Best Cheese to Pair with Prosciutto: The Ultimate Pairing Guide

Share

Parmigiano-Reggiano, Mozzarella di Bufala, and Brie are excellent cheeses to pair with prosciutto.

Have you ever tried the cheese pairing with prosciutto? It’s this incredible dry-cured ham, you know, paper-thin slices. It has this amazing flavor, like a delicate dance of sweetness and saltiness. It’s so incredibly savory and melts in your mouth.

But here’s the thing, prosciutto is like a blank canvas. It’s amazing on its own, but pairing it with the right cheese? That’s where the magic really happens. It’s like finding the perfect musical harmony – the right cheese can completely elevate the flavor of the prosciutto.

Think about it, the saltiness of the prosciutto can play off the creaminess of a certain cheese, or maybe the sweetness of the ham will bring out a nutty flavor in another cheese. It’s all about finding that perfect balance, you know?

I’ll tell you, there’s nothing quite like sharing a plate of perfectly paired prosciutto and cheese with friends and family. It’s a truly delightful experience, and it’s a great way to connect with people over shared love of good food.

Best Cheese to Pair with Prosciutto 1

What are the Best Cheese Pairings for Prosciutto?

When it comes to pairing cheese with prosciutto, you have a world of delicious options. Here are some of the best:

Classic Pairings

  • Parmigiano-Reggiano: This iconic Italian hard cheese, with its nutty, salty, and slightly sweet flavor, is a classic for a reason. It perfectly complements the saltiness of prosciutto, creating a harmonious and satisfying flavor experience.
  • Mozzarella di Bufala: The creamy, milky texture of fresh mozzarella provides a delightful contrast to the salty, crisp prosciutto. This pairing is particularly popular in Italy and offers a refreshing and light option.

Unexpected Delights

  • Gorgonzola: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! This blue cheese, with its bold, tangy, and slightly pungent flavor, may seem like an unusual choice, but it can create a surprisingly delicious pairing with prosciutto.

The saltiness of the prosciutto cuts through the richness of the Gorgonzola, adding a unique depth of flavor.

  • Manchego: This Spanish sheep’s milk cheese, known for its nutty, slightly sweet, and sometimes slightly salty flavor, offers a wonderful complement to prosciutto. The combination of these two cured products from different regions creates a flavorful and satisfying experience.

Other Great Options

  • Provolone: This Italian semi-hard cheese, with its mild, slightly nutty flavor, is a versatile option that pairs well with prosciutto.
  • Burrata: This Italian cow’s milk cheese, known for its creamy, buttery texture and mild flavor, provides a luxurious and indulgent pairing with prosciutto.
  • Pecorino Romano: This Italian sheep’s milk cheese, with its sharp, salty, and slightly nutty flavor, offers a bold and flavorful option that can stand up to the saltiness of prosciutto.
Best Cheese to Pair with Prosciutto

Key Factors to Consider in Cheese Selection for Prosciutto

Choosing the right cheese for prosciutto is key to a delicious experience. You’ll want to consider the flavor profile, texture, and even the cheese’s origin to create the perfect pairing.

Flavor Profile

Prosciutto, with its salty and savory character, pairs beautifully with cheeses that offer a balance of sweetness and richness. Here are some options to consider:

  • Sweet Cheeses: Cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or Taleggio offer a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that complements prosciutto’s saltiness.
  • Nutty Cheeses: Cheeses with nutty undertones, such as Comté, Grana Padano, or Pecorino Romano, provide a savory contrast to the prosciutto.
  • Fruity Cheeses: Cheeses with fruity notes, such as Chèvre or Goat Gouda, offer a refreshing counterpoint to the prosciutto’s saltiness.

Texture

The interplay of textures can elevate a prosciutto and cheese pairing. Consider these combinations:

  • Creamy and Salty: A creamy cheese like Brie or Camembert pairs well with the salty, crisp prosciutto, creating a delightful contrast.
  • Crumbly and Savory: A crumbly cheese like Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano provides a satisfying texture when paired with the smooth prosciutto.
  • Hard and Rich: A hard cheese like Comté or Grana Padano offers a satisfying chewiness that complements the prosciutto’s delicate texture.

Origin

Regional pairings and traditional combinations can offer unique and flavorful experiences:

  • Italian: Pair prosciutto with Italian cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, or Provolone.
  • French: Consider French cheeses like Brie, Camembert, or Comté for a classic pairing.
  • Spanish: Explore Spanish cheeses like Manchego or Idiazabal for a unique twist.

Additional Tips

  • Consider the age of the prosciutto: A younger prosciutto may benefit from a milder cheese, while a more aged prosciutto can handle a bolder cheese.
  • Experiment with different combinations: Don’t be afraid to try new things and discover your own favorite pairings.
  • Serve at room temperature: Allow the cheeses to come to room temperature before serving to enhance their flavors.
  • Pair with other ingredients: Consider adding fruits, nuts, or honey to your cheese board for additional flavor and texture.
Best Cheese to Pair with Prosciutto 2

How to Building the Perfect Charcuterie Board?

Creating a beautiful and delicious charcuterie board is easier than you might think! Here are some tips to help you build the perfect spread:

Arranging Prosciutto and Cheese:

  • Variety is Key: Include a mix of textures and flavors. Aim for at least three different cheeses and two types of cured meats.
  • Consider the Flow: Arrange the cheeses and meats in a visually appealing way, perhaps creating a circular pattern or using the board’s natural shape to guide your layout.
  • Leave Space: Don’t overcrowd the board. Leave some space between the items to allow for easy access and to prevent them from touching.
  • Highlight the Stars: Place the prosciutto and your most visually appealing cheeses front and center.

Accompanying Elements:

  • Fruits: Grapes, figs, berries, and sliced apples or pears add sweetness and a touch of elegance.
  • Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios provide a satisfying crunch and a boost of protein.
  • Bread: Include a variety of crackers, breadsticks, or crusty bread slices for dipping and enjoying with the cheese and meat.

FAQs

What kind of cheese is good with prosciutto?

Prosciutto pairs well with Parmigiano-Reggiano, Mozzarella di Bufala, Gorgonzola, Manchego, Provolone, Burrata, and Pecorino Romano.

What do Italians eat prosciutto with?

Italians enjoy prosciutto with melon, figs, grapes, and cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Mozzarella di Bufala.

Does brie go with prosciutto?

Yes, Brie is an excellent pairing with prosciutto.

What compliments prosciutto?

Prosciutto is complemented by cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Mozzarella di Bufala, and Brie. Fruits like melon, figs, and grapes also pair beautifully with it.

Conclusion

Pairing cheese with prosciutto is all about finding the right match. Look for cheeses that have flavors that go well with the saltiness of the prosciutto. Some good choices include cheeses that are a bit sweet, nutty, or have a fruity taste.

The way the cheese feels in your mouth also matters. Try different cheeses that are creamy, crumbly, or hard to see which ones you like best.

Don’t be afraid to try different cheeses from different places. You might discover some surprising and delicious combinations! The most important thing is to have fun and find the pairings that you enjoy the most.