Italian Cheese Sampler – 2 Pounds of Italy’s Finest Cheeses
$ 42.98
Italian Cheese Sampler with Four Imported Italian Cheeses
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If you want to try a good selection of Italian cheeses without buying several large pieces, this sampler is an easy way to do it. You get four different imported cheeses, each with its own flavor and texture, for a total of approximately 2 pounds.
We include Provolone Piccante, Grana Padano, Gorgonzola and aged Pecorino Toscano. Each cheese is cut into an approximately 8 ounce piece and packed separately. It is a nice assortment for an antipasto table, a cheese board, a family gathering or a gift for someone who really enjoys Italian food.
What Comes in the Sampler
The sampler contains approximately 32 ounces of imported Italian cheese. We chose four cheeses that are different enough from one another that you can actually taste the variety.
Provolone Piccante, Approximately 8 oz.
This is the sharper style of provolone. It has a firm texture and a stronger flavor than the mild provolone most people know from the deli counter. Slice it thin, cut it into small pieces or serve it with bread, olives and cured meats.
Grana Padano, Approximately 8 oz.
Grana Padano is firm, slightly crumbly and pleasantly nutty. You can break it into small chunks and eat it as part of the cheese board, or keep some aside for grating over pasta, risotto, soup or vegetables.
Gorgonzola, Approximately 8 oz.
The Gorgonzola gives the assortment something completely different. It is creamy, tangy and full flavored. We especially like it with pears, figs, walnuts or a little honey.
Aged Pecorino Toscano, Approximately 8 oz.
Made from sheep's milk, aged Pecorino Toscano has a firm texture and a savory flavor that stands apart from the cow's milk cheeses in the box. It is excellent sliced thin or cut into small pieces for snacking.
A Real Italian Cheese Assortment
We did not want to put four similar cheeses in a box and call it a sampler. The point is to taste four different styles.
Provolone Piccante brings the sharpness. Grana Padano is firm and nutty. Gorgonzola is creamy and tangy. Pecorino Toscano adds the richer flavor of an aged sheep's milk cheese. Put them together and you have a well rounded Italian cheese sampler without having to choose each cheese separately.
Cut and Packed for Your Order
We are an Italian market, and cheese is something we work with every day. These are not four little factory packed portions pulled from a gift box shelf.
The cheeses are cut into individual portions and packed separately. That makes it easy to serve all four at once or open them one at a time.
A Tip From Our Market
Do not serve good cheese ice cold if you can help it. Take out what you plan to eat about 30 to 45 minutes before serving. Once the cheese loses that refrigerator chill, the texture and flavor are noticeably better.
Putting Together an Italian Cheese Board
You do not need much to turn this assortment into a nice antipasto or cheese board. Keep it simple and let the cheeses do most of the work.
- Crusty Italian bread or plain crackers
- Fresh pears, grapes or figs
- Fig spread or honey
- Walnuts, almonds or other nuts
- Italian olives
- Prosciutto, soppressata or dry sausage
Break the Grana Padano into rough pieces, slice the Provolone and Pecorino, and leave the Gorgonzola in a larger piece with a small knife. That is really all you need.
A Good Gift for Someone Who Loves Italian Cheese
This also works very well as an Italian cheese gift. There are no unrelated fillers added just to make the package look bigger. The focus is the cheese.
It is a good choice for birthdays, holidays, housewarmings, hosts or anyone who enjoys putting out a good antipasto spread when family and friends come over.
Product Details
Questions About the Italian Cheese Sampler
What cheeses are included?
You receive approximately 8 ounces each of Provolone Piccante, Grana Padano, Gorgonzola and aged Pecorino Toscano. The total weight is approximately 2 pounds.
Are these cheeses imported from Italy?
Yes. The cheeses in this assortment are imported from Italy and portioned for your order by Frank and Sal.
Is 2 pounds enough for a cheese board?
For most gatherings, 2 pounds gives you plenty to work with, especially when the cheese is served with bread, crackers, olives, fruit, nuts or cured meats. The exact number of people it serves will depend on whether the cheese is an appetizer or the main part of the spread.
Is this a good Italian cheese gift?
Yes. It is especially good for someone who would rather receive good food than a basket filled with extras they may never use. They get four different imported Italian cheeses in one assortment.
How should I store the cheese?
Keep the cheese refrigerated. After opening a piece, wrap it well and return it to the refrigerator. Keeping the cheeses separated also helps prevent the stronger varieties from affecting the flavor and aroma of the milder ones.
Should I serve the cheese cold?
You can, but we think it tastes better when it has had a little time to warm up. Take out the amount you plan to serve about 30 to 45 minutes beforehand.
What is the difference between a cheese sampler and an Italian gift basket?
A cheese sampler is mainly about trying several cheeses. An Italian gift basket may also contain pasta, crackers, cookies, olive oil or cured meats. This assortment stays focused on four imported Italian cheeses.
Is shipping included?
Yes. Shipping is included in the price of this Italian cheese sampler.