Best European Fresh Cheese Types
Burrata, literary meaning buttered, is an artisan cheese from the Puglia region of Southern Italy, especially the provinces of Bari and Barletta-Andria-Trani. The cheese is made by hand with cow's milk, rennet, and cream. It is believed that the cheese was created by Lorenzo Bianchino Chieppa, a cheesemaker who had an idea to form a shell of stretched mozzarella strings and fill it with luscious, rich cream and smaller, leftover pieces of mozzarella.
The result was a true delicacy with the creamiest interior and a rich flavor of fresh milk, which very quickly became extremely popular. Burrata should be eaten as fresh as possible - ideally within 24 hours of being made. It can be served alone, seasoned only with some salt, pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, but it is also delicious when accompanied by fresh tomatoes and prosciutto crudo, or when used as a topping for pizzas or bruschettas.
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VARIATIONS OF Burrata
THE BEST Burrata Cheeses
Though there are many buffalo mozzarella cheeses made with a combination of buffalo and cow's milk, to be labeled as such, the genuine mozzarella di bufala campana must be made from 100% domestic water buffalo milk and produced either in Campania or the neighboring Lazio, Apulia and Molise regions.
Buffalo milk is known to be higher in calcium and protein while lower in cholesterol, which makes this mozzarella cheese particularly prized and sought after. Buffalo mozzarella always comes packaged in brine; it has a mild yet slightly sour taste, and goes well with various Italian antipasti dishes, especially with classics like the Caprese salad.
THE BEST Mozzarella di Bufala Campana Cheeses

Arseniko Naxou is a Greek cheese originating from the island of Naxos, hence the name. The word arseniko means male or masculine. The cheese is made from raw sheep’s and goat’s milk with the addition of whey.
After it thickens, the cheese is drained in specially designed baskets known as tirovola. In the beginning, its flavor is sweet, but after a few months it develops a spicy and aromatic flavor.
Stracciata is an artisan Italian cheese produced in Molise. It is made from cow's milk. The curd is cut or torn, and it is then stretched into ribbons that can be folded or braided. Although stracciata is usually snow-white, in spring and summer it develops a yellowish hue.
On the outside, it is buttery, mild, sweet, fresh, and slightly salty, while the inside is milky and piquant. The cheese melts in the mouth easily, leaving notes of warm melted butter on the palate. The name stracciata is derived from the verb stracciare, meaning to tear.
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THE BEST Stracciata Cheeses
Anthotyro is a Greek cheese made from goat’s and sheep’s milk. The name anthotyro means flowery cheese, referring to the strong aromas of wild herbs. There are two varieties of this cheese – fresh and dry.
The fresh variety is known as anthotyro fresco and has a soft texture and mild flavor. It is typically consumed as a table cheese or used in the preparation of pastries and pies. Combine it with honey and fresh fruits such as apples, pears, and figs.
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This white, soft, brined cheese is made from fresh sheep milk or a combination of sheep and goat milk taken from breeds that graze freely on wild grasses on the island of Lemnos in the northern Aegean Sea. The method of production is quite similar to that of traditional feta cheese, with one significant difference that also gave this cheese its name.
According to the traditional method, the curd is put in a kalathaki ("small basket") for draining and organic acidification, during which time the cheese acquires its characteristic cylindrical shape. Later, the baskets are submerged in brine to mature for at least two months.
Mozzarella is a fresh, soft, stretched curd cheese, made with whole cow's milk. Due to the fact that it has a fragrant aroma of fresh milk and a delicate creamy flavor, mozzarella is traditionally paired with light white wines. This Italian classic originates from the region of Campania, but nowadays it is produced all across the country.
The cheese is made with water buffalo's milk or cow's milk, when it's often referred to as mozzarella fior di latte (in order to distinguish it from water buffalo milk mozzarella). The ancient tradition of making mozzarella cheese dates back to the 4th century BCE, however, the first official reference to its name was found in a 1570 cookery book by Bartolomeo Scappi, a famous Renaissance chef.
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VARIATIONS OF Mozzarella
THE BEST Mozzarella Cheeses



Rumiano Cheese Company
Organic Smoked Mozzarella
American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place 2018, 2016
Stracchino di crescenza is an Italian cheese that is typically made with cow's milk, but it can also be made with water buffalo's milk. The texture of stracchino is creamy and buttery, so it's often used as a spread. The flavors are mild, fruity, creamy, and sweet.
Although it is nowadays associated with the regions of Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, and Veneto, it was first produced in Lombardy's Po valley. It's recommended to serve stracchino with fresh fruit or cold cuts and pair it with a glass of fruity white wine.
THE BEST Stracchino di Crescenza Cheeses
Sulguni is a cylindrical Georgian cheese originating from the region of Samegrelo (Mingrelia). The cheese has a mild, yet complex flavor and a semi-firm texture. It can be produced from the milk of cows, buffalos, and goats (rarely), or a combination of the three.
The flavors range from acidic, tangy, and sour to salty and smoky, depending on the varieties – fresh, smoked, or semi-hard. The cheese melts easily so it is often used as a pizza topping, but it can also be added to various salads or pasta dishes.
Bundz is a Polish cheese made from sheep's milk. The cheese is produced in the mountainous regions of the country. It is reminiscent of cottage cheese in flavor and texture, and has a mild, fresh flavor. The remaining whey created in the production of bundz is used for the preparation of a traditional Polish sour beverage called żętyca.
Best European Fresh Cheese Producers
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

