Cheese And Antipasto: Perfect Pairing For A Delicious Appetizer

Antipasto is an Italian-style appetiser that is a great way to start a meal or a party. It usually consists of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, nuts, fruits, and more. When it comes to choosing the right cheese for an antipasto platter, a range of cheeses with different tastes and textures is ideal. Some common options include fresh cheeses such as mozzarella, burrata, and bocconcini, as well as aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padano. Other cheeses that pair well with antipasto include provolone, gorgonzola, manchego, blue cheese, and aged gouda.

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Bel Paese

Mozzarella is a classic choice for an antipasto platter, as it is fresh, creamy, and mild. It pairs well with tomatoes and basil and can be cubed or sliced, or served as small marinated balls.

Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a sharp and nutty cheese that adds a bold flavor to an antipasto. It can be served in small chunks or shaved over the platter.

Bel Paese is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavor. It is a good choice for an antipasto as it can be paired with a variety of meats, vegetables, and accompaniments. Some ideas for including Bel Paese in an antipasto are:

• Bruschetta with Bel Paese, capers, and grilled friarielli
• Frittelle di melanzane (eggplant fritters) with Bel Paese
• Crostatine di zucca (small pumpkin tarts) with Bel Paese
• Bel Paese gratinato (gratinated Bel Paese) with green pepper and figs
• Fagottini (small parcels) of pancetta and Bel Paese

When creating an antipasto platter, it is recommended to include at least two types of cheese, preferably one soft or spreadable and one semi-soft or hard cheese. However, for a larger board, it is ideal to have one of each: one spreadable cheese, one soft cheese, and a couple of semi-soft and hard cheeses. In addition to the cheeses, an antipasto typically includes cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, or coppa; marinated vegetables such as artichokes, olives, and roasted peppers; and bread or crackers.

Spicy meats like salami, prosciutto, and chorizo

Fresh Cheeses: Bocconcini, Mozzarella, and Burrata

These fresh cheeses offer a mild and creamy texture that can help balance the spiciness of the meats. Bocconcini, also known as small balls of fresh mozzarella, can be marinated in herbs and olive oil to add extra flavour to your antipasto. Mozzarella is a versatile choice that pairs well with a variety of meats and vegetables. Burrata, made from mozzarella and cream, adds a rich and indulgent touch to your platter.

Aged Cheeses: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padano

Aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, or Grana Padano bring a sharp and salty flavour to the mix. These cheeses have a harder texture and a more intense taste that can stand up to the robust flavour of the spicy meats. Grate or shave these cheeses to sprinkle over your antipasto or offer them in bite-sized pieces.

Provolone or Gorgonzola

Provolone is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, nutty flavour that can add a creamy texture to your antipasto. It pairs well with spicy meats and can be served in cubes or slices. Gorgonzola, on the other hand, is a strong and pungent blue cheese that will add a bold flavour to your platter. Its creamy texture and salty taste make it an interesting contrast to the spicy meats.

Cheddar Cheese

While not traditionally Italian, cheddar cheese can be a surprising yet delicious addition to your antipasto. For chorizo, in particular, a sharp cheddar like Cabot's Seriously Sharp variety can be a perfect match for the spicy, smoky taste of the sausage. The bold flavour and texture of the cheese complement the chorizo beautifully.

When creating your antipasto platter or salad, feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses and meats to find your favourite combinations. You can also add marinated vegetables, nuts, fruits, and crackers or bread to create a well-rounded and visually appealing spread.

Fresh fruits like grapes, apples, and figs

Brie or Camembert

These soft, mild cheeses make a beautiful statement on any cheese board and go well with a variety of fruits. Pair them with apples, French bread, cherries, dates, figs, pistachios, and strawberries. Brie is especially delicious with a drizzle of honey.

Parmigiano-Reggiano

This famous Italian cheese is known for its sharp, nutty flavor and pairs perfectly with figs, apples, pears, dates, walnuts, grapes, and honey. Its distinct flavor and wedge shape will be a conversation starter at your next dinner party.

