Patrick Oconnell
Babybel is a brand of small, individually packaged snack cheeses from Le Groupe Bel, a company with French roots. The original Babybel cheese is a semi-soft cheese in the style of Edam, a semi-hard Dutch cheese known for its wax coating. Babybel has expanded its product line to include white cheddar, Monterey Jack, and gouda varieties, as well as plant-based cheese alternatives. Babybel cheese, like most other cheeses, will melt if brought to the right temperature, making it a popular choice for burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Do Babybel Cheese Melt?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melting | Melts if brought to the right temperature |
| Type of Cheese | Semi-soft, semi-hard, Edam |
| Ingredients | Cow's milk, paraffin wax |
| Variants | White cheddar, Monterey Jack, gouda, plant-based |
| Nutrition | Lactose-free, lower-fat alternative |
| Availability | Widely available in the UK at Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda |
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What You'll Learn
Babybel cheese melting point
Babybel cheese is a brand of small, individually packaged snack cheese products from Le Groupe Bel, a company with French roots. The main ingredient in Babybel cheese is cow's milk. The milk is heated and curdled with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, causing the milk to separate into solid curds and liquid whey.
Babybel cheese, like most other cheeses, will melt if brought to the right temperature. The melting point of Babybel cheese is around 130–140 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the brand and the specific type of cheese. The melting point is also affected by the amount of time the cheese is heated and the type of heat source used. For example, it can be melted in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.
However, Babybel cheese has a high-fat content and a unique composition, which causes it to behave differently when exposed to heat. It will soften and spread out when heated, but it won't form the stretchy, gooey consistency typical of melted cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. Instead, it tends to release its oil and become oily and greasy. This makes it a good option for snacking or as an ingredient in recipes where you don't want the cheese to fully melt, such as on top of a burger or in a grilled cheese sandwich.
There are several methods for melting Babybel cheese:
- In the microwave: Remove the wax coating and place the cheese on a microwave-safe plate or bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds at a low power setting (around 50% power) until just softened.
- In a pan: Cut the cheese into small pieces and heat them in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Stir frequently until melted and smooth, which should take about 3–5 minutes.
- Under the broiler: Place sliced or halved cheeses on top of crackers or bread slices and broil for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- In soup/stews: Add sliced or shredded cheese to soups or stews during cooking; it will melt into the broth, creating a creamy texture.
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Babybel cheese on a burger
Babybel cheese is a brand of small, individually packaged snack cheese products from Le Groupe Bel, a company with French roots. The cheese is in the style of "Edam", a semi-hard Dutch cheese known for its wax coating. Babybel cheese, like most other cheeses, will melt if brought to the right temperature.
Babybel cheese can be used as an ingredient in burgers. Some people wrap hamburger meat around Babybel cheese to make stuffed burger patties. However, some people are disappointed with the results of this method, claiming that the cheese robs the burger of its texture. Instead, they recommend putting the cheese on top of the burger patty, where it will melt in seconds.
If you want to make a Babybel cheese-stuffed burger, you can start by mixing ground beef, egg whites, bread crumbs, onion powder, garlic, and salt in a large bowl. Then, flatten a portion of the meat mixture, place a Babybel cheese in the middle, and top it with another portion of the meat mixture. Make sure the cheese is completely covered. Repeat this process until you have formed the desired number of burgers. Finally, cook the burgers on a grill over medium heat until they are done to your liking.
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Babybel cheese as a snack
Babybel cheese is a brand of small, individually packaged snack cheese products from Le Groupe Bel, a company with French roots. Their line includes white cheddar, Monterey Jack, and gouda varieties, and they have now even expanded into plant-based cheese alternatives. The original variety is made in the style of Edam, a semi-hard Dutch cheese known for its wax coating. The wax is made from paraffin and acts as a preservative, preventing unwanted mould from forming and keeping the cheese safe to eat. It also makes the cheese easily transportable and adds a stylish touch.
Babybel cheese is a convenient and tasty snack option, offering portion control and a lower-fat alternative to other cheeses. The cheese is lactose-free and suitable for vegetarians, although it is not certified as halal or kosher. It is widely available in major UK supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda.
Babybel cheese can be enjoyed as a snack on its own, or melted and added to dishes such as burgers or grilled cheese sandwiches. Some people enjoy the unique experience of eating the cheese and then playing with the wax, although it is important to note that the wax is not meant to be eaten.
When melting Babybel cheese, it is recommended to bring it to room temperature first to achieve the best results. This can be a fun way to elevate a simple dish and add some extra flavour. Whether enjoyed as a snack or incorporated into a meal, Babybel cheese is a versatile and convenient option for cheese lovers.
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Babybel cheese nutrition
Babybel cheese is a brand of small, individually packaged snack cheeses from Le Groupe Bel, a company with French roots. The original Babybel cheese is packaged in a distinctive red wax shell, and the product is described as "100% real semi-soft cheese goodness packed in a delicious, palm-size snack."
Babybel Original is a source of calcium and protein and is lactose-free. It is made from cow's milk and contains lactose, the natural sugar found in milk. The cheese is also available in a variety pack, including 8 Babybel Originals, 5 Monterey Jack, and 5 White Cheddar snack cheeses.
In addition to the original variety, Babybel has expanded its line to include other cheese varieties such as Monterey Jack and Gouda, as well as plant-based cheese alternatives.
Babybel cheese, like most cheeses, will melt if brought to the right temperature. It can be a great option to consider for your next burger or grilled cheese sandwich.
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Babybel cheese alternatives
Babybel cheese is a brand of small, individually packaged snack cheese products from Le Groupe Bel, a company with French roots. Their line includes white cheddar, Monterey Jack, and gouda varieties, and they have now even expanded into plant-based cheese alternatives.
Babybel cheese is similar to Edam, a semi-hard Dutch cheese known for its wax wrapper, but a bit sweeter, milder, and more rubbery. If you are looking for a similar cheese, you can try the following:
- Edam: This is the cheese that Babybel is based on and is very similar in terms of consistency and flavor.
- Port Salut: This cheese is from the same company as Babybel and is a bit softer with a slightly stronger flavor. It has been described as a "grown-up" version of Babybel.
- Bonbel: This cheese is also from the same company, with similar packaging and nearly the same cheese, but it is also sold in big slices.
- Mild cheddar
- Mozzarella: This cheese has a similar smooth texture to the Babybel Plant-Based Cheese.
- Swiss
- Provolone
- Manchego
- Oaxaca
- Chihuahua
In addition to these options, Babybel also offers a plant-based, vegan cheese alternative that is dairy-free and lactose-free. It has a smooth texture similar to mozzarella and is perfect for anyone looking for a cheese alternative for their next vegan dish or snack.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Babybel cheese will melt if brought to the right temperature. Some people enjoy melted Babybel on their burgers or grilled cheese sandwiches.
While the wax coating on Babybel cheese is "food safe", it is not recommended for consumption. The wax is made of paraffin and serves to preserve the cheese and prevent mould.
Yes, Babybel cheeses are vegetarian-friendly and do not contain any animal products other than cow's milk. They also offer a plant-based alternative made from coconut oil and starch.
Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider for advice on foods they can and cannot eat. Babybel cheese contains pasteurised milk and is a semi-hard cheese, which may be considered safer during pregnancy than softer varieties.
