseo's flavour axes are drawn from each cheese's flavour and aroma profile. This is Caciocavallo's fingerprint.
Aroma
Nutrition · per 100g serving
What's in a wedge.
A 100g serving — about a finger-thick wedge. Daily values use the FDA 2020 reference of 2,000 kcal. Expect ±5% variation between wheels.
Estimated values — based on similar cheese family data
Serve, cut & store
Out of the fridge,
into its prime.
Guidance for pasta filata cheeses — general practice, not a per-wheel measurement.
Rest
Take it out about 20–30 min before serving — cold stiffens the fat and locks up the aromas; cool room temperature is when the flavour shows up.
Cut
Tear, don't cut — torn mozzarella and burrata expose more surface and taste creamier.
Store
Fresh and brined cheeses keep best covered in their liquid — and are happiest eaten within days.
Rule of thumb: the softer and riper, the longer it needs. Thick pieces need longer than thin — and don't leave cheese out much past two hours.
Pairings · Caseo curated
What goes with Caciocavallo.
28 pairings across 9 categories.
Wine
Beer & Cider
Where to find it
Cheese counters.
Counter listings for Caciocavallo are being verified. Check back soon.
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Substitutes
No Caciocavallo at the counter?.
These will play a similar role on the board and in the pan.
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