Asiago is a versatile Italian cheese that can complement a variety of dishes. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview of Asiago and what foods it pairs well with. Then, we’ll dive into more detail in the sections below.
Quick Answers: What does Asiago pair with?
Here are some quick answers on what foods and drinks Asiago cheese pairs well with:
- Breads – Focaccia, ciabatta, baguettes, crackers
- Vegetables – Roasted vegetables like squash, eggplant, tomatoes
- Pasta – Ravioli, gnocchi, fettuccine
- Pizza – Margherita, veggie, meat-topped
- Meats – Prosciutto, salami, soppressata
- Fruits – Dried fruits like figs, dates, apricots
- Nuts – Walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts
- Herbs – Basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme
- Drinks – Red wine, brown ale, coffee
The mild, nutty flavor of Asiago cheese makes it a versatile pairing option. It works well with most vegetables, breads, cured meats, nuts, and red wine. Let’s explore some of these pairings in more detail.
Breads
The firm texture of Asiago makes it an excellent cheese for slicing or grating over breads. Here are some of the best breads to enjoy with Asiago cheese:
- Focaccia – The classic Italian flatbread pairs perfectly with a sliced or grated drizzle of Asiago. The mild nuttiness of the cheese balances the richness of olive oil-drenched focaccia.
- Ciabatta – The porous holes of ciabatta are ideal for absorbing fruity olive oil and holding slices or shavings of Asiago.
- Baguettes – Slicing a crisp baguette and topping with thin shards of Asiago makes an easy cheese board staple.
- Crackers – Sturdy crackers like water crackers can be topped with sliced or grated Asiago as an appetizer.
The next time you bake a loaf of bread at home, consider topping it with melted or room temperature Asiago cheese for added flavor.
Vegetables
The nutty, mellow flavor of Asiago cheese makes it a perfect match for roasted vegetables. Here are some of the best ones to try:
- Squash – Try shaving Asiago over roasted acorn or butternut squash.
- Eggplant – Sliced Asiago pairs nicely with baked eggplant Parmesan.
- Tomatoes – Grilled tomatoes take on new life with grated Asiago as a garnish.
- Root vegetables – Potatoes, parsnips and carrots all complement Asiago’s flavor profile.
- Asparagus or green beans – Quick roasted veggies get a pop from shredded Asiago.
When roasting vegetables, add crumbled or grated Asiago during the last few minutes of cooking so it can melt nicely over the vegetables.
Pasta
The Italians have long known that pasta and Asiago are a legendary combination. Some pasta dishes that pair especially well with Asiago include:
- Ravioli – Cheese-filled ravioli gets a flavor boost from shredded Asiago sprinkled on top.
- Gnocchi – The pillowy potato dumplings pair well with creamy Asiago sauces.
- Fettuccine Alfredo – A touch of nutty Asiago can take basic Alfredo sauce to the next level.
- Baked ziti or lasagna – Use Asiago to make cheesy baked pasta casseroles.
For any pasta dish with cheese, consider adding some Asiago to the cheese blend for a unique flavor profile.
Pizza
The mild flavor and slight sharpness of Asiago make it a perfect pizza cheese. Here are some top pizza styles to try with Asiago:
- Margherita – Replace some mozzarella with grated Asiago for the ultimate Margherita pizza.
- Veggie pizza – Pile on the mushrooms, peppers and onions and finish with shredded Asiago.
- Meat-topped pizza – Pepperoni, sausage, bacon and other meats taste great with Asiago.
- White pizza – Make a white pizza with ricotta, parmesan and shredded Asiago.
For your next pizza night, incorporate Asiago as part of the cheese blend or as a final topping sprinkled over the pizza before serving.
Meats
The mild taste of Asiago pairs perfectly with a variety of cured and aged meats. Some top pairings include:
- Prosciutto – Wrap slices of prosciutto around chunks of Asiago for an easy appetizer.
- Salami – Create a meat and cheese plate with salami and slices of Asiago.
- Soppressata – The garlic and spice in soppressata balances nicely with Asiago’s mild flavor.
- Pancetta – Fry crispy pancetta and sprinkle with shredded Asiago for a savory garnish.
Other meats like sausage, roast beef and turkey also complement Asiago’s nutty flavor profile. Add Asiago to any charcuterie or antipasto platter take it to the next level.
Fruits
While salty and savory flavors are common pairings with Asiago, the cheese also pairs nicely with certain fruits. The nuttiness acts as a pleasant contrast to the sweetness. Fruits to try with Asiago include:
- Figs – Fresh or dried figs make an unexpected but delicious match for crumbly Asiago.
- Dates – Cheese boards often pair dates and nuts with cheeses like Asiago.
- Apricots – Dried or roasted apricots complement Asiago’s fruity notes.
- Apple slices – For a sweet and savory snack, enjoy apple slices topped with Asiago cheese.
The natural sweetness in fruit balances beautifully with the nutty sharpness of Asiago. Try this unique cheese pairing for a surprising flavor combination.
Nuts
Nuts add crunch, flavor and contrast to Asiago cheese pairings. Some top nut choices include:
- Walnuts – Toast walnuts and sprinkle over salads or pasta with Asiago.
- Pistachios – Chopped or whole pistachios add texture and complementary flavor to Asiago.
- Pine nuts – Pine nuts’ mild flavor allows the Asiago to shine while adding crunch.
- Almonds – Slivered or sliced almonds pair nicely with aged Asiago cheese.
Sprinkle your favorite nuts over cheese plates, salads or charcuterie featuring Asiago cheese for extra flavor and crunch.
Herbs
Certain fresh herbs accentuate the flavor notes in Asiago cheese. Excellent herb pairings include:
- Basil – Fresh basil brings out the sweet, fruity notes in Asiago.
- Oregano – A sprinkle of oregano adds a subtle savory quality.
- Rosemary – The piney taste of rosemary complements the nuttiness.
- Thyme – Thyme adds a woodsy element that pairs nicely with Asiago.
Chop up fresh herbs and sprinkle them over Asiago cheese dishes like pasta, salads, bruschetta and pizza.
Drinks
Certain beverages pair nicely with Asiago to help highlight the cheese’s signature nutty, fruity flavors. Top drink choices include:
- Red wine – A smooth Cabernet Sauvignon or Chianti is an ideal match.
- Brown ale – The maltiness and slight sweetness contrast Asiago’s sharpness.
- Coffee – A cappuccino is a perfect match for Asiago’s subtle nutty tones.
- Sparkling water – Refresh your palate with some bubbly water between bites of Asiago.
Enjoy your favorite red wine, coffee or beer with robust cheese dishes featuring Asiago cheese for an ultra flavorful experience.
Pairing Combinations
Now that we’ve covered a variety of items that pair well with Asiago, here are some recommended pairing combinations:
| Food | Drink |
|---|---|
| Asiago crostini with prosciutto + fig | Red wine |
| Pasta with sausage + Asiago | Brown ale |
| Asiago + roasted vegetables | Sparkling water |
| Asiago, salami + crackers | Coffee |
Get creative mixing and matching Asiago cheese with various ingredients like meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts and beverages for bold new flavor combinations.
Conclusion
With its firm texture, nutty and mildly sharp flavor, Asiago is one of the most versatile Italian cheeses. It pairs wonderfully with breads, vegetables, pastas, pizza, meats, fruits, nuts, herbs, and beverages like red wine. Some especially heavenly pairings to try are Asiago with prosciutto and figs, roasted vegetables, pasta with sausage, or salami and crackers. Experiment with different Asiago pairings to enhance the flavor of all your favorite foods and discover exciting new taste combinations.