Asiago cheese, with its distinctive nutty and sharp flavor, can elevate a wide array of dishes. The quality and type of asiago you choose can significantly impact the final taste of your culinary creations. This guide will help you navigate the options to find the perfect asiago for your needs.
- Soft and creamy versatile cheese, mild, medium, and sharp Italian Provolone cheese
- Natural Ingredients
- Add to bread dough to create a gourmet cheese bread
- Sprinkle onto sauteed vegetables.
- One of the best cheese EVAXO makes
- Imported from Italy
- EVAXO Brand
- Cheese & Crackers
- Heads up! This product’s package is getting a makeover, transitioning from Whole Foods Market to 365 brand. Best of all, it’s the same deliciousness on the inside
- Cold Pack Cheese Food.
- Proudly Wisconsin Cheese.
- Vegetarian.
- All natural cheese full, nutty flavor.
- Gluten free.
- rBST free.
- Award winning, aged over 10 months, crafted in Wisconsin.
- One 8 ounce bag of finely shredded Italian-Style Five Cheese Blend
- Good source of protein and calcium
- A blend of shredded low-moisture part-skim Mozzarella, Provolone with natural smoke flavor, Cheddar, Romano made with cow's milk, and Asiago cheeses
- Contains: Milk
- 365 by Whole Foods Market products give you that dance-down-the-aisles feeling, virtual aisles too! Our huge range of choices with premium ingredients at prices you can get down with makes grocery shopping so much more than tossing the basics in your...
This article is part of our complete guide Grocery & Gourmet — browse all our comparisons and buying guides.
Last update on 2026-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Asiago Cheese
Understanding Asiago Cheese
Asiago cheese is an Italian cow's milk cheese that comes in two main varieties: fresh (fresco) and aged (stagionato). Fresco has a milder, smoother texture and a less intense flavor, making it suitable for melting or as a table cheese. Stagionato is aged for longer periods, resulting in a harder texture and a sharper, more complex taste. The aging process significantly influences the cheese's character, so consider the intended use when selecting.
Factors to Consider
- Form: Asiago is available in various forms, including blocks, shredded, and pre-sliced. Blocks offer the most versatility for grating or cubing. Pre-shredded options are convenient but may contain anti-caking agents that can affect meltability.
- Origin and Production: While authentic Asiago d'Allevo PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) comes exclusively from specific regions in Italy, many excellent asiago-style cheeses are produced elsewhere. Look for labels that indicate quality ingredients and traditional cheesemaking methods if seeking a specific flavor profile.
- Flavor Profile: Younger asiago will be milder and creamier, while older, aged versions become granular and intensely savory with notes of nuts and caramel. Determine whether you need a cheese for subtle enhancement or a bold flavor statement.
Usage and Pairings
The versatility of asiago cheese makes it a staple in many kitchens. Its sharp, nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with robust ingredients. Use fresh asiago in salads, sandwiches, or melted into sauces. Aged asiago is excellent for grating over pasta, soups, and risottos, or enjoyed on its own with fruits and nuts. It also complements wines like Chianti or Sauvignon Blanc.