Global Cheese Awards - Best
2024, 2023, 2021
BEST White Lake Cheese Cheeses
Galbani Cheese is an iconic Italian brand that has been producing high-quality cheese for over a century. Founded in 1882 in Italy, it is renowned for its rich tradition of craftsmanship and expertise in cheese-making. Galbani offers a wide range of cheeses, including mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, and mascarpone, each made with the finest ingredients to deliver exceptional flavor and texture.
Galbani's mozzarella is especially popular, widely used in pizzas, pastas, and salads, and is loved for its delicate texture and creamy taste. The brand is committed to maintaining traditional production methods while innovating to meet the demands of modern consumers.
AWARDS

World Cheese Awards - Gold
2022

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2019

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2024, 2022, 2020, 2016, 2012, 2010
BEST Galbani Cheese Cheeses
Longley Farm is a dairy farm and cheese producer located in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, England. Established in 1948 by brothers Edgar and Joseph Dickinson, the farm specializes in producing a variety of dairy products including cottage cheese, yogurt, and cream.
Longley Farm is known for its focus on quality and maintaining high welfare standards for its herd without the use of artificial additives or GMOs in their products.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Longley Farm Cheeses
Graviera Pittara is a family-owned dairy producer located on the picturesque island of Naxos, Greece. Established with a mission to preserve and promote the island's rich cheesemaking traditions, the company specializes in crafting high-quality artisanal cheeses using fresh milk from local farmers.
In addition to Graviera, the company produces other traditional Greek cheeses such as Kefalotyri, Xynotyro, and specialty matured varieties. Graviera Pittara seamlessly combines age-old practices with modern technology, ensuring both quality and authenticity in every product.
AWARDS

Superior Taste Awards - 3 stars
2025, 2024

Superior Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024

World Cheese Awards - Silver
2024
BEST Nikolas Pittaras Creamery Cheeses
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
BEST Laval Dreams Dairy Products
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
BEST Rosary Goats Cheese Cheeses
Best European Fresh Cheeses
Hollis Mead Organic Truffled Benville is an artisanal organic cheese produced by Hollis Mead Organic Dairy. This dairy is known for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and its dedication to producing high-quality organic products. The Truffled Benville cheese incorporates the rich, earthy flavor of truffles, offering a gourmet experience for cheese aficionados.
Each cheese is crafted with milk sourced from the dairy's own organically raised cows, ensuring a product free from synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The cheese's creamy texture and complex flavor make it a standout addition to any cheese board or gourmet recipe.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2023
J&E Dickinson Longley Farm produces Cottage Cheese Chive, a fresh dairy product that integrates the classic taste of cottage cheese with the subtle, savory flavor of chives. This cottage cheese variety is crafted from high-quality milk, resulting in a creamy yet slightly tangy base that pairs well with the aromatic, onion-like notes of chopped chives.
Known for its smooth texture and rich taste, Cottage Cheese Chive by Longley Farm is often enjoyed as a versatile snack, a topping for salads, or a key ingredient in various recipes.
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024, 2023
The product Galbani Ricotta Made with Whole Milk, produced by Galbani Cheese, is a rich and creamy cheese that retains a delicate flavor profile. It is made using whole milk, which contributes to its smooth texture and mild, slightly sweet taste. This ricotta cheese is commonly used in Italian cooking, ideal for recipes such as lasagna, stuffed pasta shells, and ricotta cheesecake.
It is available in various sizes and is packaged to maintain freshness. Lactalis American Group emphasizes its heritage of Italian cheese-making in its marketing of the Galbani brand, aiming for authenticity and quality.
AWARDS

American Cheese Society Judging & Competition Awards - 1st Place
2024, 2023

World Championship Cheese Contest - Best of Class
2022
Xinotiri is an authentic traditional Greek cheese originating from the island of Naxos. This cheese is made from carefully selected sheep’s or goat’s milk, with minimal processing to preserve its natural qualities and rich flavor. It is distinguished by its slightly tangy aroma and soft texture, making it a perfect addition to a wide variety of dishes.
Its versatile use allows it to be enjoyed in simple combinations, such as served with fresh bread and olives, or as a key ingredient in traditional Greek recipes like pies, salads, or cooked dishes. Produced with meticulous attention to traditional methods and quality standards, Xinotiri stands as a symbol of authenticity and excellence in Greek culinary tradition.
AWARDS

Superior Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024

Mediterranean Taste Awards - Gold
2024, 2023, 2022

AFFA - Athens Fine Food Awards - 1 star
2023
AWARDS

Concours International de Lyon - Gold
2025
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
AWARDS

International Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
AWARDS

Global Cheese Awards - Gold
2024
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 100 European Fresh Cheeses” list until April 18, 2025, 9,660 ratings were recorded, of which 5,941 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.