Burrata or Fresh Mozzarella

Soft, creamy, and mild, these cheeses are always a popular choice. They pair well with olive oil, prosciutto, Italian cured meats, and olives. Fresh mozzarella balls are also delicious with persimmon slices.

White Sharp Cheddar

A creamy white cheddar adds a touch of elegance to your antipasto. It pairs beautifully with apples, nuts, dates, honey, grapes, French bread, walnuts, and pears.

Mild Cheddar

A universally appealing cheese, mild cheddar is a safe choice if you're unsure about your guests' preferences. It pairs nicely with green apples, walnuts, pecans, pears, honey, grapes, and dates.

Gorgonzola

This creamy Italian blue cheese is a polarizing choice—people either love it or hate it! But if you know your guests appreciate its unique flavor, go for it. Gorgonzola pairs well with apples, honey, pears, almonds, figs, and candied walnuts.

When creating your antipasto platter, remember to include an assortment of textures, shapes, and strengths. Odd numbers of each item tend to be more visually appealing, and don't be afraid to fill the board generously. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations of fruits and cheeses to discover your favorite pairings!

Nuts like almonds, pine nuts, and pistachios

Nuts, such as almonds, pine nuts, and pistachios, are a fantastic addition to an antipasto platter. They provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavour that pairs beautifully with the other components of the dish. Here are some tips and ideas for including these nuts in your antipasto creation:

Almonds:

• Toasted almonds are a popular choice for antipasto platters, offering a crunchy and nutty flavour.
• Blanched almonds, which have been treated to remove their skins, can be a visually appealing option for your platter.
• Marcona almonds, a specific variety of almond from Spain, are also a tasty option.
• Almonds can be included as a bowl of assorted nuts, or you can get creative and pair them with other ingredients. For example, try wrapping almonds in slices of prosciutto or salami for a tasty bite-sized treat.

Pine Nuts:

• Pine nuts have a unique, buttery flavour and are softer than other nuts, making them a nice textural addition to your antipasto.
• Toasted pine nuts can be sprinkled over other ingredients, such as roasted vegetables or salads, to add a crunchy element.
• Pine nuts are also delicious when paired with semi-soft or hard cheeses, such as fontina or Pecorino Romano. Try placing a small bowl of pine nuts next to these cheeses on your platter.

Pistachios:

• Pistachios add a vibrant pop of green colour to your antipasto platter and have a distinctive flavour.
• Look for shelled pistachios to make it easier for your guests to enjoy.
• Pair pistachios with cured meats such as salami or prosciutto, or with semi-soft cheeses like brie or fontina.
• You can also incorporate pistachios into a homemade pesto or tapenade, which can be served as a dip alongside your antipasto.

When creating your antipasto platter, feel free to experiment and get creative with your combinations. Remember, the beauty of an antipasto is that it is meant to be a fun and flavourful way to stimulate the appetite before the main course. Enjoy the process of curating a delicious and visually appealing spread for your guests!

Marinated vegetables like artichoke hearts, peppers, and olives

When creating an antipasto with marinated vegetables, you can use either fresh or canned artichoke hearts. If using canned, opt for those that come pre-cut and drained, then simply add them to your salad. You can also include roasted red peppers, banana peppers, or chopped bell peppers. For the olives, try using both black and green olives for a beautiful contrast and a variety of flavours. Black olives tend to be milder in flavour, while green olives are saltier and brinier.

Now, for the cheeses! A sharp, tangy cheese will complement the marinated vegetables well. Here are some options to consider:

• Sharp Provolone: This cheese adds a bold, tangy flavour that pairs excellently with the other robust flavours in the antipasto.
• Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella, such as mozzarella pearls or balls, provides a creamy and mild taste.
• Cheddar: Extra sharp cheddar adds a nice punch of flavour, but you could also use mild cheddar for a subtler taste.
• Swiss, Colby, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, or White Cheddar: These cheeses offer a variety of flavours and textures that can enhance your antipasto.

So, the next time you're crafting an antipasto with marinated vegetables like artichoke hearts, peppers, and olives, consider pairing them with one or more of the suggested cheeses above. Enjoy creating a delicious and visually appealing dish!

Frequently asked questions