Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of cow's milk cheese (Formaggetta di Mucca)
- 4 ounces of pancetta, diced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cut the cow's milk cheese into small cubes and set aside.
3. In a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the diced pancetta to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the cubed cow's milk cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese is melted and combined with the pancetta.
6. Sprinkle the dried oregano over the cheese and pancetta mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of cow's milk cheese, you can use any other type of cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or provolone.
- If you don't have pancetta, you can use bacon or prosciutto instead.
Variations:
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the cheese and pancetta mixture before baking.
- Top the baked cheese with some chopped tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet or pan, as the cheese will be baked in the oven.
- If you want a crispier top, broil the cheese for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
- Serve the Formaggetta di Mucca con Pancetta with some crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the leftover cheese in a skillet or oven-safe dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Formaggetta di Mucca con Pancetta in the skillet or transfer it to a serving dish.
- Garnish with some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color.
Pairings:
- This dish pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the Formaggetta di Mucca con Pancetta with some roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also be a great side dish.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting properly, try adding a splash of milk or cream to the skillet to help it melt.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pancetta thoroughly before adding it to the cheese mixture.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Formaggetta di Mucca is a type of cow's milk cheese that is commonly found in the Lombardy region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory and rich, with the salty pancetta complementing the creamy and slightly tangy cheese.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Formaggetta di Mucca con Pancetta as an appetizer or as a main course with a side salad.
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Region: Italian