Frederic Melton
Prosciutto is a delicate, savoury meat with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a touch of saltiness. When creating a charcuterie board, it is important to pair it with complementary cheeses, fruits, and wines. Many people enjoy the perfect combination of meat and cheese, which can elevate their dining experience. Cheddar cheese is a hard, sharp, pungent, dry cheese that is commonly used in slices. It is a strong cheese with a salty and nutty flavour. While cheddar cheese is not commonly mentioned as a pairing with prosciutto, other dry, salty, and sharp cheeses are recommended, so it may be worth trying.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese pairing | Blue cheese, Halloumi, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Parmesan, Smoked Gouda, Gruyère, Brie, Goat cheese, Bonne Bouche, Chevre, Feta, Gorgonzola, Mozzarella, Burrata |
| Other pairings | Fruits (grapes, pears), crackers (nutty-flavored), olives (tart green), roasted garlic |
| Prosciutto type | Dry-cured, salted Italian ham, sliced thin |
Explore related products
$6.16 $7.39
What You'll Learn
- Blue cheese, halloumi, and other sharp-tasting cheeses are good pairings with prosciutto
- Soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese are also options
- Parmigiano-Reggiano, Parmesan, and other nutty-flavoured cheeses complement prosciutto
- Salty, fresh cheeses like feta and mozzarella are suitable
- Smoked gouda and other strong-flavoured cheeses can compete with the cured meat
Blue cheese, halloumi, and other sharp-tasting cheeses are good pairings with prosciutto
Prosciutto is a staple on any charcuterie board, with its delicate, savoury flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture. While some cheeses are better suited to complement the prosciutto, cheddar cheese can be a good pairing depending on the type of cheddar and the other items on the charcuterie board. Blue cheese, halloumi, and other sharp-tasting cheeses are good pairings with prosciutto, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. Here are some recommendations:
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a bold and tangy option that can add a creamy texture to the pairing. Its strong flavour can stand up to the saltiness of the prosciutto, creating a tasty combination.
Halloumi
Halloumi is a Mediterranean favourite that goes well with prosciutto. Its chewy texture and salty flavour complement the prosciutto's savouriness. Prosciutto-wrapped halloumi bites or skewers are a popular keto-friendly appetizer or quick lunch option. Simply wrap thin slices of halloumi with prosciutto and cook them in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown. Serve them with leafy greens, tomatoes, and vegetables for a nutritious and well-balanced dish.
Other Sharp-Tasting Cheeses
In addition to blue cheese and halloumi, other sharp-tasting cheeses can also be good pairings with prosciutto. Parmigiano-Reggiano, for example, has a nutty and salty flavour that complements the savouriness of prosciutto. Gorgonzola, a bold and tangy cheese, also pairs well with prosciutto, adding a creamy texture to the pairing.
When creating a charcuterie board, it is essential to consider the balance of flavours and textures. Experimenting with different combinations of cheeses, fruits, and wines can help you find the perfect pairings to enhance the exquisite flavour of prosciutto.
Swiss vs Cheddar: Which Cheese Has More Salt?
You may want to see also
Soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese are also options
Soft cheeses like brie and goat cheese also go well with prosciutto.
Brie and Prosciutto
Prosciutto wrapped baked brie is a delicious appetizer that can be served with hot honey, regular honey, maple syrup, or fruit preserves. The honey balances out the saltiness of the prosciutto and the creaminess of the brie. A simple sandwich with brie, prosciutto, basil, and honey is also a great combination.
Goat Cheese and Prosciutto
Goat cheese and prosciutto is another wonderful pairing, with the tart, soft flavour of goat cheese cutting through the sweetness of the prosciutto. This combination can be used to make crostini, with the addition of ingredients like pear, kale, and raisins.
Ragu Double Cheddar Cheese Sauce: Gluten-Free Indulgence
You may want to see also
Parmigiano-Reggiano, Parmesan, and other nutty-flavoured cheeses complement prosciutto
Parmigiano-Reggiano, Parmesan, and other nutty-flavoured cheeses are a perfect complement to prosciutto. Parmigiano-Reggiano, crafted in the Parma and Reggio Emilia regions of Italy for over 900 years, is known for its nutty flavour and gritty texture. Its savoury depth and notes of toasted nuts and caramel sweetness make it a staple in Italian cuisine. The cheese is typically crafted into large wheels and carefully inspected to meet strict requirements.
When paired with prosciutto, a classic Italian cured ham, Parmigiano-Reggiano adds a tangy, salty flavour that balances the sweetness of tomato sauce in pasta dishes. The salty, savoury prosciutto enhances the nutty taste of Parmigiano-Reggiano, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. This combination is a staple in Italian cuisine and is beloved for its unique taste and texture.
