Cheese And Pancetta: Perfect Pairing For Your Palate

what kind of cheese goes with pancetta

Pancetta is a salt-cured pork belly meat product, similar to bacon, but not smoked and not thin. It is commonly used in Italian cooking to add depth to soups and pasta. When it comes to cheese, a popular pairing with pancetta is Parmigiano Reggiano, but other hard Italian cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are also used. For a creamy sauce, tossing the cheese with a little pasta water works well. For a more indulgent option, a cheese sauce can be made with butter, flour, milk, and cheese, with pancetta and thyme added.

Characteristics Values
Cheese type Cheddar, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, Pecorino Romano, Gruyere, Mascarpone, Grana Padano
Cheese quantity 150g
Pasta type Penne, Orecchiette, Gnocchi, Linguine, Rigatoni, Fusilli
Pasta quantity 300g fresh or 100g dried

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Parmigiano Reggiano

When buying Parmigiano Reggiano, it is best to buy a wedge and grate it yourself, as pre-grated varieties tend to be lower quality. The cheese is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, but it is particularly well-suited to pairing with meats such as pancetta.

When pairing Parmigiano Reggiano with pancetta, the cheese can be grated over the top of the dish, or mixed through. It is a good idea to add the cheese at the end of the cooking process, as this will preserve its flavour and texture.

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Cheddar

For a savoury breakfast option, smoked cheddar and pancetta scones are a tasty treat. The salty, crunchy bite of the pancetta combined with the sharp, smoky flavour of the cheddar creates a delicious, hearty breakfast option.

Finally, cheddar and pancetta can be combined in a deep tin tart. This savoury dish is simple to make and can be adapted to be vegetarian-friendly by leaving out the pancetta. The mature cheddar adds a sharp, tangy flavour to the tart, complementing the saltiness of the pancetta.

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Gruyère

Pancetta, Gruyère, Parmesan and Fontina Mac & Cheese

This is a hearty, comforting dish, perfect for a cold day. The recipe includes a combination of cheeses, milk, mustard, and hot sauce, resulting in a creamy, flavourful sauce. The pancetta is cooked slowly to render the fat, and the dish is baked until the breadcrumbs are browned.

Pancetta and Gruyère Breakfast Casserole

This is a delicious breakfast or brunch option. It includes frozen shredded hash browns, diced pancetta, eggs, half-and-half, and rosemary, creating a savoury and satisfying meal. The key is to cook the hash browns before assembling the casserole to avoid sogginess.

Pancetta & Gruyere Quiche

This quiche is an excellent choice for a special occasion, such as Mother's Day. It combines pancetta, mascarpone cheese, green onions, and gruyere cheese in a buttery, flour-dusted tart pan. The quiche is baked until set and golden, resulting in a delicious and elegant dish.

Pasta with Cheese Sauce

For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try making a cheese sauce with Gruyère to serve with pancetta and pasta. The sauce is made with butter, flour, milk, and cheese, and can be customised with additional ingredients like bacon, thyme, or mushrooms. It's a versatile and tasty option.

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Parmesan

When cooking with Parmesan, it is important to use real Parmigiano Reggiano, or similar hard Italian cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. These cheeses have a strong flavour that will stand up to the other ingredients in the dish.

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Mascarpone

When making mascarpone, the whey is removed from the cream without pressing or aging. It is made by heating heavy cream and adding lemon juice or the residual tartaric acid from the bottom or sides of wine barrels. The mixture is then cooled to room temperature, poured into a cheesecloth-lined colander, and chilled and strained for one to two days.

Frequently asked questions

Gruyere is a fantastic melting option for any cheese recipe.

Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, and Grana Padano are all great options.

A combination of sharp cheddar, parmesan, and mascarpone cheese.

Pancetta is the best substitute for guanciale.

Cheddar, parmesan, and monterey jack are all good options.

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