Caciocavallo Cheese by Lioni | Whole Piece, Approx. 3.5 lb
$ 62.98
Caciocavallo Cheese by Lioni
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One whole cheese, approximately 3.5 pounds. Slice some for the table, tuck a few pieces into a sandwich, and save a portion for your next pasta bake. Lioni's Caciocavallo di Salvatore gives you plenty to work with, whether you're feeding company or cooking throughout the week.
What Is Caciocavallo?
Caciocavallo is a traditional Southern Italian stretched-curd cheese, recognized by its rounded body and small knob at the top. It belongs to the same cheese family as mozzarella and provolone. Depending on its age, caciocavallo can range from mild and supple to firmer and sharper.
This Lioni cheese is aged for three months and has a buttery flavor, light saltiness and creamy, semi-soft texture. It is made with whole cow's milk and finished with a thin, pale-yellow rind.
Milk from Local Farms, a Family with Brooklyn Roots
Lioni makes this caciocavallo with whole cow's milk sourced from local farms. Handcrafted and aged for three months, it brings together local milk and a Southern Italian cheesemaking tradition.
The Salzarulo family's cheesemaking roots reach back more than a century to the town of Lioni, Italy. In 1980, the family brought that tradition to Brooklyn, New York. Lioni remains family owned and operated, with the Salzarulo family still involved in its daily work.
What You'll Receive
- Quantity: One whole Lioni Caciocavallo di Salvatore.
- Average weight: Approximately 3.5 lb. Each handcrafted piece varies in weight and shape.
- Aging: Three months.
- Milk: Pasteurized whole cow's milk from local farms.
- Rennet: Vegetable rennet.
How to Enjoy Caciocavallo Cheese
- Build an antipasto plate. Cut thin triangles and serve with soppressata, olives and Italian bread. Add sliced pears or figs for a sweet contrast.
- Make a better hot sandwich. Layer thin slices with roasted peppers, grilled eggplant or sausage, then heat until the cheese softens.
- Use it in baked pasta. Tuck small cubes between layers of pasta and sauce so each serving has pockets of cheese.
- Try it on pizza. Shred a portion for your next homemade pie, or combine it with your usual mozzarella.
Try This: Caciocavallo Toasts
For four small toasts, start with four slices of Italian bread and approximately 4 ounces of cheese.
- Lightly toast the bread and place it on a broiler-safe baking sheet.
- Top each slice with about 1 ounce of thinly sliced caciocavallo.
- Broil until the cheese melts and begins to bubble, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Finish with black pepper and serve immediately. Add roasted peppers or a small drizzle of honey if you like.
How Much Cheese Is 3.5 Pounds?
A 3.5-pound piece weighs approximately 56 ounces. As a planning guide, that is about 28 two-ounce portions before trimming. Actual yield depends on the weight of your piece and how you prepare it. For a smaller gathering, cut only what you need and keep the remaining cheese wrapped and refrigerated.
Ingredients and Storage
Ingredients:
Pasteurized whole milk, starter, vegetable rennet and salt.
Contains milk.
Made with vegetable rennet: A useful choice for cheese lovers who avoid animal rennet.
Keep refrigerated and follow the storage directions and date on the product label. After cutting, cover the exposed surface and store the cheese in a closed container or food storage bag. Remove the netting and tags before preparing or serving.
Questions About Caciocavallo
Is caciocavallo the same as provolone?
No. Both are stretched-curd cheeses, but they are distinct varieties. Flavor and firmness depend on the producer and aging, so the name alone does not tell you how sharp a cheese will be.
Can you eat caciocavallo without cooking it?
Yes. Slice it for an antipasto plate, add it to a sandwich or enjoy a small piece with bread. Cooking is simply another way to serve it.
Does caciocavallo melt?
Yes. Try it on toast, in hot sandwiches or in baked pasta. Thin slices and small pieces help the cheese heat evenly.
Is this a whole cheese or a cut portion?
You receive one whole cheese averaging approximately 3.5 pounds. The weight is approximate because individual pieces vary.