Meat And Asiago Cheese: Perfect Pairings For Your Palate

Asiago cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is an Italian cow's milk cheese that ranges from medium to hard in texture, depending on how long it has been aged. The flavour of Asiago cheese can vary from delicately sweet and sour to nutty and yeasty, with a strong salty taste. So, what meat goes well with Asiago cheese? Asiago cheese is commonly paired with chicken, prosciutto, pancetta, sausage, beef, or ham. For seafood lovers, shrimp or scallops can also be added to an Asiago pasta dish. Additionally, Asiago cheese can be used in place of Parmesan cheese in many recipes, such as a Caesar salad or French onion soup. It can also be melted on top of casseroles, pizza, or added to a cheesy pasta dish.

Asiago cheese with chicken

Asiago cheese is a popular Italian cow's milk cheese with a strong, nutty flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be sliced, cubed, grated, melted, or shredded. It is often used in recipes where you would typically use Parmesan, and the two can be substituted for each other.

When paired with chicken, Asiago cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including:

Asiago Chicken Pasta

This dish combines tender and juicy seasoned chicken breasts with a rich and flavourful Asiago pasta. The recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken can also be used for a slightly different flavour and texture. The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika, then cooked in a skillet before being sliced and served over the pasta. The pasta is made with spaghetti noodles, butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, milk, Asiago cheese, and fresh spinach. The reserved pasta water is added to the sauce to create a creamy and cohesive dish. This meal can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Creamy Baked Asiago Chicken

This recipe is a quick and easy option for a tasty and creamy chicken dish. It involves baking chicken breasts in the oven with a sauce made from Asiago cheese, light mayonnaise, low-fat plain Greek yoghurt, dry white wine, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. The chicken is baked uncovered until it is cooked through, and then topped with additional Asiago cheese, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar just before serving. This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Mushroom Asiago Chicken

This gourmet meal can be prepared in just 30 minutes and is perfect for a fancy dinner. It involves cooking chicken breasts in a white wine sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and thyme, then adding cream and Asiago cheese to create a delicious and creamy sauce. The chicken is pounded to a uniform thickness before being dredged in seasoned flour and sauteed in butter and olive oil until golden. The mushrooms and garlic are sauteed in the same pan, and then the wine is added to deglaze the pan. The chicken is returned to the pan and simmered before the addition of cream and Asiago cheese. This dish can be served over pasta and garnished with fresh thyme.

Air Fryer Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a simple dish that can be elevated by using Asiago cheese. This cheese adds a strong, salty flavour and a smooth, crumbly texture to the quesadillas. For an even more elevated dish, Asiago cheese can be paired with pinto beans, chicken, bell peppers, and onions. Cooking the quesadillas in an air fryer eliminates the need for oil, but spraying the shells with cooking oil will result in a super crunchy crust.

Asiago Chicken with Bacon Cream Sauce

This creamy, salty, and satisfying dish combines Asiago cheese with chicken and a bacon cream sauce. The Asiago cheese helps to keep the chicken tender and moist while adding a boost of nuttiness to the dish. The heavy ingredients in this recipe are balanced by the addition of lemon juice, and the dish can be served over a bed of rice or with roasted greens.

Asiago cheese with beef

Asiago cheese is a popular Italian cow's milk cheese, with a texture that ranges from medium to hard. It is creamier and sweeter than Parmesan and can be used in similar ways.

Asiago Bread Bowls with Beef Stew

Asiago bread bowls are a delicious way to serve beef stew. The bread is loaded with Asiago cheese and has a hint of black pepper, creating a fluffy, soft inside and a cheese-crusted golden crust. The beef stew is especially delicious served in these bowls, creating a hearty and comforting dish perfect for cold days.

Smashed Meatball and Asiago Grilled Cheese

This unique take on a grilled cheese sandwich combines the savoury flavours of meatballs and Asiago cheese. The meatballs are smashed and grilled between two slices of bread with the cheese, creating a warm and crispy dish.

Asiago Beef Stew

For a heartier beef stew, try adding some Asiago cheese. The cheese will add a creamy texture and a nutty flavour to the dish. You can also sprinkle some grated Asiago on top of the stew before serving for an extra cheesy touch.

Asiago Cheeseburger

For a juicy cheeseburger with a twist, top a beef patty with a slice of Asiago cheese. The cheese will melt into the burger, adding a creamy texture and a nutty flavour. Serve the cheeseburger on a toasted bun with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Asiago Beef Pasta

Create a beef pasta dish with a difference by adding some Asiago cheese. The cheese will create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and beef, adding a nutty flavour to the dish. You could also throw in some vegetables, such as broccoli or sun-dried tomatoes, to create a well-rounded and tasty meal.

Asiago cheese with pancetta or prosciutto

Asiago cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour profile of many dishes. Its creamy and sweet qualities, along with its nutty and salty taste, make it a great substitute for Parmesan.

Asiago Cheese with Pancetta

A tempting side dish, Asiago Pancetta Stuffed Shells, is a creamy and dreamy combination. The shells are stuffed with a mixture of spinach, ricotta cheese, Asiago cheese, black pepper, salt, and pancetta. The dish is then baked to a light golden colour, resulting in a harmony of flavours.

Another mouth-watering option is Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Pancetta and Asiago Cheese. This dish combines the flavours of Brussels sprouts, carrots, pancetta, shallots, garlic, and cream, topped with a crunchy layer of Japanese-style breadcrumbs.

