Bushra Griffith
Maasdam cheese is a Dutch cheese with Swiss roots. It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk and aged for a minimum of four weeks, during which time it develops its distinctive holes and slightly sweet, nutty flavour. Its creamy texture makes it a great melting cheese, and it can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to being melted over burgers or used as a fondue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Dutch farmhouse cheese |
| Texture | Semi-hard, creamy, slightly rubbery |
| Colour | Pale yellow |
| Rind | Smooth, yellow |
| Flavour | Sweet, nutty, buttery |
| Melting | Melts very well |
| Age | Minimum of four weeks |
| Milk | Cow's milk |
| Wine Pairing | Red and white wines |
| Brand Names | Bergumer, Meerlander, Westberg, Leerdammer |
| Forms | Wheels, blocks, grated, slices, wedges, pieces |
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What You'll Learn
Maasdam cheese melts well and can be used in various recipes
Maasdam cheese is a semi-hard, semi-firm Dutch cheese made from cow's milk. It is known for its distinctive holes, slightly sweet and nutty flavour, and creamy texture. This cheese is aged for a minimum of four weeks, although it can be aged for longer, and is available in various formats, including wheels, blocks, grated, slices, wedges, and pieces.
Maasdam cheese melts very well and can be used in a variety of recipes. Its high-fat content ensures it melts beautifully, adding a touch of creaminess to any dish. The cheese can be grated over pasta, risotto, or soups, or included in breakfast dishes such as omelettes and quiches. It can also be melted over burgers, used in fondue, or as a topping for baked dishes like lasagna or shepherd's pie. Its sweetness pairs well with crisp greens and tangy vinaigrettes, making it a great addition to salads.
When used in cooking, Maasdam cheese adds a burst of flavour and richness to the dish. Its mild and nutty flavour also makes it a good melting cheese for recipes where other strong-flavoured ingredients are used. For example, it can be melted as a topping for a savoury dish or incorporated into a creamy cheesecake recipe for dessert.
In terms of wine pairing, Maasdam cheese is quite versatile as it pairs well with both red and white wines. Some specific wine varieties that go well with this cheese include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. When serving Maasdam as a snack, it is recommended to pair it with white wines that have a mineral taste, mellow reds, Dutch beers, or sparkling beverages like champagne.
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It is a semi-hard, Dutch cheese with Swiss roots
Maasdam cheese is a semi-hard, Dutch cheese with Swiss roots. It is made from cow's milk and aged for a minimum of four weeks, resulting in its unique taste and slightly sweet, nutty flavour. The cheese is pale yellow and semi-firm, with a creamy texture and large holes that make up most of it. Its high-fat content and moisture content make it an excellent melting cheese, perfect for adding creaminess to dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, fondue, or as a topping for baked dishes like lasagne or shepherd's pie.
Maasdam cheese was created in the 1980s as a less expensive and quicker-to-produce Dutch take on Swiss Emmenthal cheese. The Swiss original, with its large eye holes and nutty flavour, inspired the Dutch to create their own version, which is now known and loved as Maasdam. The name "Maasdam" is derived from the Maas river that flows through the Netherlands, with "dam" referring to a wall that holds back water.
The cheese is available in various formats, including wheels, blocks, grated, slices, wedges, and pieces, making it versatile for different culinary applications. It is also sold under different brand names, such as Bergumer, Meerlander, and Westberg, with Leerdammer being the brand that first introduced this type of cheese.
Maasdam's mild, nutty, and sweet flavour profile makes it a versatile cheese for snacking, cooking, and pairing with beverages. It pairs well with white wines that have a mineral taste, mellow reds like Pinot Noir or Merlot, Dutch beers, or sparkling beverages like champagne. Its melting properties also make it suitable for recipes like grilled cheese sandwiches, fondues, or baked dishes.
Overall, Maasdam cheese, with its Swiss roots and Dutch evolution, is a unique semi-hard cheese with a distinct flavour and texture that has gained worldwide recognition. Its affordability, versatility, and melting capabilities make it a popular choice for culinary creations and snacking alike.
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The cheese is made from cow's milk and aged for a minimum of four weeks
Maasdam cheese is a Dutch cheese made from cow's milk and aged for a minimum of four weeks. This semi-hard cheese is known for its distinctive holes and slightly sweet, nutty flavour. It is a young cheese with a creamy texture and a buttery taste. The cheese was created in the 1980s as a local, less expensive alternative to Swiss Emmenthaler cheese. It has a higher moisture content, which makes it softer than Emmenthaler and gives it a slightly "rubbery" texture.
