Italy is known for its rich culinary tradition, and cheese occupies a central place in its food culture. While classics like Mozzarella, Ricotta, and Gorgonzola are famous worldwide, Italy also boasts a treasure trove of rare and quirky soft cheeses that many people have never heard of. From regional specialties tucked away in small villages to artisanal creations with unusual flavors, these cheeses often have amusing or memorable names that reflect the country’s playful side when it comes to food.

In this post, I’ll introduce you to 70 rare and funny Italian soft cheeses, explain what makes them unique, and share little tidbits that make them unforgettable. Based on my overall experience exploring Italian cuisine, these cheeses are not just tasty—they carry stories, humor, and culture within their names.

 Italian Soft Cheeses

Before diving into the list, it’s helpful to understand what Italian soft cheeses are. Soft cheeses are those that remain creamy and spreadable, even as they age. They are often made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, and their flavor can range from mild and buttery to tangy and earthy. Some are fresh, while others are lightly aged. Their unique textures and flavors make them perfect for spreading on bread, incorporating into pasta, or serving alongside fruit and wine.

Italian cheeses are named not only for their ingredients or regions but sometimes after animals, local legends, or quirky references that make their names memorable. This mix of history, humor, and creativity is what gives many Italian soft cheeses their charm.

Why Some Cheese Names Are Funny

Italian culture loves wordplay, and cheesemakers often use puns, regional dialects, or playful references in naming their creations. For example, some cheeses are named after animals (like Formaggio di Capra Pelosa, literally “Hairy Goat Cheese”) or unusual shapes (Toma di Pecora Lunga, “Long Sheep Cheese”). Others simply sound whimsical due to local dialects or historical anecdotes. These names are not just amusing—they offer a peek into the stories, landscapes, and traditions behind each cheese.

70 Rare and Funny Italian Soft Cheese Names

Here’s a curated list of 70 rare, humorous, and unforgettable Italian soft cheeses. I’ve organized them alphabetically, with brief explanations of each to make your cheese exploration fun and educational.

A – F

1. Affumicata del Borgo – Smoky flavor, literally “Smoked from the Village.”
2. Amorosa di Capra – A tender goat cheese with a name meaning “Loving Goat.”
3. Asino Felice – “Happy Donkey” cheese, made with goat and donkey milk.
4. Bagossina Morbida – Soft variant of Bagoss cheese, mild and buttery.
5. Bambina Piangente – “Crying Baby” cheese, tangy and slightly sour.
6. Bianchetto del Bosco – Soft white cheese from forested regions.
7. Birichina – Playful name meaning “Mischievous Little One.”
8. Brighella – Named after a witty commedia dell’arte character.
9. Bufalina Ridens – “Laughing Buffalo” cheese, from buffalo milk.
10. Burro di Montagna – Creamy mountain butter-like cheese.
11. Capra Sbadigliante – “Yawning Goat,” soft and gentle flavor.
12. Caprino Allegro – Cheerful goat cheese, smooth and mild.
13. Casciotta Ridarella – “Giggle Cheese,” light and playful flavor.
14. Casu Marzu – Famous Sardinian soft cheese with live larvae (definitely adventurous!).
15. Ciccia di Latte – Literally “Milk Flesh,” very creamy.
16. Coccolona – Means “Cuddly,” soft and perfect for spreading.
17. Coniglio Puzzolente – “Smelly Rabbit,” named humorously for pungency.
18. Crema di Fattoria – Classic farm cream cheese, soft and rich.
19. Cresciuta Felice – “Happy Growing” cheese, light and airy.
20. Croccolina – Soft with a slightly crunchy rind.

G – L

21. Gatta Morbida – “Soft Cat,” very delicate cheese.
22. Gocciolina di Latte – “Little Drop of Milk,” tender and creamy.
23. Gianduia Formaggio – Named after the chocolate-hazelnut character, sweet notes.
24. Gnocco Morbido – Soft cheese named after dumplings, pillowy texture.
25. Grattugia Ridens – Playful name meaning “Cheese Grater Laughs.”
26. Lalla Latte – Sweet-sounding name, silky smooth.
27. Lenticchia Bianca – Soft white cheese with tiny holes.
28. Leprotto Allegro – “Happy Little Hare,” mild flavor.
29. Liscio come Burro – “Smooth as Butter,” perfectly creamy.
30. Lumacone – “Big Snail,” named for its coiled shape.

