Fresh Italian Cheese

As the name suggests, fresh cheese is any type that has not been aged or processed. This usually means it is soft, spreadable, and creamy. For a stateside reference, think cream cheese and cottage cheese. In Italy, the most common styles of fresh cheese are ricotta, mascarpone, and certain styles of robiola and pasta filata, all of which are often smeared over fresh bread and can often be found in popular Italian desserts like cheesecake and cannoli.