Meat And Provolone: Perfect Pairings For Your Palate

Provolone cheese is a popular ingredient in sandwiches, especially grilled cheese sandwiches. It is also used in other dishes such as pasta, pastries, and skewers. When it comes to meat, provolone pairs well with a variety of options, including chicken, beef, pork, and Italian cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and pepperoni. Provolone is known for its mild flavour and melting capability, making it a versatile cheese that complements various dishes and ingredients.

Provolone and roast beef

Provolone cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, and it pairs well with a variety of meats, including roast beef. Here are some ideas and recipes for combining provolone cheese and roast beef:

Roast Beef and Provolone Sandwiches

A classic and simple option is to make a roast beef sandwich with provolone cheese. This can be made with sliced deli roast beef, whole grain bread, and sliced provolone cheese. To add extra flavour, you can spread a mixture of mayonnaise and garlic powder on the bread. Other suggested sandwich ingredients include lettuce, tomato, and wasabi powder.

Roast Beef Hoagies with Melted Provolone

For a heartier sandwich, you can try making roast beef hoagies with melted provolone cheese. This recipe includes sliced onions, bell peppers, olive oil, deli roast beef, Worcestershire sauce, and hoagie rolls. The beef and vegetables are sautéed before being placed on the hoagie rolls and topped with provolone cheese. The sandwiches are then baked until the cheese has melted.

Italian Grilled Cheese

For an Italian twist, you can make an Italian grilled cheese sandwich with provolone. This sandwich typically includes Genoa salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, and fresh basil leaves, in addition to the provolone cheese. The sandwich can be cooked in a skillet with butter, and served with chips, salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of pickled vegetables.

Slow Cooker Mississippi Roast Sandwiches

Another option is to make Mississippi roast sandwiches, which can be made with chuck roast, butter, black pepper, and provolone cheese. While the specific recipe is not provided, this combination of ingredients could be used as a starting point for creating a unique roast beef and provolone sandwich.

Other Ideas

Provolone cheese and roast beef can also be combined in other dishes, such as French dip sandwiches, Italian beef sandwiches, or steak sandwiches. These dishes typically include additional ingredients such as vegetables, sauces, and different types of bread.

Provolone and salami

Salami and provolone cheese are a classic combination in Italian cuisine. This pairing is commonly used in sandwiches, paninis, and buns, offering a delicious blend of flavours and textures. Here's a detailed guide to help you create mouth-watering dishes with these two ingredients.

The Perfect Pairing: Provolone and Salami

Provolone cheese, known for its creamy, nutty, and mild flavour, is an ideal match for the savoury notes of salami. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey texture that complements the cured meat. Salami, with its distinct flavour and slightly crisp texture, adds a savoury kick to the sandwich. Together, they create a delightful duo that satisfies both taste buds and hunger pangs.

Sandwiches, Paninis, and Buns: Oh My!

The versatility of provolone and salami shines through in various dishes. You can create a classic Italian grilled cheese sandwich by layering provolone cheese, salami, and other cured meats like prosciutto and pepperoni between slices of bread. For an extra touch of flavour, spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread before toasting. This sandwich is best cooked on medium-low heat to achieve the perfect melt without burning the bread.

If you're feeling adventurous, try the Neapolitan Salami-Provolone Buns, a twist on the traditional panini napoletani. These buns incorporate the salami and provolone into the dough, creating a savoury treat that's perfect for breakfast or alongside braised beans and greens. To prepare the meat for this recipe, simply chop the salami and prosciutto, microwave them until they start to crisp, and then let them cool to room temperature.

For a heartier option, the Salami and Provolone Panini is a delicious choice. This sandwich features Italian bread layered with salami, provolone cheese, and fresh arugula or baby spinach leaves. Brush the sandwich with mayonnaise dressing and cook it on medium heat until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Tips for a Tasty Creation

When crafting your provolone and salami sandwich, consider the following tips:

• Use your preferred type of bread, whether it's sourdough, white bread, or a gluten-free option.
• Feel free to add other meats like ham, hot capicola, or prosciutto to create a more complex flavour profile.
• If you're a fan of herbs, sprinkle Italian seasoning on the buttered side of the bread for an extra flavour boost.
• For a true Italian experience, serve your sandwich with sides like homemade tomato soup, potato chips, or an Italian chopped salad.

Provolone and ham

Provolone cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, and it pairs well with a variety of meats, including ham. Here are some ideas and recipes for combining provolone and ham:

Hot Ham and Provolone Sliders

These sliders are a perfect blend of flavours and textures. The provolone cheese acts as the "glue" that holds the sliders together, and the buttery seasoning adds a delicious touch. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare and is sure to be a crowd favourite.

Ingredients:

• 24 deli slices of ham
• 2 dozen Hawaiian rolls or mini slider buns
• 12 slices of provolone cheese
• 1-2 packs of dry Italian dressing mix
• Butter

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking dish with aluminium foil or parchment paper.
• Using a serrated knife, slice the rolls in half and separate the tops from the bottoms.
• Melt butter and seasonings in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Brush the baking sheet with some of the butter mixtures.
• Place the bottom halves of the rolls onto the baking sheet.
• Layer 12 slices of ham on one set of bottom halves and the remaining 12 slices on the other set.
• Layer the slices of provolone cheese on top of the ham.
• Place the tops of the rolls onto the layers of meat and cheese.
• Brush the tops and sides of the sandwiches with the remaining butter mixture.
• Cover the sandwiches with foil and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
• Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to achieve a golden brown top.
• Remove from the oven, cut into individual sliders, and serve with your favourite sides.

