The versatility of Italian cheeses is embraced and enjoyed in every region of Italy, from a few hunks with an aperitivo to the starring ingredient in a dessert. Whether baked, fried, grated, sliced, or dolloped, cheese is a quintessential element in countless dishes, as well as on delectable taglieri, wooden boards typically brimming with salumi and formaggi.

Here in the US, as many of us have been focused on stocking our pantries with non-perishable foods these past few months, formaggio has fallen off the radar for some. But with the weather warming up in these final weeks of spring and early summer, now is the perfect time to incorporate Italian cheeses into your life, from refreshing salads to colorful cheese plates garnished with seasonal fruits.