Bushra Griffith
Basket cheese is a unique, fresh Italian cheese with a delicate texture and a tangy flavor. It is typically formed in a small wicker basket, leaving indentations on the cheese that resemble an Easter basket. This cheese is often enjoyed during Easter and other special occasions, symbolizing good luck and prosperity in Italian culture. With its mild flavor and creamy consistency, basket cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It pairs well with fruits, nuts, cured meats, and bread. In terms of nutritional value, basket cheese is a healthier option compared to many other cheeses, with lower fat and calorie content while providing a good source of protein and calcium.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Mild, slightly tangy |
| Texture | Creamy, delicate, smooth, soft |
| Serving suggestions | Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of sea salt and cracked black pepper, serve with fresh Italian bread, add on top of mini toast and top with jam, add to antipasto platters, pair with fruits, nuts, and cured meats |
| Nutritional value | Lower in fat and calories compared to other cheeses, good source of protein and calcium |
| Occasions | Easter, special occasions and celebrations |
| Substitutes | Ricotta, mozzarella |
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What You'll Learn
Drizzle with olive oil, add salt and pepper, and serve with Italian bread
Basket cheese is a unique, fresh Italian cheese with a delicate texture and a mild tangy flavour. It is typically made and served in a small basket, often during Easter. Its creamy consistency and subtle tanginess make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes.
One of the simplest and most popular ways to serve basket cheese is to drizzle it with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. This brings out the true flavour of the cheese and creates a magical culinary experience. The cheese can then be enjoyed on its own or spread on crusty Italian bread for a heartier treat.
When choosing a bread to serve with basket cheese, opt for a fresh loaf of Italian bread, preferably homemade. The crusty exterior and soft interior of the bread create a delightful texture contrast with the creamy cheese. If you're feeling creative, you can also toast the bread slightly for added crunch and warmth.
To elevate this pairing even further, consider using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Its fruity and slightly pungent flavour will enhance the cheese's tanginess. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of sea salt to taste.
For a sweet twist on this classic combination, you can also serve the basket cheese on mini toasts. Simply spread the cheese on small slices of toasted Italian bread and top it with your favourite jam. This combination showcases the versatility of basket cheese and makes for a delightful dessert or afternoon snack.
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Use as a classic ingredient in Easter pies
Basket cheese is a beloved ingredient in Italian cooking, especially during Easter. It is a classic ingredient in Easter pies, also known as pizza rustica, which are traditionally made on Good Friday and enjoyed throughout the weekend.
Italian Easter pies are savoury, rustic treats that signify the end of Lent. They are typically made with a combination of Italian meats and cheeses. Basket cheese is an ideal ingredient for these pies because of its delicate texture and mild, tangy flavour. It is a soft, fresh cheese with a creamy consistency that adds a subtle tanginess to the pie without overpowering the other ingredients.
When making an Italian Easter pie with basket cheese, it is important to note that the cheese has a low melting point and will melt into a dense consistency when heated. Therefore, it may not be the best choice for recipes that require the cheese to retain its shape, such as recipes that call for ricotta cheese. However, its melted consistency can still be quite nice in dishes like frittatas.
To make an Italian Easter pie with basket cheese, you will need a pie crust and a variety of meats and cheeses for the filling. The crust is typically made with flour, baking powder, eggs, water, and olive oil. For the filling, you can use basket cheese along with other cheeses such as ricotta and mozzarella. You can also add meats such as ham, capicola, or Italian salumi like sopresatta, prosciutto, Genoa salami, or capicola. Other ingredients like eggs, parsley, and pepper can also be added to taste.
Once you have prepared the crust and filling, assemble the pie and bake it until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling through the slits on top, which should take around 50 minutes. Let the pie sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. Any leftovers should be refrigerated.
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Pair with fruits, nuts, and cured meats in antipasto platters
Antipasto platters are a great way to showcase basket cheese alongside fruits, nuts, and cured meats. Antipasto, meaning 'before the meal' in Italian, is traditionally served as an appetizer, but can also be a meal in itself.
When preparing an antipasto platter, it's essential to select a variety of cured meats, such as salami, prosciutto, coppa, capicola, or sopressata. These meats can be folded, rolled, or sliced into rounds to create a visually appealing display.