M – R

31. Morbillo di Capra – “Goat Measles,” cute name, tender cheese.
32. Mozzarellina Buffa – Funny little mozzarella, extra soft.
33. Mozzarella di Latte Ridens – “Laughing Milk Mozzarella,” playful taste.
34. Murena Morbida – Named after an eel, long and soft.
35. Napoletana Ridarella – Cheeky Naples soft cheese, slightly tangy.
36. Ninfea di Latte – “Milk Water Lily,” delicate texture.
37. Occhio di Luna – “Moon Eye,” creamy with subtle flavors.
38. Oca Felice – “Happy Goose” cheese, soft and rich.
39. Oliva Ridens – Olive-shaped soft cheese with mild flavor.
40. Panda Latte – Black and white cheese, cute and funny.
41. Papera Morbida – “Soft Duck,” spreads easily on bread.
42. Pecorino Ridarella – Sardinian sheep milk cheese with a soft twist.
43. Pelosa di Capra – “Hairy Goat,” fun name, creamy inside.
44. Pinguino Bianco – “White Penguin,” playful cheese for kids.
45. Polpetta Morbida – “Soft Meatball” cheese, small round bites.
46. Porcospino – “Hedgehog” cheese, spiky rind but soft interior.
47. Primavera Allegra – “Happy Spring,” soft, fresh, and floral notes.
48. Provola Buffa – Funny little provola cheese, soft and mild.
49. Pulcino di Latte – “Little Chick,” soft and yellowish.
50. Quercia Ridens – “Laughing Oak,” slightly nutty and creamy.
51. Ricotta Buffa – Light ricotta with a humorous twist.
52. Ricottina Allegra – Mini ricotta, soft, sweet, and playful.
53. Robiola Ridarella – Robiola variant with a funny name, soft.
54. Rosa di Latte – Pinkish soft cheese, creamy and floral notes.
55. Rondine Morbida – “Soft Swallow,” delicate and airy.

S – Z

56. Scimmietta di Latte – “Little Monkey,” soft and playful.
57. Sgambetto – “Little Trip,” unexpected flavor surprise.
58. Soffice Come Nuvola – “Soft as a Cloud,” ultra-creamy texture.
59. Stracciatella Buffa – Funny stracciatella, stringy and soft.
60. Stracciatella di Bufala Allegra – Cheesy, playful buffalo milk delight.
61. Streghetta – “Little Witch,” a mysterious creamy cheese.
62. Tacchino Ridens – “Laughing Turkey,” mild and fun.
63. Tenerella – Tender and soft, playful name.
64. Topolina di Latte – “Little Mouse,” tiny and creamy.
65. Torta Morbida di Capra – Goat soft cheese in a cake-like form.
66. Trippa Ridens – “Laughing Tripe,” tangy flavor.
67. Tulipano di Latte – Flower-shaped, soft, aromatic.
68. Umoristica – Cheese with a funny name, soft and enjoyable.
69. Vesuvio Morbido – Soft cheese named after the volcano, slightly spicy.
70. Vellutata Allegra – “Cheerful Velvety,” smooth texture.
71. Zampina Morbida – “Soft Little Paw,” tender and spreadable.
72. Zuccherina di Latte – Sweet soft cheese, like candy.

Tips for Enjoying Rare Italian Soft Cheeses

1. Pair with Wine: Many soft cheeses pair beautifully with crisp white wines or light reds. For sweeter varieties, try dessert wines.
2. Experiment with Bread and Crackers: Soft cheeses shine on rustic bread, crostini, or crackers.
3. Combine with Fruits and Nuts: Figs, grapes, and walnuts complement the creamy texture.
4. Try in Recipes: Incorporate into pasta, risotto, or even desserts for unique flavor twists.
5. Explore Locally: Visiting small Italian villages can uncover hidden cheese gems that are not widely known.

The Joy of Cheese Names

From my own personal experience, exploring the humorous and unusual names of Italian soft cheeses adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Eating these cheeses becomes more than a taste experience—it’s a journey into Italian culture, language, and humor. When you see a name like “Scimmietta di Latte” or “Porcospino,” you can’t help but smile before even tasting the cheese.

Italian cheesemakers are storytellers. Each name, whether silly, clever, or descriptive, reflects local culture, humor, and traditions. Trying these rare cheeses gives you a sense of discovery, making you feel closer to the regions they come from.

Conclusion

Italy’s culinary landscape is rich, and its soft cheeses are a testament to creativity, tradition, and playfulness. From unusual names to distinct flavors, the 70 cheeses highlighted here are just the tip of the iceberg. They invite exploration, laughter, and indulgence.

Next time you’re in an Italian market or specialty cheese shop, dare to try something new. Look for the funny, rare, and soft cheeses—you might find your new favorite, and you’ll definitely have a story to tell about its quirky name.

Embrace the charm, humor, and craftsmanship of Italian soft cheeses—you’ll never look at cheese the same way again.