Parmigiano-Reggiano is not the only nutty-flavoured cheese that complements prosciutto. Other options include pecorino romano, a popular Italian cheese with a nutty edge, and Manchego, a Spanish cheese with a tangy and slightly nutty flavour. These cheeses add a unique twist to the classic prosciutto pairing, offering a range of flavours and textures to elevate any dish.
In addition to nutty cheeses, soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert offer a creamy and delicate pairing with prosciutto, enhancing its richness. For those seeking a bolder flavour, blue cheese, Halloumi, or Gorgonzola provide a sharp and contrasting taste that complements the buttery flavour and texture of prosciutto. Aged Gouda adds a smoky flavour, while fresh mozzarella contributes a soft, creamy texture.
Cheddar Cheese and Gas: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Salty, fresh cheeses like feta and mozzarella are suitable
Prosciutto is a delicate, savoury meat with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a touch of saltiness. It can easily overpower milder cheeses, so it's best to pair it with strong, salty, fresh cheeses. Salty, fresh cheeses like feta and mozzarella are suitable, as their strong flavours can stand up to the cured meat. Feta is a sharp and pungent dry cheese that is readily available and pairs well with prosciutto in salads or sandwiches. Fresh mozzarella, with its mild flavour and soft texture, also makes an ideal match for prosciutto. Its mild flavour won't be overpowered by the meat, and its soft texture will complement the prosciutto's buttery mouthfeel.
In addition to feta and mozzarella, there are other salty, fresh cheeses that work well with prosciutto. Parmigiano-Reggiano, for example, has a nutty, salty flavour that complements the savoury taste of prosciutto, creating a classic Italian pairing. Another option is burrata, a creamy, buttery cheese that contrasts beautifully with the thin, salty slices of prosciutto.
When creating a charcuterie board featuring prosciutto, consider adding other salty, fresh cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or Gruyère, which can help round out the flavour profile of the platter. These cheeses will also pair well with other classic charcuterie board items like grapes, pears, and crackers.
Sharp vs Mild Cheddar: Understanding Cheddar's Complexities
You may want to see also
Smoked gouda and other strong-flavoured cheeses can compete with the cured meat
When it comes to cured meats like prosciutto, finding the perfect cheese pairing is essential. While prosciutto has a delicate, buttery flavour and texture, smoked gouda and other strong-flavoured cheeses can compete with the cured meat without being overwhelmed.
Smoked gouda, a semi-hard cheese with a creamy, nutty flavour, pairs exceptionally well with prosciutto. The saltiness of the prosciutto complements the smokiness and savouriness of the gouda, creating a sophisticated flavour profile. This combination is versatile and can be used in various dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to cheese balls and bites.
For those who enjoy experimenting with different flavours, there are several other strong-flavoured cheeses that can stand up to prosciutto. Blue cheese, for example, has a sharp essence that beautifully contrasts with the buttery prosciutto. If blue cheese is not available, halloumi, made from goat's or sheep's milk, offers a tangy flavour and semi-hard texture that pairs well with the meat.
For a softer cheese option, brie and goat cheese are excellent choices to accompany prosciutto on a charcuterie platter. These cheeses provide a creamy texture and mild flavour that enhance the prosciutto without overpowering it.
In conclusion, while prosciutto is a delicate meat that requires careful pairing, smoked gouda and other strong-flavoured cheeses, such as blue cheese and halloumi, can provide a delightful contrast. Softer cheeses like brie and goat cheese are also suitable for a well-rounded charcuterie experience. The key is to find a balance between the flavours of the cheese and the prosciutto, creating a harmonious culinary combination.
Cheddar Face-Off: Cheez-Its vs. Cheese Nips
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some cheeses that are often paired with prosciutto include Parmigiano-Reggiano, blue cheese, feta, mozzarella, and brie.
The nutty, salty flavor of Parmigiano-Reggiano complements the savory taste of prosciutto. Blue cheese and feta have sharp and pungent flavors that pair well with prosciutto. Mozzarella's mild flavor and soft texture make it an ideal match.
Yes, other options include burrata, Gorgonzola, goat cheese, Gruyère, and Halloumi.
You can create a charcuterie board with prosciutto and the recommended cheeses. You can also make a prosciutto and arugula pizza with a flaky crust and creamy prosciutto on top of melted cheese.
Yes, you can add crackers, nuts, pretzels, and fruits like melons and grapes. These additions provide a crunchy texture and a sweet balance to the salty flavors of the cheese and prosciutto.
