Bushra Griffith
Asiago is a versatile cow's milk cheese that was first produced in Asiago, Italy. It is now made in several countries, including Italy, the United States, and Australia. Asiago can be used in a variety of dishes, including melted into sauces or dips, grated on flatbread or salads, or sliced for sandwiches. It is also a popular choice for cheese boards and pairs well with wine. The cheese has a nutty, creamy flavour and its texture can range from smooth to crumbly depending on its age.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Smooth, crumbly, chewy, dense, soft, buttery |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sharp, funky, sweet |
| Colour | White, slightly yellowish, straw |
| Type | Cow's milk cheese, Swiss-type or Alpine cheese |
| Use | Grated, melted, baked, cooked, shredded, topping, dip, salad dressing, pasta topping, sandwich slice |
| Pairing | Wine (crisp whites, bold reds, full-bodied Zinfandel), IPA, Saison, crackers, vanilla ice cream |
| Health | Contains calcium and vitamin A, good source of protein |
| Lactose content | Very close to zero |
| Storage | Refrigerate, use within 3-4 weeks, wrap unused portions in wax or parchment paper |
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What You'll Learn
Asiago cheese is used in salads, soups, pastas, and sauces when grated
Asiago cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used in grated form and is especially popular in salads, soups, pastas, and sauces. Here are some specific ways to incorporate grated Asiago cheese into these dishes:
Salads
The sharp and nutty flavour of grated Asiago cheese can enhance the taste of salads. Its texture can vary from smooth to crumbly, depending on the aging process, adding an interesting dimension to the salad. Grated Asiago can be sprinkled on top of a bed of greens, or mixed into the salad dressing to create a creamy and tangy flavour.
Soups
Asiago cheese can add depth and flavour to soups, especially when grated and used as a garnish. Its nutty and creamy characteristics can complement a variety of soup bases. Grated Asiago can also be mixed into the soup towards the end of cooking, allowing it to melt and create a rich and indulgent texture.
Pastas
Asiago cheese is a popular choice for pasta dishes. Its sharp flavour pairs well with neutral bases like pasta and complements sweet ingredients such as tomatoes. Grated Asiago can be sprinkled generously on top of pasta dishes, adding a salty and savoury note. It can also be mixed into the pasta dough for added flavour.
Sauces
The creamy and savoury characteristics of Asiago cheese make it an excellent addition to sauces. Grated Asiago can be incorporated into a variety of sauces, adding a rich and tangy flavour. It melts well, making it ideal for creating smooth and creamy sauces. Whether used as a garnish or as a base ingredient, grated Asiago can elevate the taste of sauces.
When using Asiago cheese, it is important to note that it has a long shelf life and can be stored in the refrigerator for extended periods when properly wrapped. Its versatility makes it a valuable ingredient for adding unique flavours to a variety of dishes.
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It can be melted on top of baked dishes like pasta bakes
Asiago cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be melted on top of baked dishes like pasta bakes. Its nutty, creamy flavour and texture make it a unique addition to any dish, especially those with neutral bases like pasta. Its sharp flavour also pairs well with sweet ingredients such as tomatoes.
When melted on top of pasta bakes, Asiago cheese adds a creamy texture and a nutty, salty taste. It can be used in place of Parmesan, although it has a slightly different flavour profile and texture. Asiago is nuttier and creamier than Parmesan, with a smoother texture that can become crumbly as the cheese ages.
The cheese can be grated and sprinkled on top of pasta bakes, or melted and mixed with other cheeses to create a sauce to pour over the dish. It can also be used in combination with other cheeses such as mozzarella, cream cheese, or Parmesan to create a unique fondue dip.
When using Asiago cheese in a pasta bake, it is important to consider the other ingredients in the dish. Asiago pairs well with roasted vegetables, chicken, black olives, and artichokes. It can also be used in combination with other cheeses in dishes such as creamy Asiago and mushroom ravioli or bacon or garlicky pasta.
In addition to pasta bakes, Asiago cheese can be melted on top of a variety of other baked dishes to add a creamy texture and nutty flavour.
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Asiago is a good cheese to melt into sauces or dips
Asiago cheese, first produced in Asiago, Italy, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used in melted and baked recipes, such as sauces, dips, and baked dishes. Its sharp flavour pairs well with neutral bases like bread or pasta, and its nutty and creamy characteristics make it a unique addition to charcuterie and cheese boards.
When melted, Asiago cheese adds a distinct flavour to sauces and dips. Its smooth texture when young makes it ideal for melting, enhancing the taste and consistency of the final product. For instance, it can be combined with cream cheese or mozzarella to create a fondue dip with a unique twist. The fondue can be served with a variety of dippers, such as bread, vegetables, or meats, for a delicious and indulgent snack.
