Andy Montoya
Gouda is a semi-hard Dutch cheese made from cow's milk. Named after the city of Gouda, where it was first produced in the Middle Ages, it is a pale yellow cheese with a smooth, creamy texture and a nutty, buttery flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. Some popular ways to use gouda cheese include grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, fondue, pizza, and omelettes. It can also be served as part of a charcuterie board with bread, salami, and apples, or baked in a puff pastry. For a more indulgent option, gouda can be melted on top of burgers or used in a mac and cheese recipe with added bacon, sausage, or jalapeños.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Semi-hard |
| Colour | Pale yellow |
| Flavour | Nutty, buttery |
| Type of milk | Cow's milk |
| Country of origin | The Netherlands |
| City of origin | Gouda |
| Age | First produced in the 12th century |
| Production method | "Washing the curd" |
| Recipe ideas | Mac and cheese, soup, sandwiches, fondue, gougères, pigs in a blanket, cauliflower mash, gouda-stuffed chicken breasts, poutine |
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What You'll Learn
Fondue
Gouda cheese fondue is a delicious and hearty dish, perfect for sharing with friends and family. It is also a great choice for lunch or dinner and is suitable for vegetarians. Here is a recipe for a fondue with gouda cheese as its star ingredient.
Ingredients
- Gouda cheese
- White wine
- Cornstarch
- Kirsch
- Pepper
- Bread
- Garlic
Optional Ingredients
- Mustard
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Cherry tomatoes
- Broccoli florets
- Olives
Instructions
- Rub the fondue pan with a halved clove of garlic.
- Heat the white wine against the boil.
- Cut the baguette and put it on the table in advance with the fondue hearth.
- While stirring well, gradually add grated gouda cheese to the hot wine so that it melts well.
- Add freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Mix the cornstarch with the kirsch and pour it into the melted cheese.
- Stir well and when the fondue is well bound, pour it into the preheated fondue pan.
For a festive twist, serve the fondue in a baked pumpkin bowl with red grapes, bread cubes, and pear slices.
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Charcuterie board
Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a firm texture and balanced savoury and tangy flavours. It is aged for six months, which is why its taste and aroma are relatively mild. Gouda is a popular choice for charcuterie boards as it pairs well with fruits and crackers. Gouda also has a strong, tangy flavour that adds depth to your charcuterie board.
When preparing a charcuterie board, it is important to get a perfect balance of salty, sweet, rich, and sour flavours, with amazing textures. Gouda can be used to add a tangy flavour to the charcuterie board. To balance the flavours, you can pair it with fruits such as apples, pears, quince paste, or berries. You can also serve it with dark chocolate, which enhances the aged gouda's natural sweetness.
When it comes to cutting Gouda for a charcuterie board, it is recommended to first remove the rind and slice it into thin wedges or rectangular pieces. Gouda can be crumbly and difficult to cut, so using a thin-bladed knife can help prevent sticking. Gouda is often sold in a round wedge, which can be laid on a cutting board and sliced perpendicular to the front to create long sticks, which can then be diced into smaller cubes.
In addition to Gouda, it is recommended to include a variety of other cheeses, such as a soft cheese like Brie or Camembert, a medium-firm cheese like Manchego, and a hard cheese like Parmesan or Cheddar. Having a range of textures and flavours will ensure a well-rounded and visually appealing charcuterie board.
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Mac and cheese
Ingredients
For a delicious gouda mac and cheese, the key ingredients are elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, and of course, gouda cheese. You can use either regular or smoked gouda, depending on your preference for a classic or smoky flavour profile. Additionally, you can incorporate other cheeses such as sharp cheddar, American cheese, or parmesan to enhance the creaminess and provide a flavour contrast. Other optional ingredients include onion, mustard powder, black pepper, and heavy cream.
Cooking Instructions
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni in salted water until it reaches al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a separate skillet or pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring frequently, until a paste forms and the flour is lightly browned. This step forms the basis of a béchamel sauce.
Next, slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce without lumps. Add in seasonings like salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning to taste. Once the sauce is well combined, stir in the shredded gouda and cheddar cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and well incorporated.
Baking or Serving
At this point, you have two options: baking the mac and cheese or serving it directly on the stovetop. For a baked version, transfer the macaroni to a greased baking dish and top it with an even layer of the remaining cheese. You can also add breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
If you prefer to serve it directly on the stovetop, simply simmer the sauce over low heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. Ensure the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without sliding off. Finally, stir the cooked macaroni into the sauce, combining them evenly. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, indulgent gouda mac and cheese!