Asiago Cheese with Prosciutto

For a delicious breakfast or party snack, Asiago Cheese Biscuits with Prosciutto are a perfect choice. The salty and nutty flavour of Asiago cheese complements the rich buttermilk biscuits, while a thin slice of prosciutto adds an extra savoury touch.

If you're looking for a heartier option, Crunchy Baked Pork Chops with Prosciutto and Asiago Cheese is a flavourful main course. The pork chops are coated in a breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior and juicy interior. The addition of Asiago cheese and prosciutto takes this dish to the next level.

In conclusion, both pancetta and prosciutto pair exceptionally well with Asiago cheese, creating unique and delectable dishes that are sure to impress.

Asiago cheese with seafood

Asiago cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour of seafood dishes. Its sweet and nutty flavour, along with its meltable and grateable texture, makes it a great addition to seafood recipes. Here are some ways to incorporate Asiago cheese with seafood:

Asiago Crab Artichoke Dip

A savoury and creamy dip that is perfect for potlucks and parties. The base of this dip uses Asiago and fontina cheese for a rich, nutty flavour. The addition of artichoke pesto and canned crab meat makes it surprisingly filling and delicious. Serve it with crackers or bread for a tasty appetizer.

Asiago Seafood Pasta

Create a mouth-watering pasta dish by pairing Asiago cheese with seafood. The rich, velvety sauce made with grated Asiago cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning is the perfect complement to seafood like shrimp, scallops, or salmon. The sweet and nutty flavour of the cheese enhances the seafood's delicate taste. You can use spaghetti or any other type of pasta for this dish.

Asiago-Crusted Seafood

Use Asiago cheese to create a delicious and crispy crust for seafood. Simply mix breadcrumbs and grated Asiago cheese, then coat your favourite seafood, such as fish fillets or shrimp, with the mixture before baking or frying. The cheese will add a nutty flavour and a golden, crispy texture to the seafood.

Asiago Cheese Sauce for Seafood

Asiago cheese is perfect for making a creamy and flavourful cheese sauce to accompany seafood dishes. The cheese's sharp and nutty flavour will enhance the taste of mild, delicate seafood. Drizzle the sauce over baked fish, crab cakes, or use it as a dipping sauce for fried seafood. You can also add herbs and spices to the sauce to create different flavour profiles.

Asiago-Stuffed Seafood

For a decadent seafood dish, stuff your favourite seafood with Asiago cheese. For example, you can butterfly a salmon fillet and fill it with a mixture of Asiago cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs before baking. The cheese will melt into the seafood, adding a burst of flavour and a creamy texture. You can also wrap the stuffed seafood in prosciutto or pancetta for added flavour.

Asiago cheese with vegetarian dishes

Asiago cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a rich and creamy element to vegetarian dishes, or a burst of nutty flavor. Here are some ideas for vegetarian dishes that feature Asiago cheese:

Appetizers and Snacks

• Asiago pairs well with fruits like apples, grapes, and figs. It can be combined with fruit chutney or jam and served with crackers or bread.
• Asiago and rosemary focaccia: Top a focaccia recipe with grated Asiago, chopped rosemary, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Asiago and chive popcorn: Mix freshly grated Asiago and chopped chives with melted butter and drizzle over freshly popped popcorn.
• Asiago stuffed mushrooms: Fill mushroom caps with a mixture of sausage, breadcrumbs, and Asiago cheese.
• Asiago and fig tapenade crostini: Pair Asiago with sweet, caramelized fig tapenade on toasted crostini.
• Baked Asiago and artichoke dip: Combine Asiago, artichoke hearts, and Parmesan, and bake until golden brown. Serve with crackers, chips, or crudités.

Main Courses

• Asiago and spinach stuffed shells: Mix ricotta, Parmesan, and Asiago cheese with chopped fresh spinach. Sprinkle Asiago on top of the filling before baking to create a golden, crispy crust.
• One-pot Asiago pasta bake: Combine pasta, Asiago cheese, and marinara sauce. You can add protein like chicken or Italian sausage.
• Asiago-crusted chicken breasts: Coat chicken breasts with a mixture of grated Asiago, breadcrumbs, and parsley, then bake until golden brown. Note: This dish can be made vegetarian by substituting the chicken with a plant-based alternative.
• Pan-seared Asiago and herb-crusted salmon: Mix grated Asiago with chopped parsley, dill, and paprika. Pan-sear the salmon fillets and finish them in the oven. Note: This dish can be made vegetarian by substituting the salmon with a plant-based alternative.
• Asiago and mushroom stuffed burgers: Add a patty of sautéed cremini and shiitake mushrooms with grated Asiago to the center of your burger. Note: This dish can be made vegetarian by using plant-based burger patties.

Salads, Soups, and Sides

• Asiago can be grated or shaved and sprinkled on top of salads, soups, and sauces.
• Roasted vegetables with Asiago cheese: Toss sliced Brussels sprouts or broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and grated Asiago before roasting.
• Asiago broccoli cheese soup: Combine Asiago with sharp cheddar and broccoli to make a cheesy and salty dish.
• Creamy Asiago fettuccine Alfredo: Combine fettuccine, Asiago, and garlic in a velvety Alfredo sauce. Add protein like chicken, shrimp, or bacon if desired.

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