A Hearty Meal Companion: Asiago Cheese's Perfect Pairings

Asiago cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a variety of dishes with its nutty, salty, and creamy flavour. It is a semi-hard Italian cheese, often used grated or shredded, that can add a rich taste to recipes. So, what goes well with Asiago cheese?

Asiago in salads

Asiago is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of salads. Its nutty, salty, and creamy flavour makes it a great addition to many salad recipes. Here are some ways to incorporate Asiago into your salad creations:

Grated Asiago

Grated Asiago is a great way to add a sharp, nutty flavour to your salads. Its strong flavour means that a little goes a long way, so you can use it sparingly to elevate your dish. Grated Asiago is a perfect topping for salads with bitter greens, fruits, and nuts. It also pairs well with meat-based salads, such as a classic Caesar salad.

Fresh Asiago

If you're looking for a softer, milder flavour, fresh Asiago is a great option. It has a smooth texture and a mild taste, making it a good match for salads with fresh greens and vegetables. Fresh Asiago can also be shredded to add a creamy texture to your salad.

Aged Asiago

Aged Asiago has a firmer texture and a stronger flavour than its fresh counterpart. It can be grated or cubed and added to your salad for a more intense, pungent taste. This type of Asiago is best suited for salads with stronger flavours, such as those with roasted vegetables or meats.

Asiago in Salad Dressings

In addition to using Asiago as a topping, you can incorporate it into your salad dressings. Grated Asiago can be added to creamy dressings, such as a Parmesan or Alfredo sauce, for a stronger, nuttier flavour. You can also mix fresh Asiago into your dressing for a creamier consistency.

Asiago Salad Combinations

When creating an Asiago salad, consider pairing it with other ingredients such as:

• Fruits: Asiago goes well with salads containing fruits like peaches, tomatoes, or berries.
• Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds can add a crunchy texture to your Asiago salad.
• Meats: Salami, prosciutto, or chicken pair well with the nutty flavour of Asiago.
• Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, summer squash, or artichokes can be a delicious addition to your Asiago salad.
• Dressings: A simple vinaigrette or a creamy ranch dressing can complement the Asiago flavour.

Remember, when using Asiago in salads, you can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences. Asiago has a distinct flavour, so start with a small amount and add more if needed. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile cheese!

Asiago in soups

Asiago is a semi-hard table cheese with a nutty and semi-sweet flavour. It is often used as a grating cheese to serve over soups, pastas, salads, appetizers, and gravies.

Asiago Bisque

A French-style creamy soup, the Asiago Bisque is a rich and comforting meal. The ingredients include:

• Diced veggies (white onion, celery, and carrots)
• Potatoes, cut into small, bite-sized pieces
• White wine
• Stock (chicken or seafood)
• Half-and-half (or heavy cream)
• Shredded Asiago cheese
• Bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

To make the bisque, sauté the veggies in butter until tender, then stir in the potatoes, wine, and stock. Simmer for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the cream and Asiago. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully incorporated and the soup is smooth.

Other Soup Ideas with Asiago

Asiago can be grated into a bowl of soup, such as minestrone, or added while cooking and discarded before serving. It can also be used in:

• Potato gratin
• Bread dough for bagels, rolls, or ciabatta
• Salads with bitter greens and fruit
• Spaghetti marinara and other pasta dishes
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, tomatoes, or summer squash
• Pizza, with mozzarella or non-traditional toppings like chicken, roasted red peppers, artichokes, and black olives

Asiago in sauces

Asiago is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of sauces. Its creamy, nutty flavour makes it a great addition to many dishes. Here are some ways to use Asiago in sauces:

Pasta Sauces

Asiago is an excellent cheese to use in pasta sauces. Its creamy texture and nutty flavour complement pasta dishes well. You can simply grate Asiago over your favourite pasta dish, such as spaghetti marinara, or create a more complex sauce by blending it with other ingredients. For example, you can make a cream sauce by mixing grated Asiago with mayonnaise and pouring it over chicken. You can also add Asiago to a tomato-based sauce for a creamier, nuttier flavour.

Creamy Dips

The creaminess of Asiago also makes it perfect for dips. You can make a simple yet delicious dip by baking Asiago with mozzarella, bacon, garlic, and cream cheese. For a healthier option, you can substitute Greek yoghurt or light mayonnaise. Another tasty dip option is to blend Asiago with sun-dried tomatoes and sour cream.

