Bushra Griffith
Prosciutto is a cured meat with a rich, concentrated flavour and a tender texture that pairs well with many foods. When considering what cheese to serve with prosciutto, it is important to select a cheese that can stand up to its full flavour. Prosciutto is often served on an antipasto platter or cheese board with a variety of cheeses, fruits, and nuts. Some classic cheese pairings include Parmigiano-Reggiano, burrata, mozzarella, and Gorgonzola. These cheeses offer a range of textures and flavours that complement the prosciutto, from the nutty and salty Parmigiano-Reggiano to the creamy and buttery burrata. When creating a prosciutto and cheese dish, it is also common to add ingredients such as bread, olive oil, basil, and tomatoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese texture | Crumbly, hard, and soft cheeses |
| Cheese type | Salty, sharp, pungent, nutty |
| Cheese examples | Parmigiano-Reggiano, Burrata, Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Feta, Mascarpone, Gruyère |
| Other accompaniments | Olives, nuts, fruits (melon, figs, persimmons), wines (dry rosé), olive oil |
| Serving suggestions | Antipasto platter, panini, bruschetta, salads, sandwiches, cheese trays, appetizers |
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What You'll Learn
Salads, sandwiches, and antipasto platters
For a simple yet classic bruschetta, grill a slice of rustic bread, top it with prosciutto, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Another option is to make a pressed sandwich with prosciutto and melon, a classic combination that is perfect for a summer lunch.
Prosciutto is also commonly served on an antipasto platter with cheese, olives, and nuts. A good practice when pairing cheese and prosciutto is to choose a cheese that can stand up to the full flavor of the prosciutto. Cheeses with a pronounced salty, sharp, or nutty flavor, like Parmigiano-Reggiano, are excellent choices. For a bolder option, consider a tangy and creamy Gorgonzola, or other pungent blue-veined cheeses, which pair well with the saltiness of the prosciutto. To add a touch of sweetness, include some chewy dried figs or melon.
When it comes to salads, prosciutto and arugula are a classic combination. Enhance this duo with toasted walnuts, fresh black figs, and Gorgonzola crumbles for a salad that's both delicious and visually appealing. For a heartier salad, combine grilled pork loins with a green bean and prosciutto salad.
Whether it's a simple bruschetta or a more intricate salad, the key to successful pairing is to choose cheeses that complement the delicate, savory flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture of prosciutto.
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Parmigiano-Reggiano
One classic way to serve Parmigiano-Reggiano with prosciutto is in a simple pasta dish. The pasta is topped with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and prosciutto, and is often served with a rich tomato sauce, creating a delicious blend of savoury flavours. The salty prosciutto and nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese balance out the sweetness of the tomato sauce, making for a unique and flavourful dish.
Another option is to create a charcuterie board with prosciutto and Parmigiano-Reggiano as the stars. The salty, nutty flavour of the cheese pairs beautifully with the thin, delicate slices of prosciutto, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. This pairing can be enhanced with complementary fruits, wines, and other cheeses, such as burrata, mozzarella, or Gorgonzola.
When choosing Parmigiano-Reggiano to pair with prosciutto, it is important to select a high-quality cheese. The best Parmigiano-Reggianos are made with milk from cows that are bred and fed in the Parma region, as the local forage gives the milk its unique flavour. Look for a hard, granular cheese with a nutty aroma and a salty taste to ensure the perfect complement to the prosciutto.
Whether served in a pasta dish or on a charcuterie board, Parmigiano-Reggiano is an excellent choice to pair with prosciutto. Its nutty, salty flavour and gritty texture enhance the savoury taste of prosciutto, creating a classic Italian flavour profile that is sure to please.
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Burrata
When preparing a burrata and prosciutto dish, it is recommended to use the best quality ingredients you can find and buy. You can serve it as a simple salad or appetiser, or get creative and make it into a sandwich. Here are some ways to prepare and serve burrata with prosciutto:
Salad or Appetiser
For a plated salad or appetiser, start by arranging a bed of rocket or arugula leaves on a serving platter. These leaves add colour and a peppery flavour to the dish, contrasting with the richness of the burrata. You can also add other greens like baby spinach leaves. Then, top with torn prosciutto slices. Place the burrata in the centre of the platter, adding freshly ground black pepper and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can also add a pinch of salt, but remember that prosciutto and burrata are already quite salty. Serve with crostini, a toasted baguette, or crusty bread on the side.
With Tomatoes
Another option is to serve burrata and prosciutto with ripe tomatoes. Simply place the tomato and prosciutto slices on a platter, then top with torn burrata. Drizzle with olive oil and add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This combination produces a simple yet impressive-looking salad that works well on an antipasto platter.
With Fruits
If you want to turn this pairing into a heartier meal, try making a burrata and prosciutto sandwich. You can use a ciabatta roll or your favourite bread. Spread the burrata on the bread, add prosciutto slices, and top with your choice of greens, such as arugula or basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or glaze, and enjoy!
Remember to bring the burrata to room temperature before serving to enjoy its soft and creamy texture at its best.
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Gorgonzola
If the flavour becomes overwhelming, you can drizzle some honey over your gorgonzola and prosciutto to calm things down. For a salad, combine gorgonzola with arugula, prosciutto, and caramelized onions.
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Mozzarella
One simple way to serve mozzarella and prosciutto is to cut the mozzarella into 3 to 4-inch-long matchsticks, about 1/2-inch thick. Then, cut a piece of prosciutto into a rectangle and trim the fat off the edges. Place a large basil leaf (or two small ones) on the prosciutto, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Put a mozzarella stick on the basil, and roll up the prosciutto around the cheese and basil. Repeat with the remaining prosciutto, cheese, and basil, and serve! These prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella sticks can be served at room temperature or warmed in the oven for a few minutes. They can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several cheeses that go well with prosciutto, including Parmigiano Reggiano, mozzarella, blue cheese, feta, and halloumi.
Prosciutto is a delicate, buttery, and salty meat, so cheeses that complement or contrast with these qualities tend to be good pairings.
Parmigiano Reggiano is a classic Italian pairing with prosciutto. Prosciutto is also often wrapped around fruit, such as cantaloupe or pear, and enjoyed with cheese.
For a bolder pairing, try gorgonzola or another tangy and creamy cheese with prosciutto.
If you're looking for a salty cheese to pair with prosciutto, try Sbrinz with prosciutto di San Daniele or marinated fresh mozzarella ciliegine with prosciutto di Carpegna DOP.
