Have you ever wondered which cheeses to choose for that perfect Italian appetizer? In this blog post we share our top picks to help you make an irresistible selection and perfect your drinks board down to the last detail. Be inspired and surprise your guests with delicious flavors that will certainly spoil them.
The classics
Italy is known for its rich culinary heritage, and one of the most beloved aspects of that is the classic cheeses the country has to offer. If you put together a drinks board, these traditional cheeses should certainly not be missing. Below you will discover more about the flavor profiles of Parmesan cheese, Mozzarella and Pecorino, and how best to combine them with other ingredients.
Parmesan cheese
- Flavor profile:
- Firm texture with a nutty and salty taste.
- Aged in traditional conditions for a minimum of 12 months.
- Combinations:
- Perfect in combination with fresh fruit such as pear or grapes.
- Delicious shaved over pasta dishes or salads.
For this dish we recommend: Parmigiano Reggiano aged 24 months.
Mozzarella
- Flavor profile:
- Soft, creamy texture with subtle milk flavor.
- Usually made from buffalo milk or cow's milk.
- Combinations:
- Combines well with tomatoes, basil and a dash of olive oil.
- Ideal as a filling for caprese salads or on pizza.
For optimal taste: use Buffalo mozzarella from an Italian brand.
Pecorino
- Flavor profile:
- Sharp taste with salty undertones.
- Made from sheep's milk and usually aged for at least 8 months.
- Combinations:
- Delicious grated over pasta such as cacio e pepe.
- Pairs well with honey or figs for a sweet and salty balance.
For this cheese, try: Pecorino Romano from a traditional producer.
By combining these classic Italian cheeses on your drinks board, you create a tasty and authentic experience for yourself and your guests. Experiment with different combinations and discover the delicious flavors these cheeses have to offer. Buon appetito!
Enrich your drinking experience with these surprising cheeses
Discover new flavors
When putting together a snack board, it is great to surprise with lesser-known cheeses. For example, try the following tasty options:
- Taleggio: An Italian cheese with a soft, creamy texture and a subtle spicy taste.
- Gorgonzola Dolce: A mild variant of the well-known blue cheese with a creamy and slightly sweet taste.
- Robiola: A delicious soft cheese from Piedmont with a delicate and creamy taste.
Serving tips
Here are some suggestions for serving and combining these cheeses to make your platter unique:
- Taleggio:
- Serve with crispy crackers and some grapes for a perfect balance between creamy and sweet.
- Combine with a light honey and some walnuts for extra flavor dimensions.
- Gorgonzola Dolce:
- Go for a combination with fresh figs and some balsamic glaze for a surprisingly sweet and salty taste.
- Delicious on a piece of baguette with some honey and a touch of thyme.
- Robiola:
- Combine with some fresh figs and a few sprigs of rosemary for a balanced and elegant taste.
- Serve with some crusty bread and some olive oil for a simple yet refined experience.
make your choice
By choosing these surprising cheeses you give a unique twist to your drinks experience. Experiment with different combinations and discover your favorite flavor combinations. Broaden your horizons and enjoy new flavors that make your drinks board an unforgettable experience!
Combinations and tips
A tasteful drinks board is a real eye-catcher on any festive occasion. Discover here which combinations of cheeses, meats, fruit and nuts work best to take your Italian cheese board to the next level. We also share some useful tips for serving and presenting this delicious plank.
Combinations of cheeses
Parmigiano Reggiano
- A classic that should not be missing from your drinks board.
- Combine with honey, figs and walnuts for a perfect taste balance.
Gorgonzola
- A spicy blue cheese that goes perfectly with sweet pears and walnuts.
- Serve at room temperature for the best tasting experience.
Meats and fruit
Prosciutto di Parma
- The salty taste of this Italian ham contrasts beautifully with sweet melon.
- Roll up the prosciutto slices and present on the shelf for an elegant look.
Salami Milano
- A finely chopped dry salami that combines wonderfully with fresh grapes and olives.
- Cut the salami into thin slices for optimal distribution on the board.
Nuts and additives
Almonds
- Roasted almonds are a crunchy addition that go well with soft cheeses.
- Sprinkle them casually over the board for a playful presentation.
Fig jam
- Sweet fig jam is a tasty addition that takes the cheeses to a higher level.
- Serve in a nice bowl next to the cheeses for a handy dip.
Tips for serving and presenting
- Provide variety in flavors, textures and colors on the shelf for an attractive appearance.
- Present the cheeses at different heights, for example by using trays or small steps.
- Don't forget to offer fresh baguette or crispy crackers to accompany the cheeses and meats.