Salad Dressings

Asiago can also be used to make a delicious salad dressing. Its nutty flavour pairs well with bitter greens and fruits. You can make a simple dressing by mixing grated Asiago with olive oil, vinegar, and your choice of seasonings. You can also add other ingredients, such as honey or Dijon mustard, to create a more complex flavour profile.

Cream-Based Soups

In addition to pasta and dips, Asiago is an excellent choice for adding flavour to cream-based soups. Its creamy texture and nutty flavour complement soups such as potato, cheese, and French onion. Simply sprinkle grated Asiago over your favourite cream-based soup and let it melt slightly to create a rich, indulgent flavour.

Risotto

Creating a creamy risotto is easy with Asiago. Its melting quality and nutty flavour make it a perfect addition to this dish. You can use Asiago on its own or combine it with other cheeses such as Swiss, fontina, or gorgonzola for an even richer flavour.

With its unique flavour and creamy texture, Asiago is a versatile cheese that can enhance a variety of sauces. Its nutty flavour profile and melting quality make it a great choice for pasta dishes, dips, salad dressings, soups, and risottos.

Asiago in bread

Asiago cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate the flavour profile of your bread. Here are some ways to incorporate Asiago into your bread-making process:

Asiago Bread Dough

Add grated Asiago cheese to your bread dough to create a savoury treat. The cheese will impart a rich and nutty taste to the bread. You can also experiment with adding other types of cheese, such as Parmesan or Romano, for enhanced flavours. This dough can be used to make bagels, rolls, ciabatta, or a loaf of bread.

Asiago Cheese Bread

Make an Asiago cheese bread by stirring in the cheese at the beginning of the kneading process. This will infuse your dough with a delightful Asiago flavour. Before baking, coat the top of the bread with egg whites and sprinkle with additional cheese. This bread pairs well with soups or can be sliced for sandwiches.

Asiago Bread Toppings

If you're looking for a cheesy bread topping, sprinkle grated or shredded Asiago cheese on top of your loaf. This adds a rich and nutty garnish to your bread. You can also try mixing in other ingredients, such as toasted pecans, garlic, or fresh herbs, to create a unique and flavourful crust.

Asiago Bread Pairings

Asiago bread goes well with a variety of dishes. For a classic combination, pair it with your favourite soup, such as a cream-based soup or French onion soup. The cheese bread also complements salads, particularly those with fruits, nuts, or meat. Additionally, Asiago bread can be a tasty side for dishes like roasted vegetables or roasted chicken breast.

Asiago in pasta

Asiago is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of pasta dishes. Its mild but nutty flavour and semi-hard texture make it a great addition to creamy sauces and baked pasta recipes. Here are some ways to incorporate Asiago into your pasta creations:

Grated Asiago

The most common use of Asiago in pasta is as a grating cheese. Its sharp, nutty flavour can enhance the taste of your pasta dishes. Sprinkle grated Asiago over spaghetti marinara, or any other pasta dish. It pairs well with creamy sauces, such as an Alfredo sauce or a cream sauce with mushrooms. You can also mix it into the pasta dough for a nutty flavour throughout the dish.

Shredded Asiago

For a more pronounced Asiago flavour, shred the cheese and add it to your pasta. This is a great option for baked pasta dishes, such as a tortellini bake. You can also shred Asiago over a bowl of pasta Florentine for a creamy, cheesy dinner that's still light.

Asiago in Baked Pasta Dishes

Asiago is an excellent cheese to use in baked pasta recipes, such as pasta bakes and casseroles. Its creamy texture and nutty flavour can elevate a simple mac and cheese or a four-cheese risotto. Try combining Asiago with other cheeses, such as Swiss or fontina, for a decadent and flavourful dish.

Asiago in Creamy Pasta Sauces

If you're looking for a creamy sauce to pair with your pasta, Asiago is a great choice. Its smooth, buttery texture blends well with other ingredients to create a rich and savoury sauce. Try making an Asiago cream sauce by combining shredded Asiago with cream and fresh garlic. This sauce pairs well with chicken, sausage, and pasta.

Asiago-Crusted Pasta

For a unique presentation, try coating your pasta with Asiago cheese. This technique works well with stuffed pasta, such as tortellini or ravioli. Simply roll the stuffed pasta in shredded Asiago before baking or frying. The cheese will form a crispy, nutty crust that complements the softness of the pasta filling.

In conclusion, Asiago is a versatile cheese that can enhance the flavour and texture of your pasta dishes. Experiment with different forms of Asiago—grated, shredded, or melted—to find the perfect addition to your pasta creations.

Frequently asked questions