What Is Asiago Cheese and How Do You Use It?
If your go-to options are cheddar or Parmesan, it’s time to introduce you to Asiago cheese. It may sound exotic, but it’s actually a very common cow’s milk cheese. You can use it in many different cooking applications and its nutty flavor is appealing to most people. Whether you slice, cube, grate or melt it, Asiago will feel like an absolute delicacy.
How can you use Asiago cheese? Is it the same thing as Parmesan? These are just a couple of the questions you may have in mind that we'll be answering in this insightful guide. So get ready to find out more about Asiago cheese and how you can use it in a variety of ways.
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- What Is Asiago Cheese?
- Asiago Cheese vs. Parmesan
- What Is Asiago Cheese Used For?
- Asiago Cheese Recipes
- How To Make Asiago Cheese
- How To Store Asiago Cheese
- Is Asiago Cheese Healthy?
- Where To Buy Asiago Cheese
- Asiago Cheese Substitutes
What Is Asiago Cheese?
Asiago is an Italian cow’s milk cheese that can be eaten by itself or used in several ways to enhance the flavors of other recipes. It can be yellowish in color or have a beautiful amber hue and it has a pronounced nutty flavor.
Where Is Asiago Cheese From?
Asiago is named after the place where it was first produced, Asiago in the Veneto region of Italy. Today, to be considered authentic, the cheese must originate from one of two specific regions in Northern Italy — the Veneto region or Trentino.
If you want to try the real thing, it can be quite easy to find Asiago that was produced in these regions at specialty cheese shops or even your local grocery store. However, you can also find Asiago-style cheeses relatively easily, which have the same taste and texture but were made outside Veneto or Trentino.
Is Asiago a Hard Cheese?
Asiago cheese is typically medium to hard in texture depending on how aged it is and how it was prepared. Younger Asiago will be paler in color, whereas an aged portion will have more depth of color and will look golden-orange. It also has small holes throughout (almost looking like baby Swiss), so it’s not smooth in texture like some artisan cheeses.
What Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like?
Asiago has a distinctively rich and nutty flavor. The aroma is almost yeasty, similar to Parmesan. At first sniff, it might be slightly off-putting, but in the right recipe, it is irresistible.
Does Asiago Cheese Melt?
Indeed, Asiago cheese does melt, making it an excellent addition to baked recipes. In fact, one of the best (and most common) ways to use Asiago is to melt it instead of eating it on its own. When melted, it is creamy and nutty and can be used as a topping for other foods or simply as a fondue-style dip.
Can You Freeze Asiago Cheese?
If you don't use it too often, you're probably someone who asks yourself: "Can you freeze cheese?" In general, many cheeses can be frozen for short periods of time, including Asiago cheese. If you’re going to freeze Asiago, it’s best to shred it first and then store it in an airtight container. Frozen cheese will lose some of its texture and color so get creative in the kitchen and use it up fresh whenever possible.
Asiago Cheese Pronunciation
How do you pronounce Asiago? The correct way to say it is “aa-see-aa-go,” though some people like to make the “s” sound more like a “z.”
Asiago Cheese vs. Parmesan
What's the difference between these two cheeses? They could be confused with one another because they are both somewhat sharp in smell and flavor and are hard cheeses, but that is where the similarities end. Like Asiago, Parmesan is also produced in Italy but goes through a different aging process and is typically pale in color. It has a slightly sweeter taste and is best paired with lighter foods like pasta or chicken.
What Is Asiago Cheese Used For?
Like other cheeses, it is extremely versatile and therefore has many uses. One of the ways to use Asiago is by incorporating it into a cheese board. Nutty Asiago is a fun choice when you want to shake up your charcuterie boards and add some unique flavors. If you are starting with a large block, it’s a good idea to learn how to cut cheese for the best presentation.
While it works on a cheese board, Asiago is more commonly either grated or melted in cooking applications. It can be added to bread before baking or melted into a cheese dip. Try combining it with cream cheese or mozzarella for an extra unique fondue dip. Melting it on top of baked dishes like pasta bakes is also a popular use for this cheese. Lastly, it is perfect for wine and cheese pairing and goes well with both crisp whites and bold reds.
