Andy Montoya
Auricchio Provolone is a full-fat, aged Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is known for its intense and distinctive flavour, which ranges from mildly nutty to sharp and pungent, depending on age. It is regarded as one of the best-tasting provolones in the world and is a popular table cheese, commonly used in sandwiches, salads, antipasto, and pizza. Auricchio Provolone is also a great snack, enjoyed plain or with salami, fruit, vegetables, charcuterie, and pickles. It can be melted for cooking and is a gourmet addition to cheese boards.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Producer | Auricchio |
| Type of Cheese | Provolone |
| Region | Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy |
| Cheese Type | Semi-hard |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk |
| Age | Minimum of 4 months |
| Taste | Savory, nutty, sharp, pungent |
| Texture | Hard, dry |
| Color | Pale yellow |
| Uses | Antipasto, sandwiches, cheese boards, salads, pizza, cooking, snacks |
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What You'll Learn
Pairing with antipasto, salami, olives, red wine, crackers, fruit, vegetables, charcuterie, and pickles
Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a soft, elastic, and stringy texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of foods, including antipasto, salami, olives, red wine, crackers, fruits, vegetables, charcuterie, and pickles.
When creating a charcuterie board with salami, provolone is a classic pairing. The mild, slightly tangy flavour and smooth texture of provolone complement the spiciness of salami. For a softer option, Brie provides a creamy, mild contrast to the robust flavour of salami. The buttery texture of Brie enhances the overall mouthfeel of the pairing. Aged Cheddar's sharp and bold flavour stands up to the intensity of salami, while the crumbly texture of well-aged Cheddar adds a delightful contrast to the chewy salami.
Provolone pairs well with crackers, especially garlic and herb crackers, which can complement the mildness of the cheese. Sourdough crackers, with their tangy flavour and firm texture, can also provide a nice contrast to the creaminess of provolone.
When it comes to fruits, provolone can be paired with something tart like apples or grapes. Grilled or roasted pears with shredded provolone and a sweet balsamic glaze are also a delicious combination. Provolone also goes well with most jams, especially raspberry, blackberry, and orange marmalade.
In terms of vegetables, provolone can be used in a classic Italian chopped salad, which includes crisp romaine lettuce, radicchio, red onion, fresh tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers, and provolone cheese. Celery and sun-dried tomatoes can also be added for extra crunch and flavour.
Provolone is a great addition to antipasto, especially when paired with salami, olives, and red wine. It can also be enjoyed with charcuterie, such as Prosciutto, Coppa (Capocollo), Speck, or Porchetta.
While there are no specific recommendations for pairing provolone with pickles, the cheese could potentially be used in a "chickle" (a pickle wrapped in fried cheese) or Cheese Pickle Chips (made with shredded cheese and dill pickle slices). The acidity of pickles is known to cut through the richness and creaminess of cheese, making it a popular pairing.
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Using on sandwiches, pizza, or as a snack
Auricchio Provolone is a versatile Italian cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes or enjoyed on its own as a snack. Here are some ideas for using Auricchio Provolone on sandwiches, pizza, or as a snack:
Sandwiches
The sharp, nutty flavour of Auricchio Provolone makes it a delicious addition to sandwiches. Its firm texture allows for thin or thick slices, depending on your preference. Try layering it on a crusty baguette with cured meats, such as salami or prosciutto, and crisp vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and red onion. For an extra flavour boost, drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top.
For a heartier sandwich, grill your provolone sandwich in a panini press or skillet until the cheese is melted and oozing. You can also use Auricchio Provolone in grilled cheese sandwiches, pairing it with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey, flavourful bite.
Pizza
Auricchio Provolone is an excellent cheese for pizza due to its meltability and robust flavour. Shred or grate the cheese and sprinkle it generously over your pizza sauce before baking. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a delicious, slightly crispy topping. For an extra indulgent touch, add some torn basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil after baking.
You can also try using Auricchio Provolone as a stuffed crust option. Simply cut thin strips of the cheese, place them along the edge of your pizza dough, and fold the dough over to enclose the cheese. This will create a cheesy, crispy crust that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Snacks
Auricchio Provolone is a tasty snack on its own, especially when paired with complementary foods. Try slicing the cheese and enjoying it with fresh or dried fruit, such as apples, pears, or mandarin oranges. The sweetness of the fruit balances the sharpness of the cheese.
