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Caciocavallo

What is caciocavallo?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Type pasta filata (stretched-curd)[1]
Milk sheep's milk or cow's milk[1]
Origin southern Italy[1]
Name meaning "horse cheese"[1]
Shape teardrop, gourd, or club-like[1]
Aging method tied in pairs and hung to mature[1]

Caciocavallo is an Italian stretched-curd cheese from southern Italy, made from cow's or sheep's milk, and aged by hanging in pairs.

Context

Caciocavallo is an Italian stretched-curd cheese made from cow's or sheep's milk, originating in southern Italy [1]. Its name, commonly explained as "horse cheese," comes from the practice of tying the cheeses in pairs and hanging them to age [1]. The curd is heated and stretched, a technique known as pasta filata [3]. It is often compared to provolone in taste and production [1]. The cheese may be smoked or salted in brine [2]. Despite its name, it is not made from horse milk; it is made from sheep's or cow's milk [1].

Documented claims

  • Caciocavallo is a stretched-curd cheese, meaning the curd is heated and stretched during production. [3]
  • It is often compared to provolone in taste and production. [1]
  • The cheese can be smoked or salted in brine. [2]

Questions and answers

What is caciocavallo similar to?

Caciocavallo is often described as similar to provolone in taste and production [1].

What does caciocavallo taste like?

Its flavor is often compared to provolone, though it can vary depending on aging and smoking [1].

How is caciocavallo made?

It is a pasta filata cheese, meaning the curd is heated and stretched [3]. It can be salted in brine and may be smoked [2].

Sources

  1. CACIOCAVALLO Definition & Meaning — merriam-webster.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Caciocavallo: The "Horse Cheese" — cheese.help — cheese.help (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. What is caciocavallo cheese? - Chef's Resource — chefsresource.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature