The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Mortadella

Mortadella is a type of Italian cured meat, often described as luxurious bologna. It is usually served in sandwiches, with cheese, and sometimes with beer. But what type of cheese goes well with mortadella?

Some sources suggest provolone, as used by Anthony Bourdain in his famous mortadella sandwich, inspired by a dish he ate in Brazil. However, some people dislike provolone, and are looking for alternatives. Suggestions include port salut, muenster, stracciatella, fontina Val d'Aosta, Monterey Jack, havarti, gouda, gruyere, and many more.

Mortadella is also often served as part of a charcuterie board, with a variety of cheeses. In this context, it is recommended to pair it with Pecorino, or Parmigiano Reggiano, both of which are produced in the same region of Italy as mortadella.

Provolone, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Pecorino are Italian cheeses that go well with mortadella

Mortadella is a type of Italian cured meat, similar to bologna, that is often served in sandwiches or on charcuterie boards. When it comes to cheese pairings, it is generally recommended to match the cheese and meat from the same region. As mortadella originates from Bologna, Italy, Italian cheeses are a good choice to pair with it.

Provolone is a semi-soft Italian cheese that is often used in mortadella sandwiches. It melts well and adds a creamy texture to the sandwich. In his cookbook, Anthony Bourdain recommends using provolone in his famous mortadella sandwich, which is inspired by a dish he ate in Brazil.

Parmigiano Reggiano, also known as Parmesan, is produced in the same region of Italy as mortadella, making it a natural pairing. It has a strong, nutty flavour that can enhance the taste of mortadella.

Pecorino is another Italian cheese that pairs well with mortadella. It has a mild aroma and many varieties to choose from, making it a versatile option. A suggested variety is Pecorino Toscano, which has a milky fragrance.

In addition to these Italian cheeses, other cheeses that can work well with mortadella include mozzarella, white American cheese, fontina, and havarti.

White American cheese is a good alternative to provolone

White American cheese is a good choice for a mortadella sandwich because it has a similar melting quality to provolone, which is often used in this type of sandwich. Provolone is a semi-soft cheese that melts well, and American cheese has a similar melting ability. This is important because it allows the cheese to blend with the other ingredients in the sandwich, creating a cohesive and tasty dish.

In addition, American cheese tends to have a milder flavour compared to provolone, which can be beneficial when pairing it with mortadella. Mortadella is an Italian cold cut with a well-balanced flavour, and its taste can be enhanced by a cheese that is not too overpowering. The mildness of American cheese can complement the mortadella without overwhelming its delicate notes.

Another advantage of using American cheese in a mortadella sandwich is its versatility. American cheese can be easily paired with a variety of other ingredients that are commonly used in mortadella sandwiches, such as arugula, tomatoes, banana peppers, and red onions. It provides a creamy texture and a subtle flavour that can enhance the overall taste of the sandwich without being too dominant.

Finally, American cheese is widely available and affordable, making it a convenient option for those who want to create a delicious mortadella sandwich without having to search for specialty cheeses. It is a familiar cheese to most people and can be found in grocery stores across the country, making it an accessible choice for home cooks.

Port Salut, Munster, and Scamorza are pungent cheeses that pair well with mortadella

Port Salut, Munster, and Scamorza are strong cheeses that complement the flavour of mortadella.

Port Salut is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese from France, with a mild flavour and distinctive orange rind. It is a mature cheese, so it can have a strong smell, but this does not affect its taste. This pungency makes it a good match for mortadella.

Munster, or Muenster, is a semi-soft cheese with an orange rind, made from cow's milk. It has a mild, smooth texture and a nutty flavour. In its aged form, it develops a more pungent aroma and a stronger flavour, which would pair well with mortadella.

Scamorza is an Italian cow's milk cheese, though it can be made from other types of milk. It is a 'stretched curd' cheese, which is often formed into a round, pear-like shape. It is usually white, but when smoked, it turns an almond colour with a lighter interior. Scamorza has a pungent flavour, making it a good match for mortadella.

These three cheeses, with their distinct aromas and flavours, offer a variety of complementary pairings with mortadella.

Mozzarella, pesto, and artichokes make for a good grilled cheese sandwich with mortadella

To make this sandwich, you'll need thin slices of a dense white bread, like a country loaf. It's important to avoid bread with big air holes, as the filling may seep out. The bread should be toasted in olive oil on both sides for better texture and flavour.

For the fillings, start by spreading minced anchovy fillets on half of the toasts, then layer on the fresh mozzarella, pesto, thinly sliced marinated artichoke hearts, and mortadella. Fresh mozzarella is recommended, as it has a fresher, milkier flavour than low-moisture mozzarella.

Once the sandwiches are assembled, they can be cooked in a skillet or a toaster oven until the cheese is melted. This sandwich is best served immediately.

In addition to the main ingredients, you can also add toppings such as black olives, pickled vegetables, or roasted red peppers to customize your sandwich.

Cheddar, Asiago, and Havarti are other cheese options that go well with mortadella

Mortadella is a type of Italian luncheon meat made from pork, originating from Bologna, Italy. It is often described as a luxurious version of bologna. It is usually served in sandwiches, accompanied by cheese.

Cheddar is a mild, non-mature, and relatively soft cheese that works well with mortadella. Its flavour is not overpowering, and it melts easily, making it a good option for grilled cheese sandwiches. Asiago is another cheese that can be paired with mortadella. It is an Italian cheese with a mild aroma and a milky fragrance, which enhances the flavour of mortadella. Asiago is produced in the same region as mortadella, making it a good choice for those who prefer to pair meats and cheeses from the same area.

Havarti is also a good option for those who enjoy creamy cheeses. Its creaminess works well with the zesty flavour of mortadella. Havarti is a semi-soft cheese that melts easily, making it suitable for grilled cheese sandwiches or toasties. It has a mild, fresh taste that will not overpower the mortadella.

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