Frederic Melton
Prosciutto is a fine Italian meat that is dry-cured to achieve a buttery, smooth texture and a delicate flavour that is slightly sweet and salty. When it comes to cheese pairings, prosciutto works well with strong cheeses that can stand up to the cured meat's full flavour. Salty, sharp and nutty cheeses are classic pairings, with Parmesan, pecorino and grana padano being popular choices. Other options include provolone, mozzarella, blue cheese, halloumi, feta, smoked gouda, and gruyere. For a charcuterie platter, prosciutto can be paired with a variety of cheeses, such as brie and goat cheese, and complemented with crackers, nuts, fruits, and jams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese texture | Smooth, delicate, creamy, crumbly, hard, soft, semi-hard, sharp, salty, nutty, tangy, unripened, blue, soft, white, buttery, fresh, light, dry |
| Cheese type | Provolone, Parmigiano Reggiano, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Stilton, Feta, Spanish Manchego, Double Gloucester, Piave, Aged or young cheddar, Smoked mozzarella, Petit Basque, Blue cheese, Halloumi, Goat cheese, Brie, Gorgonzola, Smoked gouda, Gruyere, Havarti |
| Other foods | Cantaloupe, Pear, Port, Cracker, Pretzel, Nuts, Salami, Pepperoni, Fruit jams, Melons, Grapes, Dried figs, Sweet melon, Salads, Sandwiches |
| Wine | Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc |
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella
For a summer treat, fresh buffalo mozzarella is a must-try with prosciutto. The Mozzarella di Bufala Campana is a unique, fresh stretched-curd cheese made from buffalo milk that can only be found in Italy. Its one-of-a-kind characteristics make it a perfect match for prosciutto.
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Parmesan
For a classic Italian appetizer, you could try wrapping a slice of prosciutto around a chunk of parmesan. Alternatively, grate some parmesan over a pasta dish topped with prosciutto.
When selecting a cheese to pair with prosciutto, it's important to choose a strong cheese that can stand up to the full flavour of the cured meat. Prosciutto can easily overpower milder cheeses, so it's best to go for something salty, sharp or nutty.
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Blue cheese
A popular way to combine blue cheese and prosciutto is in a grilled sandwich. To make this, place some fig, pear, or grape preserves on a slice of sourdough bread. Cover with blue cheese, then add a couple of slices of prosciutto. Place another slice of bread on top, spread butter or mayonnaise on the top-facing side, and grill.
Another option is to wrap pieces of blue cheese and pear in prosciutto, securing it with a toothpick. This easy-to-make appetiser is sweet, salty, and tangy.
For a lighter option, you can stuff figs with blue cheese and wrap them in prosciutto, grilling or air-frying them for 5-6 minutes. This combination of salt, acid, and sweet can be served on a bed of baby arugula with a light vinaigrette.
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Halloumi
A popular way to serve halloumi and prosciutto is to roll pieces of halloumi in slices of prosciutto, creating bites or an appetizer that combines the flavours of both ingredients. This dish can be cooked in a skillet with olive oil for a Mediterranean twist.
For a more decadent option, halloumi and prosciutto can be served with baked figs and basil. The salty ham and melted cheese complement the sweet figs, creating a heavenly combination. This dish can be served as a starter or a decadent bite with drinks.
Another creative way to incorporate halloumi and prosciutto into your meal is by making a prosciutto-wrapped halloumi dish with a melon and mint salad on the side. The melon adds a refreshing touch to the savoury flavours of the halloumi and prosciutto, while the mint provides a punchy finish.
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Feta
A simple way to enjoy this combination is in a salad. A summer salad might include juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, pickled red onions, fresh basil and mint, and crispy prosciutto, all topped with feta. You could also add some pineapple chunks, walnuts, and a balsamic vinegar and jam dressing. Alternatively, try a Greek-style salad with feta, prosciutto, olives, and tomatoes.
For a more substantial meal, feta and prosciutto can be added to a pizza. Top a pizza base with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, black olives, feta, and oregano, and bake. Then add the prosciutto and bake for a few more minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Classic cheese pairings with prosciutto include parmesan, pecorino, and grana padano.
Prosciutto tends to pair well with crumbly, hard, and soft cheeses.
Some examples of strong cheeses that go well with prosciutto include smoked gouda, provolone, gorgonzola, and manchego.
You can serve prosciutto and cheese on a charcuterie board, with crackers, or in a panini sandwich.
