Sicilian Ragusano Cheese | 1 lb. Block
$ 32.98
Ragusano Cheese | Approximately 1 lb
Free nationwide shipping
A little Ragusano goes a long way. Grate it over hot pasta, shave it onto roasted vegetables, or cut thin slices to enjoy with bread and olives. Our firm, savory cow's milk cheese has a nutty character and is freshly cut and vacuum sealed by Frank & Sal Italian Market in Staten Island, New York.
What Is Ragusano Cheese?
Ragusano is a traditional Sicilian cow's milk cheese made using the pasta filata, or stretched-curd, method. Known for its rectangular loaf shape, it becomes firmer and more pronounced in flavor as it matures. Firm Ragusano can be sliced for the table, shaved over food or grated into a dish.
Ragusano at a Glance
- What you receive: One cut block, approximately 1 pound. Individual cuts vary slightly in weight and shape.
- Style: Sicilian-style cow's milk pasta filata cheese.
- Flavor: Savory, nutty and aromatic.
- Texture: Firm enough for grating and shaving.
- Preparation: Freshly cut and vacuum sealed.
- Allergen: Contains milk.
Slice It for the Table, Grate It for Dinner
- Antipasto: Cut thin triangles or small bite-size pieces. Serve with olives, salami and crusty bread, with honey or sliced pears alongside.
- Pasta: Finely grate over tomato sauce, baked ziti or an eggplant pasta bake. Start with a light sprinkle, taste, then add more.
- Vegetables: Shave over roasted zucchini, cauliflower or potatoes just before serving.
- Salads: Use a vegetable peeler to make narrow shavings over arugula, tomatoes or white beans.
- Soups: Add a little finely grated cheese to individual bowls of vegetable or bean soup.
A useful kitchen tip: Taste your dish after adding the cheese and before adding more salt, especially when cooking with olives, anchovies or cured meats.
An Easy Way to Try It: Tomato Pasta with Ragusano
For two servings, use 6 ounces of dry pasta, 1 cup of your favorite tomato sauce and 1 ounce of finely grated Ragusano.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve a little cooking water before draining.
- Warm the sauce and toss with the pasta. If it needs loosening, add the reserved water one tablespoon at a time.
- Divide between two bowls and sprinkle half the cheese over each. Finish with fresh basil or black pepper if you like.
Grating the cheese finely helps distribute its flavor throughout each serving.
How Much Does a One-Pound Block Serve?
One pound is approximately 16 ounces. For planning, allow 1 to 2 ounces per person on a cheese board, giving you roughly 8 to 16 portions before trimming. As a pasta topping, a half-ounce per serving gives you about 32 servings. These are portion estimates; use more or less to suit your meal.
How to Cut and Store Ragusano
Set the block on its flat side on a stable cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut thin slices, then divide them into smaller triangles for serving. Grate only the amount you need and keep the rest of the block wrapped.
Refrigerate upon arrival and follow the product label's storage directions and date. After opening, cover the cut surfaces and keep the cheese in a closed food container or storage bag. Let only the portion you plan to serve sit out briefly to take off the refrigerator chill.
If you have a concern about the condition of your delivery, contact Frank & Sal with your order number and photos of the cheese and packaging.
Questions About Ragusano Cheese
Is Ragusano the same as caciocavallo?
Ragusano is historically associated with the name caciocavallo ragusano. Both belong to the stretched-curd cheese tradition, but caciocavallo is a broader name covering different regional cheeses. Ragusano is associated with southeastern Sicily and its distinctive rectangular loaf.
What does pasta filata mean?
Pasta filata means stretched curd. The curd is heated, worked and stretched before shaping. Mozzarella and provolone are also made using this method, although their texture and flavor differ from firm Ragusano.
Can I use Ragusano instead of Parmesan?
For a finishing sprinkle over pasta, soup or vegetables, firm Ragusano is an option. It gives the dish its own flavor, so start with a small amount and taste. In recipes that depend on a specific cheese to make a smooth sauce, substitution may change the result.
Does Ragusano melt like fresh mozzarella?
Do not expect the same soft, stretchy result. Firm aged cheese behaves differently when heated. For this block, grating or shaving is a useful approach; for a stretchy pizza topping, use mozzarella and add Ragusano for flavor.
Is this a whole loaf?
No. This listing is for an approximately one-pound block cut from a larger cheese and vacuum sealed.