Basket cheese, a type of cheese with a unique basket-like texture, pairs well with the cured meats and other antipasto ingredients. Cube or slice the basket cheese, and arrange it on the platter alongside the meats.
For the fruit component, both fresh and dried fruits complement the basket cheese and meats. Fresh figs, slices of pear or apple, or citrus fruits like mandarins add a refreshing touch. Dried fruits such as dates, prunes, and apricots are also excellent choices, providing a sweet and chewy contrast to the salty meats and cheeses.
Nuts are another essential element of an antipasto platter. Hazelnuts and pine nuts are classic Italian choices, but feel free to use your preferred variety. Scatter the nuts across the platter to fill any gaps and add texture and flavour.
To enhance the platter, consider adding bowls of condiments such as honey, jam, or olive tapenade. These sweet or savoury spreads can be paired with the basket cheese and are a delightful addition to crackers or bread.
With its combination of cured meats, basket cheese, fruits, nuts, and condiments, your antipasto platter will be a delightful and flavourful offering for your guests.
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Add to pasta, salads, and sandwiches
Basket cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, salads, and sandwiches. Here are some ideas and instructions for incorporating basket cheese into your meals:
Pasta
The subtle tanginess and creamy texture of basket cheese make it an excellent choice for pasta dishes. Its mild flavour enhances the overall taste of the dish without overpowering other ingredients. Try using basket cheese in place of ricotta or mozzarella in your next lasagna or pasta bake. Its creamy texture will melt beautifully, creating a rich and indulgent sauce. Alternatively, toss freshly cooked pasta with diced tomatoes, basil, and cubed basket cheese for a simple yet delicious caprese pasta salad.
Salads
Basket cheese is a wonderful addition to salads, providing a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. Pair it with fresh spring vegetables like asparagus, radishes, cucumbers, and young garlic for a refreshing spring salad. You can also crumble basket cheese over a classic Caesar salad or a simple green salad for added flavour and texture. Its mild taste pairs well with a variety of dressings, from a light vinaigrette to a creamy ranch.
Sandwiches
Basket cheese is a delightful filling for sandwiches, offering a creamy mouthfeel and a subtle tang. Layer it with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and sprouts, and add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a flavour boost. For an Italian-inspired sandwich, pair basket cheese with cured meats like prosciutto or salami, and serve it on crusty Italian bread. You can also use basket cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches, creating a rich and indulgent treat.
When using basket cheese in your recipes, remember that it is best enjoyed soon after it is made due to its fresh and delicate nature. Its versatility makes it a wonderful ingredient to experiment with, adding a creamy touch to both sweet and savoury dishes.
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Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with pine nuts to serve as dessert
Basket cheese is a unique, fresh Italian cheese with a delicate texture and a mild tangy flavour. It is typically made in a small basket, which gives it its name and its shape. This versatile cheese can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes, from salads and sandwiches to desserts like cheesecake.
Basket cheese is a beloved ingredient in Italian cooking, often served during special occasions and celebrations. Its creamy consistency and subtle tanginess make it a wonderful addition to antipasto platters, where it can be paired with fruits, nuts, and cured meats.
To serve basket cheese as a dessert, place the cheese on a plate and drizzle it generously with honey. Sprinkle darkly toasted pine nuts on top, along with a pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper if desired. The sweetness of the honey and the crunch of the pine nuts complement the creamy texture and mild flavour of the cheese. This simple yet magical combination is sure to impress and is perfect for a spring or Easter dessert.
For a more substantial dessert, basket cheese can be drizzled with honey and served with fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced watermelon, and a handful of pine nuts or other nuts of your choice. This dessert is a delightful way to showcase the versatility of basket cheese and can be a beautiful addition to any spring or summer table.
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Frequently asked questions
Basket cheese is a versatile cheese that can be served in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is traditionally drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt and cracked black pepper, then served with fresh Italian bread. It can also be served with antipasto platters, where it can be paired with fruits, nuts, and cured meats.
Basket cheese is a great addition to salads, sandwiches, pasta, and cheesecakes. It is also used in traditional Italian Easter pies, or pizza rustica, which are pies made with Italian meats and cheeses.
Basket cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavour. It is creamy and smooth, with a delicate texture. It is reminiscent of ricotta and mozzarella.
