Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can transform a dish with its creamy, tangy, and savoury qualities. With an estimated 2,000 varieties of cheese globally, there are endless ways to cook with this beloved dairy product. From stretchy mozzarella to creamy brie, sharp cheddar, and salty feta, each type of cheese brings something unique to the table. Whether you're making a classic mac and cheese, a cheesy pizza, or a sophisticated baked brie, knowing how to select and prepare the right cheese can elevate your culinary creations. In this guide, we'll explore the diverse world of cheese and provide tips on how to cook with different varieties, so you can become a master at crafting delectable cheesy dishes.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to cook with mozzarella
Mozzarella is a mild Italian cheese that is known for its excellent melting properties. It is a perennial favourite for pizzas, but it can also be used in pasta, salads, and bakes.
Mozzarella is available in many forms, including block, shredded, and fresh. Fresh mozzarella is milky, tender, and mild, with a faint layer of cream beneath the skin. It is best enjoyed on its own, perhaps with a sprinkle of sea salt, or in a simple Caprese salad with tomatoes and basil.
When cooking with mozzarella, it is important to note that it melts best at low to medium heat to avoid oil separation and achieve the perfect stretch. This makes it ideal for dishes like garlic bread, where it can be stuffed into a loaf and baked until gooey. It can also be used as a topping for casseroles, such as a vegetarian dish with red peppers, tomato, orzo, and olives.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for vegetarian dishes. It can be baked with aubergine and tomato, garnished with parmesan, or stuffed into squash with peppers and onions, then served in a salad with basil sauce. It is also delicious in sandwiches, such as a sub filled with meatballs and basted in tomato sauce.
For a more indulgent option, mozzarella can be used in fried dishes. Chill the cheese before frying, or lightly coat it in breadcrumbs to create a crispy crust and lock in the melt. Fried mozzarella sticks are a perfect example, served with a chilli tomato sauce for dipping.
Hot Ham and Cheese: A Tasty, Quick Treat
You may want to see also
How to cook with cheddar
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, from soups to casseroles. It is a popular ingredient in American kitchens and has a distinct flavour that ranges from mild to extra sharp. Young cheddars tend to be mild and creamy, while aged cheddars have a stronger, more complex flavour and a crumbly texture.
When cooking with cheddar, it is important to consider the taste and texture of the dish. For example, full-fat cheddar melts smoothly and evenly, making it perfect for a classic macaroni and cheese or fondue. To achieve a perfect melt, it is best to cook the cheese over low to medium heat.
Cheddar can also be used to make sandwiches, toasts, and popovers. It pairs well with salty or briny ingredients like beef and pickles. For a simple snack, try a mature cheddar omelette or use leftover odds and ends of cheddar in a savoury scone.
For a more indulgent treat, try bacon cheese fries or a cheeseburger-quesadilla mashup. These dishes are perfect for parties or as a snack and can be made with reduced-fat cheddar and ground turkey for a lighter version.
The Perfect Cheesy Ham Scrambled Eggs
You may want to see also
How to cook with feta
Feta is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cooking. It is a tangy, salty cheese that is typically sold in blocks or crumbles. While feta is not a very melty cheese, baking it softens the cheese, making it perfect for spreading on pita, crackers, or slices of baguette.
A popular way to cook with feta is to bake it in the oven. This can be done by placing a block of feta in the centre of a baking pan, drizzling olive oil on top, and baking for about 10 minutes. You can also add other ingredients to the baking pan, such as bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and herbs. After baking, drizzle honey on top of the feta and sprinkle with fresh mint and chili flakes. Serve the baked feta with pita chips or toasted Italian bread.
Another way to cook with feta is to make a cumin-spiced tomato sauce. This can be done by heating oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, adding cumin seeds and toasting until fragrant, and then stirring in kale or Swiss chard and cooking until wilted. Add a jar of marinara sauce and a block of feta cheese to the skillet and bake in the oven until the cheese is softened.
Feta can also be used as a topping for salads, gyros, flatbreads, and other dishes. It adds a tangy, salty flavour to any dish.
