Every Spring season in the United States, we begin to see fresh basket cheese popping up in Italian markets. What is basket cheese, you ask?
Basket cheese, also known as "formaggio da pasta filata" in Italian, is a fresh, mild cheese originating from Italy. It gets its name from the traditional method of shaping and draining the curds in baskets, which gives it a distinctive, basket-like appearance. Basket cheese has a delicate, slightly salty flavor and a smooth, tender texture that's easy to slice or crumble. It's often enjoyed fresh with bread or fruit, and it complements both sweet and savory dishes beautifully. A staple in Italian culinary traditions, basket cheese reflects the artisanal craftsmanship and simple pleasures of authentic Italian cheeses.
(This definition was taken directly from the producer Liuzzi Cheese.)
Now, what can we do with it? In the US, basket cheese is most widely known as an ingredient in the traditional Italian Easter Ham Pie, aka Pizza Rustica. In Italy, it is known as "fomaggio fresco" or fresh cheese. It is generally available year-round. It is used both as a recipe ingredient and as a table cheese, much like ricotta cheese. At Talluto's, we love all cheese and we are always super excited when basket cheese is plentiful.
* Keep in mind, because it is a fresh cheese and has such a high moisture content, It is meant to be eaten shortly after it is made.
Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it. We hope that you enjoy these recipes.
Traditional Easter Ham Pie
Basket Cheese with Orange and Fennel Salad - Peeled orange slices with thinly sliced fennel dressed with extra-virgin olive oil, orange juice, salt and black pepper.
Tortellini Rustica Salad - Veal tortellini tossed with basket cheese, mortadella, salami, prosciutto cotto (cooked ham), and peas is dressed with mustard vinaigrette. CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE
- Joanne Talluto Brown