Find the most important etiquette rules on how to serve and eat Asiago and tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest at the dining table.

how to serve and eat asiago

What Asiago etiquette is

Asiago etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat Asiago. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.

If you are hosting, follow Asiago etiquette to serve it to your guests appropriately.

If you are a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat and enjoy it.

What you should know about Asiago

Asiago is a hard cheese from Italy. 

In the European Union, Asiago is a protected name. This means it can be used only for cheeses produced in a limited area around the town of Asiago, in the regions of Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige. The US, Australia, and other Italian regions make similar cheeses too.

Asiago is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk. Its qualities depend on its aging. 

Fresh Asiago, called “pressato”, is made from fresh whole milk. Its paste is pale yellow in color. It has a smooth and softer texture.

Aged Asiago, called “d’allevo”, is made from whole and skimmed milk. It has a crumbly texture. Its color and taste vary based on the aging time. Aging makes the texture harder and grainy, and the taste spicier and slightly bitter.

Etiquette tips to serve and eat Asiago

1) How to store Asiago

Store Asiago in the fridge. After opening it, wrap it in waxed or parchment paper. Fresh Asiago can last up to 2 weeks. Aged Asiago can last up to 4 weeks.

In the freezer, Asiago can last for 6 to even 12 months. However, freezing affects the taste and texture of the cheese. 

Store dishes with cooked Asiago in the fridge. They can last up to 3 to 5 days. 

2) How to clean Asiago

You do not need to wash Asiago.

It is common to discard the rind.

If you notice mold on the surface of Asiago, slice it and discard the slice that has gone bad. 

3) How to cook Asiago

Fresh Asiago melts better than the aged ones. 

You can use fresh Asiago in dishes that require melting cheese. Or you can use it for sandwiches.

Aged Asiago is best when you need a taste-rich grated cheese. You can grate it on pasta, or in soups and sauces. Aged varieties are great for salads too.

4) How to serve & present Asiago

Serve Asiago in large slices. Present it with a serving knife to slice it. Alternatively, you can serve it in smaller slices or cubes. 

Asiago is best served in a cheese course. After the meal and before the dessert. It is perfect for a cheese platter. Fresh Asiago is appropriate as an appetizer too.

Serve Asiago at room temperature. Take it out of the fridge between 1 and 2 hours before serving. Accompany it with bread or crackers.

5) Food and wine to pair Asiago with

Asiago goes well in recipes with meat, eggs, or vegetables. Avoid it with fish or seafood. 

Aged Asiago can enhance the flavor of pasta, sauces, soups, rice, and risotto. It is not common on pizza.

Pair Asiago with honey, jams, dry fruit, and nuts. It goes well with pears, figs, or grapes.

Asiago pairs well with red wine. Syrah. Chianti. Beaujolais. Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot. Or with white wines such as Chardonnay, Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc.

6) How to eat Asiago

The rind or skin is edible. However, it is best to discard it. Especially for aged Asiago, which has a harder rind.

Use a knife to remove the rind. Slice the cheese into bite-sized chunks. Then, bring it to your mouth one chunk at a time with your fingers. Alternatively, you can use a fork.

Asiago etiquette: the worst mistakes

Avoid the worst Asiago etiquette mistakes. 

  • 9/10. Serving spoiled Asiago.
  • 5/10. Pairing Asiago with fish or seafood.

Additional information for properly serving Asiago

How many calories per serving?

Counting calories is important to stay healthy and to correctly plan a menu.

Asiago contains 392 calories per 100 grams. An average single serving is a slice of about 25 grams and contains 98 calories.

How to buy the best Asiago

A crucial factor in Asiago etiquette is to serve the best product possible to your guests.

Season and availability 

Asiago is available all year round. 

Choose the best

The best Asiago must have a DOP (denominazione di origine protetta) seal on its packaging. The seal guarantees that the cheesemaker complied with all the necessary quality requirements. 

Alternatives to Asiago

Aged Asiago is a valid alternative to Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano.

Fresh Asiago can be a substitute for Fontina or Comté.

Sources