Cooking Mushrooms: Cheesy Delights in Caps
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to cook with ricotta
Ricotta is a super-soft cheese that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It has a creamy texture and a rich flavour. Here are some ideas for how to cook with ricotta:
Baked ricotta
Stir an egg into a 250g tub of ricotta and transfer the mixture to a ramekin or baking dish. Bake in the oven at 180°C/160°C fan for about 20 minutes or until firm. Serve with crackers, honey, dried fruits or vegetable sticks.
Spread
Spread ricotta on toast or banana bread and drizzle with honey for a snack or breakfast.
Pasties
Combine ricotta with chopped, blanched spinach, season with salt and pepper, and wrap in puff pastry. Bake to make an easy appetiser.
Fritters
Make fritters with ricotta for a tasty breakfast, brunch or lunch option.
Gnocchi
Make ricotta gnocchi and serve with a simple herb brown butter sauce.
Baked ziti
Combine ricotta with olive oil, marinara sauce and ziti pasta in a baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminium foil and bake in the oven.
French toast
Fill slices of brioche or challah with ricotta flavoured with lemon juice and zest. Fry until golden brown.
Pancakes
Make light and fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes.
Pasta
Toss pasta with cherry tomatoes, asparagus and a lemony ricotta sauce. Alternatively, make a pasta bake with layers of ricotta, spinach and roast pumpkin.
Cake
Make a chocolate cake with ricotta, chocolate pudding, whipped cream and mini chocolate chips on a graham cracker crust.
The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Halloumi Cheese at Home
You may want to see also
How to cook with halloumi
Halloumi is a Cypriot cheese traditionally made from goat and/or sheep's milk. It has a high melting point, a firm texture, and a salty, tangy flavour. It can be eaten raw, but it is most commonly cooked or grilled. When cooked, halloumi develops a brown, crispy exterior and a soft, melted interior.
Halloumi is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some tips and recipes for cooking with halloumi:
- Halloumi can be pan-fried, grilled, or barbecued. It is a popular ingredient for vegetarian meals, such as salads and skewers.
- When pan-frying halloumi, it is recommended to use a cast-iron pan with a decent amount of olive oil. Thin slices of halloumi can be fried until they are relatively dry, and then a small amount of butter can be added before serving.
- Halloumi can also be boiled before frying to reduce its saltiness and make it easier to shape. This is a good option for halloumi burgers.
- Halloumi can be served with a variety of sides and toppings, such as chilli jam, harissa paste, fresh herbs, lemon juice, or a vinaigrette.
- For a complete meal, halloumi can be served with a Greek salad, crusty bread, or pita wraps. It can also be paired with watermelon, pasta, or vegetables.
- Halloumi can be breaded and fried to add a new dimension to Italian dishes.
- It is best to cook and eat halloumi fresh, as it can harden quickly.
The Ultimate Guide to Making Ube Cheese Pandesal
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Cheddar is a great starter cheese due to its versatility and adaptability. It can be used in macaroni and cheese, soups, dips, appetizers, casseroles, and more. Other beginner-friendly cheeses include mozzarella, Parmesan, and Swiss cheese.
If you're feeling adventurous, try cheeses like halloumi, havarti, manchego, Gruyère, or blue cheese. These cheeses offer distinct flavours and textures that can elevate your dishes. Halloumi, for example, has a high melting point and is excellent for grilling, while havarti adds a buttery aroma and taste to sandwiches or grilled dishes.
When cooking Italian dishes, cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta are excellent choices. Mozzarella is a staple for pizzas and dips, while Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavour to pasta dishes. Ricotta is perfect for lasagna and stuffed shells, giving them a creamy texture.
When selecting a cheese, consider both taste and texture. For a cheese sauce, opt for full-fat varieties that melt smoothly. If you're making a charcuterie board, offer a range of flavours and textures, from mild to strong, and soft to hard cheeses. Don't be afraid to mix and match cheeses to create unique flavour profiles.
