Italian Blend Cheese: Creative Cooking Ideas And Recipes

Italian cheese blends are a combination of multiple Italian cheese types, including mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, asiago, pecorino romano, and fontina. They can be used to add depth and authenticity to traditional Italian recipes like pizza and pasta, or to spice up comfort foods like mac and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches. Italian cheese blends are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from hearty soups to refreshing salads. They can also be paired with the right beer or wine to enhance the flavour experience.

Characteristics and Values of Italian Blend Cheese

Pizza

A good starting point for a pizza cheese blend is a mix of low-moisture mozzarella and parmesan. You can then add dried oregano and garlic powder for extra aroma. To make it even more special, include some smoky provolone, and perhaps some romano, fontina, and asiago. Mozzarella melts incredibly well, so it is a good idea to include this in your blend.

If you are making your own blend, select cheeses that contrast with one another but still complement each other in terms of flavor. For example, you could include some harder cheeses like parmesan or asiago, which will add a salty, nutty kick to your pizza.

When making pizza, it is important to consider the other ingredients you will be using, as you would probably want to do things differently depending on whether you are making a pizza or a ravioli filling, for instance.

Pasta

Mac and Cheese with a Twist

Take your mac and cheese to the next level by using an Italian cheese blend instead of the usual cheddar. The blend can include mozzarella, which melts incredibly well, along with Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and provolone. For added flavour, include Italian sausage and mushrooms to make it a hearty meal.

Baked Pasta Dishes

When making baked pasta dishes like lasagna or baked mac and cheese, an Italian cheese blend can be a delicious addition. The blend can be sprinkled on top of the pasta before baking, adding a crispy and cheesy layer. The blend's combination of cheeses will also enhance the flavour of the dish.

Creamy Pasta Sauces

Italian cheese blends can be used to make creamy and flavourful pasta sauces. For example, a blend of mozzarella and provolone can be melted and mixed with milk or cream to create a rich and creamy sauce. This sauce can then be tossed with your favourite type of pasta and some vegetables or meat.

When making pasta casseroles, Italian cheese blends can be a great way to add flavour and texture. Try blending mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan and mixing it with cooked pasta, vegetables, and a tomato-based sauce. Top it off with some breadcrumbs and bake it until golden and bubbly.

Italian cheese blends are also excellent for pasta salads. Simply mix your favourite type of pasta with chopped vegetables, a vinaigrette dressing, and an Italian cheese blend. The blend will add a salty and nutty flavour to the salad, and you can adjust the blend to your taste.

When cooking with Italian cheese blends, remember that you can create your own blend by combining leftover cheeses in your refrigerator or purchasing a pre-made blend. Experiment with different combinations of cheeses to find your favourite blend, and don't be afraid to add your own twist to these pasta dish ideas!

Grilled cheese sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food that can be taken to the next level by using an Italian cheese blend. This type of sandwich is a great option for kids and adults alike, as it is easy to make and can be customised to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

For a grilled cheese sandwich, you will need:

• Bread: You can use any type of bread you have on hand, such as plain white sandwich bread or crusty bread.
• Cheese: For the Italian blend, you can use a combination of cheeses such as mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Fontina.
• Butter: Butter is used to toast the sandwich and add flavour.
• Optional ingredients: You can also add ingredients such as cured meats (pepperoni, salami, prosciutto, or soppressata), fresh basil leaves, garlic powder, oregano, or even dip the sandwich in an egg coating for extra flavour and crispness.

Instructions

• Assemble the sandwich: Place a slice of cheese on a piece of bread. If you're adding meat or other ingredients, layer them on top of the cheese. Then, add a handful of fresh basil leaves and a second piece of cheese, followed by the second slice of bread.
• Prepare the skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter to the skillet—enough to coat the sandwich.
• Cook the sandwich: Place the sandwich in the skillet and coat both sides with melted butter. Cook the sandwich for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until it is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and serve it with chips, salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of pickled vegetables.

Tips and Variations

• If you're serving kids, you can cut the sandwiches into wedges for easier eating.
• For a lighter option, you can downsize the layers of an Italian sub and turn it into a grilled cheese sandwich.
• For extra flavour, try using a combination of different types of Italian cheese in your blend.
• If you want to add a kick to your sandwich, lean into the sharp flavours of hard cheeses like Romano.
• Get creative and experiment with different combinations of cheeses and ingredients to find your perfect grilled cheese sandwich.

Soups

Italian cheese blends are a great way to add depth and flavour to your soups. The versatility of these blends means you can create a unique and rich taste experience.

A blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan is a great starting point for a soup. This combination can be used as a base, with the addition of other cheeses to create a distinct flavour profile. For example, adding Romano to this blend will create a sharper, saltier taste. This blend will melt beautifully and create a rich, creamy texture. For a stronger flavour, you could add asiago or fontina, which will bring a sharper, more savoury note to your soup.

If you're looking to create a lighter, more subtle soup, a blend of part-skim mozzarella and provolone is a great choice. This combination will still provide a delicious, creamy texture but with a more delicate flavour. Adding parmesan to this blend will create a sharper note without overwhelming the other flavours.

For a truly unique soup, you could experiment with adding other cheeses to your blend. A small amount of pecorino, for example, will add a strong, salty component. Alternatively, you could include a blue cheese to add a tangy, savoury note.

Italian cheese blends are a simple and effective way to elevate your soup-making, allowing you to create a variety of flavour profiles and textures.

Salads

Classic Italian Salad

A classic Italian salad combines fresh greens, vegetables, and an Italian cheese blend. Start with a base of mixed greens such as arugula, romaine lettuce, and spinach. Chop up some ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and bell peppers to add a variety of colours and textures. Sprinkle a generous amount of Italian cheese blend on top, featuring cheeses like Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and mozzarella. Finish it off with a simple vinaigrette dressing and some toasted croutons.

Caprese Salad

This classic Italian salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple flavours. Slice some ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella into thick slabs. Arrange them alternately on a plate, creating a colourful pattern. Top each slice of tomato and mozzarella with a fresh basil leaf. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad, and season with salt and pepper. For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle some Italian cheese blend on top, adding a mix of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago.

Italian Chopped Salad

For a heartier option, try an Italian chopped salad. Chop up some romaine lettuce, salami, pepperoni, red onions, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and pepperoncini peppers. Toss everything together in a large bowl. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Just before serving, top the salad with a generous amount of Italian cheese blend, featuring cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.

Pasta Salad with Italian Cheese Blend

Combine cooked pasta (such as fusilli or penne) with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, red onions, and cherry tomatoes. Add in some black olives, artichoke hearts, and sliced pepperoni for extra flavour. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss the pasta salad with the dressing and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavours meld. Before serving, sprinkle a generous amount of Italian cheese blend on top, including cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.

Antipasto Salad

Create a stunning antipasto salad by arranging a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables on a large platter. Start with a base of mixed greens, then add slices of salami, prosciutto, and capicola. Include some marinated vegetables like artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes. For the cheeses, alternate slices of fresh mozzarella and a mix of Italian cheese blend, featuring Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano. Serve with a simple balsamic vinaigrette on the side.

Frequently asked questions