Asiago Cheese Recipes
The options for how to use this cheese are truly endless. As mentioned, it's commonly used in recipes where it's melted and baked. The sharp flavor pairs well with neutral bases, such as bread or pasta, and sweet ingredients like tomatoes. You can really add Asiago to any recipe you feel that it would work well, but the following recipes are some of the most popular applications.
If you're still unsure how to best incorporate this ingredient and want to experiment with the guidance of a seasoned chef, try taking some cooking classes near you that feature a host of cheese-based recipes for you to master. You could also book online cooking classes for a virtual experience that offers just as much value and enjoyment.
Cheese Roasted Tomatoes
Try this simple Italian appetizer to get more familiar with the cheese. Simply roast halved tomatoes that have been sprinkled with both Asiago and Parmesan cheese, plus some Italian seasoning. This works great as a side to chicken dishes as well.
Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo With Grilled Chicken
Asiago is a natural match for pasta and chicken dishes and it's proven in this Asiago tortelloni alfredo with grilled chicken recipe. The stars of the show are handmade tortelloni filled with cheese and chicken that's been grilled to perfection. This tasty dish is ideal for a special occasion or even an elevated mid-week meal.
Asiago Mac and Cheese
Try swapping out some (or all) of the cheddar in your favorite mac and cheese recipe with nutty Asiago. It puts a whole new spin on this comfort food classic. If you're craving something more diverse, a creamy macaroni and cheese featuring six different cheeses, including Asiago, is an excellent option.
Asiago Cheese Bagels
If you are brave enough to make your own Asiago bagels, you'll be rewarded for your efforts! Try a recipe with the cheese in both the bagel dough and as a crust for the most flavor. It’s a match made in heaven with a chewy, dense texture and delectable taste. If you don't want to make them, Asiago bagels are commonly found at bagel shops and artisan cafés.
Cauliflower Gratin
Looking for the perfect side dish for your next dinner party? Then a cauliflower gratin with Asiago is a great choice. Some might even use it as a starter. Either way, it's a perfect blend of creaminess and crunch. You really can't go wrong with baked cauliflower topped with a sauce of creamy cheese and finished off with a crisp panko topping.
How To Make Asiago Cheese
Having learned what Asiago is and how to use it, you may also want to know how to make it. Typically, Asiago is made by heating a combination of skim and whole milk and then adding certain cultured enzymes. It is aged one to two years. Due to the necessary aging process, it's not a cheese that's very easy to make at home unless you are an expert.
How To Store Asiago Cheese
Cheese should always be stored in the refrigerator. Once you open your Asiago, use it within three to four weeks at most to prevent it from drying out. Wrapping unused portions of artisanal cheese in wax or parchment paper is the best way to keep them fresh longer.
Is Asiago Cheese Healthy?
While Asiago isn't a health food, it isn't overly bad for you. The good news about Asiago — or pretty much any cheese — is that it contains calcium and vitamin A. Cheese is also a good source of protein which is helpful in vegetarian diets. Of course, eating too much of any cheese results in more calories from milk fat than is ideal for a healthy diet, so consume Asiago in moderation.
Is Asiago Cheese Lactose-Free?
Because it is made from cow’s milk, it is not totally lactose-free. However, being a well-aged cheese, the lactose content is very close to zero. During the aging process, lactose degrades and splits into glucose and galactose, lessening the total amount of lactose in the product. This means that people who avoid high-lactose cheeses, such as mozzarella or goat cheese, can generally enjoy Asiago without issue.
Where To Buy Asiago Cheese
It is readily available in mainstream grocery stores and should be easy to find. If your grocery has a large cheese section, look for it near the Parmesan or other hard Italian cow’s milk cheeses. If you can't find it in a local supermarket, Italian specialty stores or cheese shops should have some.
Asiago Cheese Substitutes
If your recipe calls for it and you don’t have any, don't worry, there are some excellent substitutes for Asiago. A good alternative is pecorino romano — Parmesan’s sharper cousin. Parmesan can also be a suitable substitute. If the recipe calls for a fresh Asiago versus aged, consider subbing it with a mild white cheddar or Swiss cheese.
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If you haven’t come across this delicious Italian food before, it's definitely worth a try. Asiago's unique nuttiness will put a twist on recipes that you typically make with Parmesan or cheddar. It works particularly well with bread and is delicious when melted over vegetables or meats. No matter what recipes you try, incorporating Asiago will add a unique and delicious twist to your meals.
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