Stracchino della Valsassina Gratin Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb Stracchino della Valsassina cheese, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Special equipment needed:
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Cheese slicer or sharp knife

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Grease an oven-safe baking dish with butter.
3. Arrange the sliced Stracchino della Valsassina cheese in the baking dish.
4. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and minced garlic over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
5. Pour the cream mixture over the cheese in the baking dish.
6. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper over the top of the cheese and cream mixture.
7. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the breadcrumbs. Stir until the breadcrumbs are coated in the butter.
8. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top of the cheese and cream mixture.
9. Bake the Stracchino della Valsassina Gratin for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
10. Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 430
- Total fat: 37g
- Saturated fat: 23g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Total carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 18g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Stracchino della Valsassina cheese can be substituted with any soft, creamy cheese such as Brie or Camembert.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or cooked bacon to the gratin before baking.
- Substitute the garlic with chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
- Use different types of cheese such as Gorgonzola or Fontina.

Tips and tricks:
- Let the Stracchino della Valsassina cheese come to room temperature before slicing to make it easier to handle.
- Use a cheese slicer or sharp knife to slice the cheese thinly and evenly.
- Make sure the breadcrumbs are evenly coated in butter to ensure a crispy topping.
- Serve the gratin with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover Stracchino della Valsassina Gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the leftover gratin in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the gratin in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish the gratin with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.

Pairings:
- Serve the Stracchino della Valsassina Gratin with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the breadcrumbs are not crispy enough, broil the gratin for a few minutes before serving.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use pasteurized milk products to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Stracchino della Valsassina is a soft, creamy cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, tangy, and slightly nutty.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Stracchino della Valsassina Gratin as an appetizer or side dish.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Italian

Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Nutty, Tangy