Customisation and Tips
Feel free to customise your gouda mac and cheese by adding mix-ins such as cooked broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, or jalapeños. You can also top it with crumbled bacon for an extra savoury touch. To make it healthier, consider using reduced-fat cheese or substituting the pasta with cauliflower or chickpea macaroni. Additionally, you can replace some of the butter in the sauce with Greek yoghurt or light cream cheese for a creamy texture without the extra fat.
Gouda mac and cheese can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it in the oven at 425°F until warm and bubbly. This dish is versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses and ingredients to create your ultimate gouda mac and cheese!
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Sandwiches
Gouda cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, especially grilled cheese sandwiches. Its ability to melt easily and add a gooey texture and a smoky flavour makes it a perfect sandwich ingredient. Here are some ways to use gouda cheese in sandwiches:
Grilled Cheese with Gouda, Roasted Mushrooms and Onions
This sandwich is a delicious combination of flavours and textures. The key steps to making this sandwich are:
- Butter some sourdough bread to grill each side.
- Grill onions and mushrooms in a skillet with olive oil, starting with onions and then adding mushrooms.
- Assemble the sandwich by layering gouda cheese, roasted mushrooms, and onions between two slices of grilled bread.
- Serve with a traditional tomato soup for a hearty meal.
Smoked Gouda and Roasted Red Pepper Grilled Cheese
This sandwich has a unique flavour and is easy to make. Here are the steps to prepare it:
- Layer smoked gouda, muenster, sliced red pepper, and baby rocket between two slices of bread.
- Spread butter on both sides of the sandwich.
- Place the sandwich in a medium non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cover and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Gouda and Ham Melt
This sandwich is a hearty and comforting meal that is easy to prepare. The steps to make this sandwich are:
- Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble the sandwich by layering gouda cheese, slow-roasted ham, and another slice of bread with mayonnaise on the inside.
- Spread butter on the top and bottom of the sandwich.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and cook the sandwich until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Gouda Bacon Grilled Cheese
This sandwich is a flavourful and indulgent treat. To make this sandwich:
- Shred some gouda cheese and cook some bacon.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble the sandwich by layering gouda cheese, bacon, and arugula between the slices of bread.
- Drizzle hot honey over the arugula.
- Grill the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Gouda cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of sandwich combinations. These recipes provide a range of options to enjoy the unique flavour and texture that gouda cheese adds to sandwiches.
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Soups
Gouda cheese is a great ingredient to add to soups, and it goes especially well with roasted red peppers. This soup is a simple, delicious, and comforting meal that can be made in 30 minutes or less.
To make roasted red pepper and gouda soup, you'll need jarred roasted red peppers, or you can roast your own red bell peppers. You'll also need onion, carrot, celery, garlic, olive oil, butter, paprika, Italian seasoning, chicken stock, and of course, gouda cheese.
Start by dicing the onion and chopping the carrots, celery, and garlic. Add olive oil and butter to a large pot over medium heat, then add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Next, add the carrots, celery, garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes. Drain and rinse the jarred peppers, then add them to the pot along with the chicken stock. Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Now it's time to add the gouda cheese. First, let the soup cool down a bit, then place it back over low heat. Add shredded gouda cheese to the soup and stir until it melts completely. You can also use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, then stir in the cheese and heavy cream.
This soup is best served with crusty bread, such as sourdough or pain au levain, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Another soup idea with gouda cheese is a Beer Cheese Soup. This soup combines gouda cheese, beer, and vegetables like carrots, onion, peppers, and jalapenos. It's a rich and creamy soup with a kick of spice from the jalapenos and smoked paprika.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have high-quality Gouda, it is best to keep things simple and let the cheese shine. Slice the cheese thinly and serve it with rye bread and salami, or other charcuterie board items.
Gouda is a versatile cheese that can be used in many recipes, including grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, fondue, pizza, omelettes, and grilled vegetables.
Yes, Gouda cheese can be used in baking. For example, you can make homemade cheese straws or use it as a topping for puff pastry.
Gouda cheese can be used in unique ways such as adding it to soups, making cheese balls, or even experimenting with different ingredients like coconut cream to make a unique Gouda cheese of your own.