California Club Ham Sandwich

This sandwich is a delicious combination of flavours and textures. The provolone cheese adds a creamy texture and mild flavour, while the honey mustard provides a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• Ham
• Provolone cheese
• Lettuce
• Honey mustard
• Bread

Instructions:

• Spread honey mustard on the bread.
• Layer ham and provolone cheese on the bread.
• Add lettuce and any other desired toppings.
• Enjoy your sandwich!

Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This sandwich combines the classic Italian sub with a grilled cheese sandwich. It's a perfect option if you're looking for something a little lighter and less overwhelming than a traditional Italian sub.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of sandwich bread
• 8 slices of provolone cheese
• 4 ounces of Genoa salami
• Fresh basil leaves
• Butter

Instructions:

• Add a slice of provolone cheese to a piece of bread.
• Top with salami, prosciutto, and/or pepperoni.
• Add a handful of fresh basil leaves and a second slice of provolone cheese.
• Place the second piece of bread on top and press down slightly.
• Preheat a skillet over medium-low heat and add butter.
• Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Antipasti Breakfast Sandwich

This breakfast sandwich is a delicious and hearty way to start your day. It combines the savoury flavours of ham and provolone with eggs and fresh arugula.

Ingredients:

• Ham
• Provolone cheese
• Eggs
• Olive oil
• Lemon zest
• Baby arugula
• Prosciutto
• Ciabatta rolls

Instructions:

• Cook the eggs to your desired doneness.
• Assemble the sandwich by layering ham, provolone cheese, eggs, arugula, and prosciutto on a ciabatta roll.
• Drizzle with olive oil and add a sprinkle of lemon zest.
• Enjoy your breakfast sandwich!

Provolone and chicken

Provolone Chicken Pizza

For a tasty twist on the traditional pizza, try a Provolone Chicken Pizza. Start with a basic pizza dough and top it with shredded chicken, Provolone cheese, and your favourite pizza sauce. You can also add other toppings like onions, peppers, or mushrooms. Bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden.

Bacon-Provolone Chicken Sandwiches

Take your chicken sandwich to the next level by adding crispy bacon and melted Provolone cheese. Grill or fry some chicken breasts, and then assemble the sandwiches with bacon, Provolone, and your choice of toppings and condiments. Toast the sandwiches in a panini press or skillet until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken

This oven-baked dish is a delicious and hearty option for a weeknight dinner. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 slices of Provolone cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
• Mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle a small amount of this mixture over the chicken breasts.
• Top each chicken breast with two slices of Provolone cheese.
• In a medium bowl, blend the remaining seasonings with mayonnaise, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Spread this mixture over the Provolone.
• Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chicken Provolone

This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a quick and impressive dinner. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
• 8 fresh basil leaves
• 4 thin slices of prosciutto or deli ham
• 4 slices of Provolone cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook the chicken over medium heat until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
• Transfer the cooked chicken to an ungreased baking sheet.
• Top each chicken breast with two basil leaves, one slice of prosciutto or ham, and one slice of Provolone cheese.
• Broil the chicken about 6-8 inches from the heat source for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Feel free to serve this dish with buttered noodles or a simple side salad.

Provolone and Italian sausage

Provolone is a mild-flavoured Italian cheese with a smooth, creamy texture that melts beautifully. It is an excellent choice for sandwiches, paninis, and skewers, especially when paired with Italian sausage. Here are some ideas for combining these two delicious ingredients.

Italian Sausage and Provolone Skewers

For a fun and tasty appetiser or main course, try making Italian sausage and provolone skewers. Simply alternate chunks of Italian sausage and provolone cheese on a skewer, grilling or broiling them until the cheese is melted and the sausage is cooked through. You can also wrap the skewers in flatbread or serve them with a dipping sauce for added flavour and texture.

Italian Sausage Sandwiches with Provolone

Italian sausage sandwiches are a hearty and flavourful option for lunch or dinner. To make them, cook Italian sausages in a skillet or on a grill until browned and cooked through. In the same pan, sauté onions and peppers until tender, and toast your choice of bread rolls or bolillos. Assemble the sandwiches by layering the sausages, onions, and peppers on the bread, topping them with slices of provolone cheese. You can also add marinara sauce or mustard for an extra kick.

Provolone-Stuffed Italian Sausage

For a unique twist on traditional Italian sausage, try making provolone-stuffed sausages. Simply slice open the sausages and stuff them with small cubes of provolone cheese before cooking. You can grill, bake, or sauté these sausages, and serve them on a bed of sautéed onions and peppers or with a side of crusty bread.

Create a delicious Italian-style pizza by topping a pizza base with slices of Italian sausage and provolone cheese. You can also add other ingredients like peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Bake the pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Italian Sausage and Provolone Casserole

For a comforting and hearty dish, try an Italian sausage and provolone casserole. Layer cooked Italian sausage, pasta, marinara sauce, and provolone cheese in a baking dish, repeating the layers as desired. Bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and you have a delicious and satisfying meal.

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