With these delicious combinations and useful tips you can create an irresistible Italian cheese board that your guests will certainly appreciate. Enjoy your meal! 🧀🍇🥖
Wine and cheese
If you like to enjoy a delicious platter of Italian cheeses, choosing the right wine is essential to perfectly match the flavors. Discover below which wines go best with different Italian cheeses and how you can create a harmonious wine-cheese combination.
Soft cheeses, such as Mozzarella and Burrata
- Wine advice:
- Prosecco: the fresh bubbles of Prosecco are an excellent match with the creamy softness of Mozzarella.
- Pinot Grigio: the light and fruity taste of Pinot Grigio enhances the refined notes of Burrata.
Hard cheeses, such as Pecorino and Parmesan
- Wine advice:
- Chianti: The full body and spicy notes of Chianti perfectly complement the salty taste of Pecorino.
- Barolo: The complex aromas of Barolo highlight the nutty and spicy flavor of Parmesan cheese.
Blue-veined cheeses, such as Gorgonzola and Roquefort
- Wine advice:
- Sauternes: the sweet and intense taste of Sauternes forms a surprising combination with the salty and spicy notes of Gorgonzola.
- Port: the rich and fruity taste of Port comes into its own with the creamy texture of Roquefort.
Tips for a successful wine-cheese combination
- Make sure you have a good balance between sweet and sour, so that the wine complements the flavor of the cheese.
- Try different combinations to discover which flavor combinations you prefer.
- Experiment with regional wines and cheeses to create unique and surprising combinations.
By choosing the right wine with your favorite Italian cheeses, every snack board will become a culinary adventure where the harmony between wine and cheese is central. Be surprised by the perfect combinations and enjoy a tasteful experience!
Savor the taste of Italy with this cheese selection
After reading this blog post, you will be ready to put together your own Italian snack board with delicious cheeses. Don't forget to experiment and add your personal touch to the selection. Be surprised by the flavors and enjoy the conviviality that a well-put together cheese board brings!
Frequently asked questions about Italian snacks
Yes, there are indeed certain rules and traditions that you must follow when putting together an Italian cheese platter. Firstly, it is common to select a good mix of soft and hard cheeses, for example mozzarella, gorgonzola, pecorino and parmigiano-reggiano. Also provide a variation in taste, such as mild and spicy cheeses. It is also important to serve the cheeses at room temperature so that the flavors develop properly. You can also combine the cheese with matching cold cuts, such as salami or prosciutto, and different types of fresh fruit, nuts and olives. This way you create an authentic Italian snack board that will certainly appeal!
Italian cheeses can generally be kept on a platter for up to 2 hours before they become less tasty. The longer they are left out of the refrigerator, they may lose their texture and flavor. So it is best to only take the cheeses out of the refrigerator at the last minute for optimal taste.
For a delicious Italian snack board, it is best to choose cheeses such as Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano), Pecorino Romano, Gorgonzola and Taleggio. These cheeses all have a unique taste and texture that go perfectly with other Italian antipasti on your snack board. Buon appetito!
To create the best taste experience when combining different Italian cheeses on a platter, it is best to take the following tips into account:
- Vary your taste: choose a mix of mild, spicy and creamy cheeses to create a balanced taste experience.
- Combine with bread and fruit: serve the cheeses with fresh baguette, crackers, grapes, figs or nuts to complement the flavors.
- Store the cheeses at the right temperature: make sure that the cheeses are served at room temperature so that the flavors develop properly.
- Presentation: arrange the cheeses on the serving board in an attractive and inviting arrangement, so that it not only looks tasty, but is also inviting to taste.
By following these tips, you can optimally enjoy the different Italian cheeses on your drinks board! Enjoy your meal!
Naturally! Some popular Italian wines that go well with cheeses on a snack board include Chianti, Barolo and Prosecco. Chianti is a red wine that goes well with hard cheeses such as Parmesan. Barolo, a powerful red wine, goes well with spicy cheeses such as Pecorino. Prosecco, a sparkling white wine, makes a light and festive combination with soft cheeses such as brie. Cheers to a delicious drink!
Various accompaniments go very well with Italian cheeses on a snack board. You can think of fresh fruit such as grapes or figs, nuts such as walnuts or almonds, honey, olives, and various types of bread such as ciabatta or grissini. These combinations enhance the flavors of the cheeses and provide a delicious drinking experience. Have fun putting together your drinks board!
Yes, there are certainly specific regional Italian cheeses that you should not miss on an Italian drinks platter. Some classics are Parmesan cheese (from Emilia-Romagna), Pecorino (from Tuscany or Sardinia) and Gorgonzola (from Lombardy). These cheeses are characteristic for their taste and are often served with Italian dishes. Adding these cheeses to your snack board will certainly contribute to the authentic Italian taste experience. Buon appetito!
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