Best Cheeses To Pair With Prosciutto

Prosciutto is a fine Italian meat that is dry-cured to achieve a buttery, smooth texture. It is often sliced thinly and served in sandwiches, pastas, and salads. The perfect prosciutto board or antipasto platter includes the right combination of meats and cheeses. So, what kind of cheese goes well with prosciutto? A classic pairing is Parmigiano Reggiano, but other options include provolone, mozzarella, blue cheese, halloumi, feta, and gorgonzola.

Mozzarella

For a more summery option, you can add some sliced apple, arugula, and a hot honey balsamic dressing to the prosciutto and mozzarella. This combination can be served as a chilled appetizer or as a quick lunch or snack.

Parmigiano Reggiano

The process of making Parmigiano Reggiano has been the same since the 14th century when it was perfected by Benedictine and Cistercian monks. First, the milk is mixed with a lactic acid starter and pure calf's rennet. Then, the mixture is left to dry and is transferred to round wooden forms to give them their characteristic wheel shape. The wheels are then soaked in a sea-salt solution for 20-25 days before being taken into the aging room for a year. Every 10 days, each wheel is carefully wiped, brushed, and turned. After 12 months, certified cheese testers determine if the wheels meet the standards of the Consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano. The wheels that pass are fire-branded with the oval certification mark and continue to age for another 12 months, as 24 months is the ideal aging time.

Provolone

When it comes to pairing Provolone with prosciutto, the cheese's delicate and smooth texture and flavour beautifully complement the sweet and savoury notes of the meat. The contrast between the two ingredients creates a delightful culinary experience.

To elevate your Provolone and prosciutto pairing, consider serving them with a crunchy cracker, adding a textural element to the combination. You can also experiment with different varieties of prosciutto, as the herbs and spices used in the curing process can enhance the overall flavour profile.

For a classic Italian charcuterie board, including Prosciutto, consider pairing it with Provolone. This combination will delight your taste buds and offer a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. Remember, when creating a charcuterie platter, it's essential to include a variety of flavours, textures, and ingredients to create a well-rounded and enjoyable culinary experience for your guests.

In conclusion, Provolone is an ideal cheese to pair with prosciutto, offering a smooth and delicate contrast to the sweet and savoury flavours of the meat. The versatility of Provolone, which can be enjoyed hard or melted, makes it a perfect choice for those seeking to create exquisite culinary pairings with prosciutto.

Gorgonzola

For a simple, yet impressive, appetiser, you can make prosciutto-wrapped figs with Gorgonzola. Slice figs in half, top with Gorgonzola, wrap with prosciutto, and bake for a few minutes. The sweetness of the fig and the saltiness of the prosciutto complement the tangy Gorgonzola. This easy recipe is perfect for last-minute gatherings.

For a unique salad, try combining prosciutto, Gorgonzola, pepperoncini, and mixed salad greens. The salty, savoury depth of the prosciutto, along with the tangy Gorgonzola, creates a flavourful and satisfying salad.

Asiago

When it comes to creating a charcuterie board, Asiago is an excellent choice to include. Its bold flavour can shine alongside cured meats such as prosciutto, salami, or ham. To create a well-rounded board, complement the Asiago with sweet and savoury items like grapes, berries, and honey. You can also add nuts, crackers, or bread to provide a variety of textures and flavours.

If you're looking for a more substantial snack, Asiago pairs well with cured meats and fruit chutney or jam, creating a sweet and savoury combination. For a breakfast or party snack, try Asiago cheese biscuits with prosciutto. These biscuits are made with grated Asiago, which gives them a salty, nutty flavour, and they are served warm with thin slices of prosciutto.

For a heartier meal, try crunchy baked pork chops with prosciutto and Asiago. This dish features a thick coating of breadcrumbs, garlic, herbs, and Asiago cheese, with a slice of prosciutto wrapped around each chop. The salty, savoury flavours of the prosciutto and the nutty, sweet flavours of the Asiago complement each other beautifully.

Whether you're creating a charcuterie board or cooking a main course, Asiago cheese is a delicious choice to pair with prosciutto. Its nutty, slightly sweet flavour adds depth and complexity to any dish or snack.

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