One of the most beloved components of Italian cooking is the cheese. Read on to learn about the four most essential Italian cheeses and what makes them unique.
Parmesan
Parmesan is a hard, crumbly cheese with a salty and buttery flavor. Domestic parmesan is often found grated or shaved in thin slices, great for salads. Our favorite parmesan is imported Reggiano. This is the go-to choice of Italian cheeses to add to any number of dishes. We sell it freshly grated or in a chunk that you can shave or grate at home. And keep the rinds ~ they are great in soups!
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is used in combination with many other Italian cheeses. The cheese on your favorite pizza most likely has a mozzarella base because the cheese melts easily and becomes stringy and delicious. At Giolitti Deli, we have many different varieties and styles of mozzarella. You can enjoy cherry-sized fresh mozzarella in our Caprese salad with tomatoes and fresh basil. We have our hand-made mozzarella in the deli case ~ perfect for a Margherita pizza or sliced with tomatoes, olive oil, and balsamic. And if you’ve never had our homemade, double-dipped fried mozzarella sticks, you are in for a treat!
Provolone
A mild, smooth cheese, provolone can be very versatile and a great addition to a flavorful dish. At Giolitti Deli, provolone is included in our antipasto plate and antipasto salad options, where the cheese pairs well with Italian meats and vegetables. It is also a staple on many of our subs ~ including the Italian, Roman, Muffaletta, and hot subs like the Chicken Parmesan, Meatball, and Sausage subs. For a sharper, tangier taste, Imported Auricchio Provolone is great on charcuterie platters, or just with crackers.
Ricotta
At Giolitti’s, we have three different kinds of ricotta for sale. The basic ricotta is used in dishes like lasagna and ravioli. Polly-O ricotta is a slightly sweet version of ricotta, popular for desserts like our cannolis and cheesecakes! We also sell ricotta di Bufala ~ a rich, fresh cheese made from buffalo milk whey. At Giolitti Deli, you can also find ricotta—and mozzarella, gorgonzola & parmesan—in our Quattro Formaggi pizza.
When you want to indulge in the best Italian cheeses, stop on by Giolitti Deli to place an order or shop at our store.
Authentic Italian Cuisine From Giolitti Deli
Giolitti Deli is a full-service Delicatessen in Annapolis, MD, specializing in authentic Italian cuisine. Founded in 1992, we use the freshest ingredients to make time-honed recipes from scratch, with no MSG or preservatives. We believe in real food and offer many healthy options, including vegetarian and vegan menu items. At Giolitti Deli, we make our own sauces, mozzarella, grilled and roasted vegetables, bread, pizza dough, and desserts, and our sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza, and entrees are made to order. Owner Mary Giolitti has combined her passion for great food and fine wine to offer Annapolis a true taste of Italy!
Team members who also make the business possible include Manager Kathy Hunter, Manager and Catering Director Cheryl Molesky, Head Baker Porfirio Diaz, Chef Alfredo Escobar, and Deli Manager Noe Merino. To contact us, please visit our contact page or give us a call at 410.266.8600. Also, be sure to keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and our blog!
Tags: featured cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, ricotta