Frederic Melton
Prosciutto is a flagship Italian cured meat that is often included in charcuterie boards. When creating the perfect charcuterie board, cheese plays an important role. Prosciutto has a delicate, creamy, and buttery flavour and texture, and its sweet-savoury notes are complemented by smooth and delicate cheeses. Some popular cheese pairings include provolone, mozzarella, parmesan, blue cheese, and halloumi. For those who enjoy a salty and sharp flavour profile, parmesan and mozzarella are ideal choices. In contrast, provolone, mozzarella, blue cheese, and halloumi offer a smoother and tangier taste experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, Blue Cheese, Halloumi, Provolone, Feta, Manchego, Double Gloucester, Piave, Aged or Young Cheddar, Petit Basque, Gorgonzola |
| Wine | Prosecco, Chianti, Pinot Grigio, Rosé, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc |
| Fruit | Grapes, Cantaloupe, Pear |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella
A simple and popular way to serve prosciutto and mozzarella is to wrap the prosciutto around the mozzarella. This can be done by cutting the prosciutto slices in half lengthwise, adding a basil leaf, and then placing a mozzarella ball or stick on top. The prosciutto is then rolled around the basil and mozzarella, and secured with a cocktail stick. These prosciutto-wrapped mozzarella bites can be served as a simple and irresistible appetizer, either cold or warmed in the oven for a short time.
For a more substantial dish, prosciutto and mozzarella can be served together on grilled garlic toasts, or as part of a charcuterie platter.
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Parmigiano Reggiano
When pairing Parmigiano Reggiano with prosciutto, you can create a delightful combination of sweet, savoury, and salty flavours. Traditionally, Italians often enjoy Parmigiano Reggiano with prosciutto, along with some cantaloupe or pear. This combination adds a sweet element to the savoury and salty flavours of the cheese and meat.
For a different flavour profile, you could also pair Parmigiano Reggiano with prosciutto and grapes. The sweetness and juiciness of grapes complement the savouriness of prosciutto, creating a tasty contrast.
To elevate your tasting experience even further, consider adding wine to your pairing of Parmigiano Reggiano and prosciutto. A light and bubbly Prosecco can cleanse the palate and complement the saltiness of the prosciutto. Alternatively, a classic Italian Chianti, with its bright acidity and fruity notes, will pair well with the savoury elements of the cheese and meat. A crisp Pinot Grigio or a dry, fruity Rosé will also provide refreshing contrasts to the richness and saltiness of the prosciutto.
With its long history and artisanal production, Parmigiano Reggiano is a delicious and traditional choice to pair with prosciutto, offering a range of flavour profiles to explore and enjoy.
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Blue Cheese
When creating a charcuterie board with prosciutto and blue cheese, consider adding some fruits and wines to enhance the tasting experience. For example, the sweetness of grapes can complement the savouriness of prosciutto, while a light and bubbly Prosecco can cleanse the palate and further balance the saltiness of the meat.
In addition to blue cheese, other cheeses that go well with prosciutto include Parmigiano Reggiano, mozzarella, feta, and Spanish Manchego. Prosciutto can also be enjoyed with various foods besides cheese, such as fruits like cantaloupe or pear, or in sandwiches, pastas, and salads.
When choosing a wine to pair with prosciutto and blue cheese, consider a dry wine like Pinot Grigio, which has bright acidity and refreshing flavours that can balance the richness of prosciutto. A classic Italian red wine like Chianti can also work well with its fruity notes.
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Provolone
When making this sandwich, it is recommended to use firm bread, such as Italian bread or sourdough, to stand up to the filling ingredients and provide a satisfying crunch. The provolone can be smoked or unsmoked, depending on your preference. The salty and sweet flavours of the prosciutto and melon pair well with the smoked provolone, creating a flavourful and satisfying bite.
For those who enjoy a more classic pairing, provolone can also be served with prosciutto as part of a charcuterie board. Provolone is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery flavour that can complement the saltiness of prosciutto. It is often served sliced, cubed, or melted, providing a versatile option for various presentations.
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Grapes and Wine
When it comes to grapes and wine, the sweetness and juiciness of grapes pair perfectly with the savoury prosciutto. The right wine can further enhance the overall tasting experience.
For a classic Italian pairing, opt for a Chianti, a bright and fruity red wine with high acidity that complements the savoury notes of the prosciutto. If you're looking for something bubbly, Prosecco is an excellent choice. Its light, sparkling nature and crisp, refreshing flavours cleanse the palate and beautifully balance the richness of prosciutto.
For white wine enthusiasts, a dry Pinot Grigio with high acidity creates a harmonious combination. If you prefer a more full-bodied white, a Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect pairing, with its brilliant acidity cutting through the richness of the prosciutto.
For a bolder option, consider a Sangiovese. This wine boasts high acidity and cherry fruit flavours, which can complement the slightly sweet and savoury qualities of prosciutto.
If you're serving prosciutto with grapes and want to elevate the experience with a touch of creaminess, consider pairing it with a cheese like Brie or Burrata. The rich and creamy texture of Brie pairs wonderfully with the savoury saltiness of prosciutto. On the other hand, the creamy, buttery texture of Burrata provides a beautiful contrast to the thin, salty slices of prosciutto.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular cheeses to pair with prosciutto include:
- Mozzarella
- Blue cheese
- Halloumi
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Grana Padano
- Provolone
A dry, acidic wine like Pinot Grigio or a fruity wine like Chianti or Sangiovese will complement the savouriness of prosciutto.
Grapes, pears, and cantaloupe are all great options to pair with prosciutto.
A classic Italian charcuterie board typically includes Prosciutto, Coppa (Capocollo), Speck, and Porchetta with cheeses like Provolone, Gorgonzola, and Asiago.
A good substitute for prosciutto depends on the dish, but some options include bacon or pancetta.
