Pizza perfection: how asiago cheese transforms your taste experience
What To Know
- Asiago Fresco is a young, fresh cheese with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- It can be shaved using a vegetable peeler or a cheese slicer.
- A good starting point is to use about 1/4 cup of grated Asiago cheese per 12-inch pizza.
The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Asiago cheese, with its nutty, slightly sharp flavor and firm texture, makes an excellent topping for pizza. It adds a depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
What is Asiago Cheese?
Asiago is a hard, grating cheese made from cow’s milk. It originates from the Asiago region in Italy and is aged for at least 60 days. The longer the cheese is aged, the harder and sharper it becomes.
Benefits of Asiago Cheese on Pizza
1. Enhances Flavor
Asiago cheese adds a nutty, slightly salty flavor to pizza. It pairs well with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan, creating a complex and satisfying taste experience.
2. Adds Texture
The firm texture of Asiago cheese adds a satisfying crunch to pizza. It melts slightly when baked, creating a crispy crust that complements the soft and chewy dough.
3. Balances Acidity
The acidity of tomato sauce can sometimes overpower the other flavors on pizza. Asiago cheese helps to balance this acidity, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Types of Asiago Cheese for Pizza
There are two main types of Asiago cheese that are commonly used on pizza:
1. Asiago Fresco
Asiago Fresco is a young, fresh cheese with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is aged for less than 60 days and has a soft, creamy texture.
2. Asiago Stagionato
Asiago Stagionato is an aged cheese with a sharper, more intense flavor. It is aged for at least 60 days and has a harder, more crumbly texture.
How to Use Asiago Cheese on Pizza
Asiago cheese can be used on pizza in various ways:
1. Grated
Grated Asiago cheese is a classic pizza topping. It can be sprinkled over the pizza before baking or added after the pizza comes out of the oven.
2. Sliced
Sliced Asiago cheese can be added to pizza for a more substantial texture. It can be cut into thin slices or small cubes.
3. Shaved
Shaved Asiago cheese adds a delicate, nutty flavor to pizza. It can be shaved using a vegetable peeler or a cheese slicer.
Asiago Cheese Pizza Recipes
1. Classic Asiago Pizza
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Asiago cheese (grated or sliced)
2. Asiago and Prosciutto Pizza
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Asiago cheese (grated)
- Prosciutto
3. Asiago and Spinach Pizza
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Asiago cheese (grated)
- Spinach
Alternatives to Asiago Cheese on Pizza
If you don’t have Asiago cheese on hand, there are several other cheeses that can be used as substitutes:
- Parmesan cheese
- Pecorino Romano cheese
- Grana Padano cheese
- Romano cheese
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Can I use Asiago cheese on any type of pizza?
Yes, Asiago cheese can be used on any type of pizza, from classic Margherita to more complex gourmet pizzas.
2. How much Asiago cheese should I use on pizza?
The amount of Asiago cheese to use depends on your personal preference. A good starting point is to use about 1/4 cup of grated Asiago cheese per 12-inch pizza.
3. Can I freeze pizza with Asiago cheese?
Yes, you can freeze pizza with Asiago cheese. However, it is important to let the pizza cool completely before freezing it.