For a more savoury snack, pair Auricchio Provolone with cured meats, olives, and crackers. The cheese also goes well with nuts, charcuterie, and pickles. If you're feeling creative, make a cheese and wild mushroom tart for a delicious, cheesy snack or appetiser.
Remember, Auricchio Provolone is a strong-flavoured cheese, so a little goes a long way. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile and delicious Italian cheese!
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Melting for use in cooking
Auricchio Provolone is a legendary Italian cheese that was first handcrafted in 1877 with Gennaro Auricchio's "secret family recipe". It is a sharp, intense, and distinctive-flavoured cheese that is perfect for antipasto, sandwiches, and cheese boards.
Melted provolone cheese can be used to make a smooth and creamy sauce that can be drizzled over pasta, sandwiches, or vegetables. It can also be used as a topping for cheesesteaks. Here is a basic recipe for provolone cheese sauce:
Ingredients
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk or Cream
- Provolone Cheese
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour.
- Cook for a minute or two until the mixture turns a light brown.
- Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add in the cheese.
- Whisk together until the cheese is melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen, but the texture may alter upon reheating. To thicken the sauce, whisk in a small amount of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water and let it simmer until thickened.
Some people also recommend adding a small amount of processed cheese or cream cheese to help with the melting process and create a smoother sauce.
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Grating over pasta or stuffed peppers
Grating Auricchio Provolone over pasta or stuffed peppers is a delicious way to add a sharp, creamy, and complex flavour to your dish. This aged Italian Provolone is a popular choice for pasta dishes and can be used in a variety of ways.
When grating over pasta, it is best to use a generous amount of the cheese. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt generously. Cook your choice of pasta until it is al dente. For a pasta al provolone, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper in a separate pan. Simmer the mixture and turn off the heat while the pasta cooks. Once the pasta is ready, transfer it to the sauce pan along with a ladle of the pasta water. Turn the heat to medium/high and stir in a generous grating of Auricchio Provolone. Serve immediately with a topping of lemon zest.
For stuffed peppers, hot cherry peppers are a popular choice. To make grilled prosciutto-wrapped stuffed cherry peppers, combine ricotta and provolone cheeses with a touch of basil. Stuff the peppers with this mixture and wrap them with prosciutto. Cook the peppers on a grill until they are ready. The provolone will lend a sharp bite to the peppers, making them taste more fruity than hot.
Auricchio Provolone is a versatile cheese that can enhance the flavour of pasta and stuffed peppers. Its sharp and creamy taste makes it a popular choice for grating, adding a rich and complex flavour to your dishes.
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Serving plain
Auricchio Provolone is a full-fat, semi-hard, Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is regarded as one of the best-tasting provolone cheeses in the world. The taste varies from mild to sharp and savory, depending on its age. The sharpness of the cheese receives mixed feedback, with some customers saying it has the right amount while others find it not sharp enough.
When serving plain, it is best to slice the cheese thinly. You can serve these slices with popular Italian cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and speck. It is also a great addition to a charcuterie board, pairing well with fruits, vegetables, and pickles.
The cheese is also a great snack on its own. If you are a fan of strong cheese, this is the one for you. It has a pungent smell, and its flavor is described as robust, nutty, and piquant.
Auricchio Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways. However, sometimes, the simplest way to enjoy a high-quality cheese is to eat it plain, allowing its unique and intense flavor to shine through.
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Frequently asked questions
Auricchio Provolone is a full-fat, semi-hard, Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is one of the most popular brands of provolone cheese worldwide and is known for its sharp, aged flavour.
The taste of Auricchio Provolone varies with age, from mild to savoury and hearty. It has a robust, nutty, and piquant flavour and is often described as pungent.
Auricchio Provolone should be stored in the refrigerator. It can be served sliced on sandwiches, pizza, or as a snack. It can also be melted for use in cooking.
Auricchio Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of foods. It can be served with fruit, vegetables, charcuterie, and pickles. It is also excellent in salads and antipasto and pairs well with salami, crackers, olives, and red wine.
