Asiago with Truffle
Asiago with truffle is a premium artisanal cheese that combines the nutty, complex character of aged Asiago with the earthy, aromatic intensity of truffle. This sophisticated cheese features actual truffle pieces or truffle-infused oils integrated throughout the paste, creating a luxurious umami-forward product. The marriage of Asiago's firm, crystalline texture with truffle's pungent elegance makes it a standout ingredient in fine dining and gourmet applications.
Flavor Profile
Deep, musky undertones with fungal complexity characteristic of black or white truffles, dominating the mid-palate
The base Asiago contributes warm, toasted hazelnut and subtle caramel sweetness that balances truffle intensity
Rich, mouth-coating savory depth from both aged Asiago and truffle compounds, creating addictive mouthfeel
Subtle black pepper spice on the finish, enhancing the sophisticated, complex profile
Seasonality
Year-round, but truffle-infused versions peak during truffle season (September-December for black truffles, November-March for white truffles)
Available throughout the year; highest quality and availability during autumn and winter months
Best Months
Culinary Uses
Available Forms
Key Techniques
- Shaving
- Grating
- Melting over warm dishes
- Sautéing
- Serving at room temperature
Classic Dishes
Flavor Pairings
Perfect Pairings
Complementary earthy, musky flavors that create harmonic depth; truffle in the cheese amplifies fresh truffle's complexity
Medium to full-bodied red wines with earthy undertones match the cheese's savory intensity and enhance umami perception
Crisp acidity cuts through cheese richness while complementing truffle's aromatic profile
Complementary earthy, musky flavors that create harmonic depth; truffle in the cheese amplifies fresh truffle's complexity
Shared umami compounds and earthy character create synergistic flavor amplification ideal for risottos and pasta dishes
Good Pairings
The cheese melts beautifully into warm dishes, distributing its complex flavors throughout
Shared nutty character creates textural and flavor coherence in cheese boards or dishes
The cheese melts beautifully into warm dishes, distributing its complex flavors throughout
Salty, umami-rich cured meats echo and amplify the cheese's savory depth
Shared nutty character creates textural and flavor coherence in cheese boards or dishes
Storage & Handling
Method
Wrapped in parchment or waxed paper, stored in the cheese compartment of a refrigerator at 35-45°F (2-7°C)
Duration
4-8 weeks when properly wrapped; longer if vacuum-sealed
Pro Tips
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption
- Allow to reach room temperature 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor development
- Re-wrap in fresh parchment paper every few days to prevent mold growth
- Store in the coolest part of the refrigerator, away from the freezer
Origin & Heritage
History
Asiago cheese originated in the Asiago Plateau in the Veneto region during the 10th century, traditionally made by Alpine herders. The truffle-infused variant is a modern gourmet innovation that emerged in the late 20th century, gaining prominence in luxury food markets during the 1990s-2000s. While traditional Asiago remains a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product from specific Italian regions, truffle-infused versions are now produced by artisanal cheesemakers internationally.
Cultural Significance
Truffle-infused Asiago represents the intersection of two pillars of Italian gastronomy—Alpine cheesemaking tradition and the prized truffle of Piedmont and Tuscany. It has become a symbol of contemporary luxury cheese craftsmanship, particularly valued in upscale Italian and European culinary circles. The cheese embodies the modern trend of combining heritage products with premium ingredients to create novel gourmet experiences.
The Science
Understanding the key chemical compounds helps explain why asiago with truffle pairs well with certain ingredients.
Volatile sulfur compounds responsible for truffle's characteristic earthy, pungent aroma; intensely aromatic at room temperature
Key truffle odorant contributing musky, fungal, earthy notes that define the ingredient's signature scent profile
From aged Asiago's proteolysis; creates savory, mouth-coating sensation amplified by truffle's natural umami contribution
Compounds from cheese aging that provide subtle caramel, creamy, and nutty notes balancing the earthy truffle character
Quick Tips
TL;DR for Asiago with Truffle
Best For
Risotto al Tartufo con Asiago, Tagliatelle al Tartufo
Top Pairing
White Truffle
Pro Tip
Shaving
Storage
4-8 weeks when properly wrapped; longer if vacuum-sealed fresh · 3-4 months with minimal quality loss frozen
Nutrition
Per 100g
Health Benefits
- Excellent source of protein and essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and repair
- Rich in bioavailable calcium and phosphorus supporting bone health and density
- Contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid with potential anti-inflammatory properties
- Provides probiotics and beneficial bacteria that support gut health when made with traditional cultures
Buying Guide
Price Range: $$$
Look For
- Firm, compact texture without cracks or excessive crumbling; should yield slightly to firm pressure
- Visible truffle pieces throughout the cheese (if authentic) appearing as dark specks or small pieces integrated into the paste
- Natural rind with even coloring (if wheel) or clean cut surface (if wedge) with subtle aroma of earth and truffle
- Rich, aromatic smell intensifying when wrapped package is opened; should be distinctly earthy, not musty or moldy
Avoid
- Visible mold (other than intentional surface cultures), ammonia smell, or slimy texture indicating spoilage
- Overly hard, brittle texture with significant cracks; indicates over-aging or improper storage
- Suspiciously inexpensive pricing for truffle-infused cheese; likely contains truffle flavoring rather than real truffle
- Package with no visible truffles in translucent packaging; may indicate truffle oil infusion rather than actual truffle pieces
Where to Find
- Specialty cheese shops and gourmet food stores, High-end Italian delis and import markets, Premium grocery stores with artisanal cheese counters, Online specialty food retailers (Preferred Food, Eataly, Murray's Cheese, etc.), Italian import companies and European food distributors
Did You Know?
- 1.Asiago takes its name from the Asiago Plateau in Northern Italy, where it has been produced since at least the 10th century by shepherds using milk from local cattle breeds
- 2.There are two main types of Asiago: Asiago Pressato (young, creamy, made from pasteurized milk) and Asiago d'Allevo (aged, hard, made from raw milk and with PDO protection); truffle-infused versions typically use the aged style
- 3.Black truffles used in this cheese can cost $800-$2,000 per pound, while white truffles command $1,000-$3,000+ per pound, making truffle-infused Asiago one of the most expensive cheeses available
- 4.The truffle's potent aroma comes from its volatile compounds that are released when sliced or grated; this is why the cheese develops stronger flavor as it approaches room temperature
- 5.In Italy, truffle season is a celebration causing prices to skyrocket and truffles to become the focus of regional festivals and competitive hunting (truffle dogs and truffles pigs are trained to locate them underground)
Plating Guidance
Explore all techniques →Vessel
Temperature-appropriate plates - chilled for cold dairy
Color Palette
White and cream tones, contrast with colorful accompaniments
Arrangements
Garnish Ideas