Easy Aperitivo Board with Grana Padano and Prosciutto

A great aperitivo board starts with two anchors: Grana Padano PDO and Prosciutto di Parma PDO. This guide is for anyone who wants to pull together a last-minute afternoon hangout from pantry and fridge staples. It covers how to pick the right age for each, then how to add something sweet, salty and crunchy.

Grana Padano PDO

Crumbly and crystalline, Grana Padano PDO is nutty and flavorful, with aromas of butter and hay. It ages a minimum of 9 months and grows more savory, complex and grainy over time. For an aperitivo board, a Riserva aged 20–24 months best shows off what makes it unique.

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Prosciutto di Parma PDO

Called the "King of Hams," Prosciutto di Parma PDO is aged twice as long as many other prosciutti, which builds depth of flavor and a buttery texture. Nothing but sea salt, air and time, for at least 400 days by law. For a board, pick a medium-aged one, 16–24 months, for a more defined nutty or earthy flavor.

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Something Sweet

Savory Grana Padano PDO shines next to something sweet. Honey and chocolate are easy pantry picks, while grapes, berries, apples and pears bring out surprising flavors in the cheese. For Prosciutto di Parma PDO, few pairings beat Prosciutto e Melone, where the ham's natural sweetness meets the fruit's.

Something Salty

Pickles and olives, salty and maybe slightly sour, keep the palate coming back for more. Their brightness lifts the richness of Prosciutto di Parma PDO and plays with its sweetness. For Grana Padano PDO, lightly salted almonds or other nuts pull out the cheese's nuanced flavors.

Something Crunchy

Grana Padano PDO is naturally grainy thanks to how it's made, and more texture only helps. Crisp crackers or crunchy fresh produce add variety while snacking. The richness of Prosciutto di Parma PDO also stands out against the snap of grissini.