Asiago cheese is a popular Italian cheese known for its sweet and nutty flavor. It’s widely used in pizzas, pastas, soups, and more. Asiago has been around since the 12th century when it was first made in Asiago, Italy.
The Asiago cheese on pizza adds a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with tomato sauce and other toppings like pepperoni or mushrooms. Asiago can be grated or sliced to top pizzas. The aroma of Asiago when melted creates an appetizing smell that further enhances your pizza experience. Its creamy texture softens as it melts on hot pizza dough making it a delicious addition to any pizza dish.
Asiago Cheese Varieties
Asiago comes in two varieties, Asiago Pressato and Asiago d’allevo.
Asiago Pressato
Asiago Pressato is a fresh Asiago cheese with a mild, milky flavor and soft texture. Asiago Pressato can be grated or sliced, making it an excellent choice for pizza topping.
Asiago d’allevo
As Asiago d’allevo is an aged variety of Asiago, it has a more intense flavor than the Asiago Pressato. Asiago d’Allevo is usually sold in chunks that can easily be sliced or cubed to top your favorite pizza.
Asiago Cheese on Pizza Preparation Techniques and Tips
Here are tips for getting the most out of Asiago when making pizza:
1. Use freshly grated Asiago cheese
Asiago that has been pre-grated and stored in packages will not provide the same flavor as freshly grated Asiago cheese.
2. Opt for Asiago Pressato over Asiago d’allevo
As Asiago d’Allevo is aged, it offers an intense flavor that may overwhelm other flavors on your pizza. If you want a more subtle taste, choose Asiago Pressato instead.
3. Top your pizza with Asiago during the last few minutes of baking
Adding Asiago at the end of cooking time ensures that it won’t burn off and will keep its creamy texture.
4. Asiago cheese goes great with other toppings
Asiago pairs well with many of the traditional pizza toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, onions and peppers.
5. Asiago cheese works well with barbecue sauce
The sweet and nutty flavor of Asiago blends perfectly with a smoky barbecue sauce for an extra special twist on your pizza topping choices.
6. Choose Asiago-based pizza sauces
For even more Asiago flavor, opt for Asiago based pizza sauces when making your own pies at home.
7. Use thick slices of Asiago cheese to prevent it from burning
Thicker slices take longer to melt so they won’t burn off during baking time .
8. Asiago cheese is best served fresh
Asiago cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month but it’s always best when served freshly grated or sliced.
9. Asiago is great on its own
Asiago doesn’t need any extra seasonings or flavorings for a delicious pizza topping.
10. Asiago goes great with other cheeses
Asiago also pairs nicely with other cheeses such as Mozzarella, Provolone and Parmesan for an even richer flavor profile on your pizzas.
Other Ways to Enjoy Asiago Cheese On a Pizza
Asiago cheese can be used in many different ways on pizza. It can be grated over the top of a finished pizza before serving, or it can be added as a layer between the sauce and other toppings. As of Asiago can also be used as a crust topping to give pizzas an extra cheesy flavor. It works great as part of an Italian-inspired combination with classic ingredients such as sausage, peppers and mushrooms. Asiago also pairs well with pesto for an interesting yet delicious flavor profile. Asiago is versatile enough to enjoy on vegetarian pies and it’s even tasty when paired with sweet fruit toppings like peaches or apples.
Benefits of Asiago Cheese on Pizza
1. Asiago adds a unique flavor- Asiago has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that is different from other cheeses used to top pizza.
2. Asiago can be added at the end of baking time- Unlike most other cheeses, Asiago doesn’t need to be cooked long before it melts and provides its full flavor.
3. Asiago pairs well with many ingredients- Asiago goes great with traditional Italian toppings such as sausage and peppers or modern combinations like apples and pesto.
4. Asiago cheese is low in fat- Asiago cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium but it also contains less fat than most other cheese varieties which make it healthier for you .
5. Asiago is easy to store- Asiago cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month, making it convenient to have on hand when you need it.
6. Asiago is widely available- Asiago cheese is readily available at most grocery stores and specialty food shops, so it’s easy to get your hands on some delicious Asiago.
7. Asiago is an affordable topping- Compared to other cheeses used as pizza toppings, Asiago is usually the more budget friendly choice.
8. Asiago has a long shelf life- When properly stored, Asiago will last for up to six months without losing its flavor or texture, making it ideal for stocking up on for future use.
FAQS’
Q: Is Asiago cheese healthy?
A: Asiago cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium but its also lower in fat than most other cheeses which make it healthier for you. As long as in in moderation, Asiago can be part of a healthy diet.
Q: What goes well with Asiago cheese?
A: Asiago pairs well with traditional Italian toppings such as peppers, mushrooms and sausage as well as more modern combinations like pesto and fruit toppings. Asiago can be enjoyed just by itself or used as a simple pizza topping.
Q: How do you store Asiago cheese?
A: Asiago cheese stored in the refrigerator, will usually last for up to a month when properly wrapped. Asiago also freezes well for long-term storage.
Conclusion
Asiago is an ideal cheese for topping pizza, whether you’re making a classic Italian style pie or trying something new and creative. It adds a unique flavor that pairs well with many ingredients, plus it has the added benefit of being low in fat and easy to store. Asiago is also widely available and very affordable, which makes it an excellent choice for any home chef looking to make the perfect pizza. Asiago gives your pizzas an extra special kick, so don’t be afraid to get creative with this delicious cheese!
Related Articles
Best Cheese For Pizza: Top 10 choices
Gorgonzola Cheese: Sharp And Tangy