Maasdam cheese is a versatile variety that can be used in a multitude of dishes. It is an excellent melting cheese and can be used in recipes such as burgers, fondue, and baked dishes like lasagna. Its high-fat content ensures that it melts beautifully, adding creaminess to any dish. The cheese can also be grated over pasta, risotto, or soups for a burst of flavour. Its unique taste makes it a satisfying snack, and it pairs well with wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, or Merlot.
The name "Maasdam" is derived from the Maas river that flows through the Netherlands, with the "dam" referring to a wall that holds back water. The cheese is available in various formats, including wheels, blocks, grated, slices, wedges, and pieces. It is sold under different brand names, including Bergumer, Meerlander, Westberg, and Leerdammer, the brand that first introduced this type of cheese.
Maasdam cheese is a blend of cultures with Swiss roots and Dutch influence. It is a popular choice due to its affordability and versatility. Its mild, nutty flavour and creamy texture make it a delightful addition to sandwiches, salads, or snacks. The cheese can also be cubed or sliced and enjoyed with wines or other beverages. Overall, Maasdam cheese is a tasty and adaptable variety that can enhance various dishes and snacks.
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It has a distinctive sweet, nutty flavour and a creamy texture
Maasdam cheese is a Dutch cheese with Swiss roots, specifically created to compete with Swiss Emmentaler cheeses. It is made from cow's milk and aged for a minimum of four weeks, although it can be aged for longer. This semi-hard cheese is known for its distinctive holes and slightly sweet, nutty flavour, and its creamy, buttery texture.
The cheese's high-fat content and unique texture make it an excellent melting cheese. Its mild, nutty flavour and sweetness mean it can be used in a variety of dishes, both savoury and sweet. For example, it can be melted over burgers, used in fondue, or as a topping for baked dishes like lasagne. Its sweetness pairs well with crisp green salads and tangy vinaigrettes.
When melted, Maasdam adds a touch of creaminess to any dish. It can be grated over pasta, risotto, or soups, or used in omelettes and quiches. Its distinctive flavour also means it can be enjoyed on its own as a snack.
In terms of wine pairing, the cheese's sweetness and mild flavour mean it pairs well with both red and white wines, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, or Merlot. Its Swiss-style flavour also means it goes well with Dutch beers and sparkling beverages like champagne.
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It is named after the village of Maasdam in South Holland
Maasdam cheese is named after the village of Maasdam in South Holland, in the Netherlands. The village is located about 14 km south of the city of Rotterdam, in the municipality of Hoeksche Waard, on the rural Hoeksche Waard island. The name "Maasdam" is derived from the river Maas, which flows nearby, and the permanent dam that was built around 1270. This dam connected the areas known as Poelwijk in the Tiesselijnswaard, north of the river, and Weede in the Grote Hollandse Waard, to the south.
Maasdam was founded during the reign of Floris V, as part of the establishment of the Grote Hollandse Waard and the long-term policy of land reclamation by the Counts of Holland. The village was established near a substantial castle on the banks of the river Maas, with the remaining foundations of the castle discovered in 1958 in a parcel of land known as "Kromme Elleboog".
The village of Maasdam has a rich history, dating back to the Roman era. Archaeological findings indicate that the area was inhabited as early as the start of the Roman Flavian dynasty, with excavations suggesting the presence of a large Roman settlement, roads, a bridge, a burial field, and a harbour complex. From the 14th century until around 1800, Maasdam was the name of the local administrative area, and later the local municipality, which included the village of Maasdam and the surrounding polders.
Today, Maasdam is a popular tourist destination, with travellers visiting the village for its historical significance and charming rural setting. The village offers hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and various attractions, including the protected castle ruins.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Maasdam cheese is a great melting cheese. Its creamy texture and high-fat content make it melt beautifully, adding a touch of creaminess to any dish.
Maasdam is a semi-hard Dutch farmhouse cheese made from cow's milk. It is aged for a minimum of four weeks and has a nutty, sweet, and buttery flavour.
Maasdam cheese is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be grated over pasta, risotto, or soups, melted over burgers or used in fondue. It also makes a great addition to sandwiches and salads.