Asiago cheese can also be incorporated into sauces for pasta dishes. Its sharpness complements the neutrality of pasta, and it pairs particularly well with roasted vegetables, chicken, black olives, and artichokes. For a simple yet flavourful dish, try a creamy Asiago cheese tortellini or mushroom ravioli. Alternatively, create a hearty bacon cream sauce to pair with chicken or garlicky pasta. The versatility of Asiago cheese allows it to enhance a range of flavours and satisfy various taste preferences.
In addition to its culinary uses, Asiago cheese offers nutritional benefits as well. It is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and protein, making it a valuable addition to a vegetarian diet. However, like all cheeses, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high-calorie content from milk fat. Nevertheless, its versatility, flavour, and nutritional profile make Asiago cheese a valuable ingredient to incorporate into sauces or dips, adding a unique and indulgent touch to any meal.
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It can be added to bread before baking
Asiago cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be added to bread before baking. It can be incorporated into the dough or used as a crust for added flavour. The sharp, nutty taste of Asiago pairs well with neutral bases like bread, enhancing the flavour of the dish.
When making bread, Asiago can be added to the dough before baking. This can be done by mixing grated or shredded Asiago into the flour mixture. The amount of cheese added can be adjusted to taste, but a generous amount will provide a distinct flavour and a chewy, dense texture. This method is commonly used to make Asiago bagels, which have become a popular offering at bagel shops and artisan cafes.
For a more intense flavour, Asiago can be used as a crust on bread. This involves sprinkling grated Asiago on top of the dough before baking, creating a cheesy crust. This technique can be used for a variety of bread types, such as panini or flatbreads.
The versatility of Asiago cheese extends beyond its use in bread. It can be melted into sauces or dips, grated over pasta, or used as a topping for pizzas. Its sharp flavour and creamy texture make it a suitable substitute for Parmesan in many dishes. Asiago is also a popular choice for cheese boards, pairing well with both crisp white and bold red wines.
When using Asiago in bread-making, it is important to consider the type of Asiago cheese. Fresh Asiago, or Asiago Pressato, melts well and is ideal for adding to dough. Aged Asiago, or Asiago d'Allevo, has a firmer texture and is better suited for grating over bread before baking.
In conclusion, Asiago cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour and texture of bread when added before baking. Its sharp, nutty taste complements neutral bases, making it a popular choice for bread-making and a variety of other culinary applications.
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Asiago is used in place of Parmesan, especially as a pasta topping
Asiago is a versatile cheese with a nutty, creamy flavour and a texture that ranges from smooth to crumbly depending on its age. It is often used in place of Parmesan, especially as a pasta topping, and can be incorporated into a variety of dishes.
Asiago cheese, named after the town of Asiago in Italy, is a cow's milk cheese that has been produced in the Veneto region for centuries. It is now also made in other parts of the world, including the United States and Australia. The cheese-making process involves heating a combination of skim and whole milk and adding specific enzymes to form curds, which are then kneaded and cooked. The curds are then shaped into rounds and undergo a drying and curing process before being aged.
The versatility of Asiago cheese lies in its ability to complement various dishes. It can be melted into sauces, dips, or grated onto flatbreads and pasta. Its nutty flavour pairs well with neutral bases such as bread or pasta and sweet ingredients like tomatoes. Asiago is a popular choice for cheese boards, adding a unique flavour to charcuterie selections. It can also be added to bread before baking or melted into a cheese dip, enhancing the taste of dishes like fondue when combined with cream cheese or mozzarella.
When compared to Parmesan, Asiago has a nuttier and creamier taste. Its texture can vary, ranging from smooth to crumbly, while Parmesan is known for its hard and crumbly consistency. Asiago's versatility and flavour profile make it a suitable substitute for Parmesan, especially as a pasta topping. Its sharpness and smoothness also make it ideal for snacking and cooking.
In terms of nutritional value, Asiago cheese contains calcium and vitamin A. It is also a good source of protein, making it a valuable addition to vegetarian diets. However, like all cheeses, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high-calorie content from milk fat. Asiago is also not completely lactose-free, but the ageing process significantly reduces its lactose content.
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Frequently asked questions
Asiago is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used in melted or baked recipes, such as sauces, dips, and baked dishes like pasta bakes. It can also be grated or shredded and added to salads, soups, pastas, and flatbreads. Fresh Asiago is often sliced and used in sandwiches or paninis.
Asiago cheese has a nutty, creamy, and sharp flavour. Its taste can vary depending on its age, ranging from smooth and soft when fresh to crumbly and granular when aged.
Asiago cheese should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within three to four weeks of opening to prevent it from drying out. However, some sources claim that it can be kept in the refrigerator "basically forever" as long as it is well wrapped, as its low moisture content prevents mould growth.
