Patrick Oconnell
Gruyère is a traditional Swiss cheese with a sweet, nutty flavour and a firm but supple texture. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savoury meals to snacks and cheese boards. Its unique taste makes it a perfect choice for baking or cooking, adding depth of flavour to recipes. Gruyère is an excellent melting cheese, making it ideal for fondues, grilled cheese sandwiches, quiches, omelettes, and tarts. It can also be used to make cheese puffs, known as gourgeres, which are soft, cheesy, and perfect as an appetiser or snack. When cooked, Gruyère becomes gooey and stretches, creating a cheese pull that is not only visually appealing but also delicious. Its creamy texture and distinct flavour elevate dishes such as French onion soup, mac and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Whether used as a topping, an ingredient, or enjoyed on its own, Gruyère cheese offers a rich and gratifying culinary experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Sweet, nutty, creamy, Swiss |
| Texture | Firm but supple |
| Rind | Develops a 'dirty-foot' smell and a red bacterial growth |
| Rind's Contribution | Development of the fruity flavour of the cheese |
| Ideal Temperature for Storage | Cool or cold |
| Ideal Temperature for Consumption | Room temperature |
| Pairing | Emmental, ham, bacon, sweet onions, herbs, potatoes, asparagus, bread |
| Recipes | Cheese fondue, croque monsieur, quiche, omelets, grilled cheese, lasagna, mac and cheese, cheesy grits, cheesy loaf, cheesy puffs, spaghetti, frittata, sandwiches, French onion soup |
Explore related products
![The Great Grilled Cheese Book: Grown-Up Recipes for a Childhood Classic [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1WpYlNVNUL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
How to make a croque-monsieur
A croque-monsieur is a French grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It is made with béchamel sauce, ham, and cheese, grilled until oozing. It is a simple yet indulgent dish, perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
To make a croque-monsieur, you will need bread, butter, flour, milk, nutmeg, pepper, ham, and cheese. For the cheese, you can use Gruyere, Emmental, or Swiss cheese.
First, make the béchamel sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until foamy. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes until foamy. Gradually add the milk, stirring until smooth. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take about another 3 minutes. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
Next, assemble the sandwich. Spread béchamel sauce on slices of bread. Top half of the slices with a layer of ham and a sprinkle of cheese. Top with the remaining slices of bread.
Finally, cook the sandwich. Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat and cook the sandwich until golden brown on each side, which should take about 5 minutes. Spread the béchamel sauce evenly over the top of the sandwich and broil until bubbling and golden brown, which should take 5 to 10 minutes.
If you want to make a croque-madame, simply fry an egg in a separate skillet while the sandwich is toasting in the oven, and place it on top of the sandwich when you serve it.
Cooking Haddock: Cheese Sauce Perfection
You may want to see also
Gruyere cheese puffs
Gougères, or French Cheese Puffs, are terrific appetisers or finger food for parties. They are also great to dunk into soups and stews. This recipe is adapted from the wonderful hostess of La Saura in Burgundy, France.
To make these delicious treats, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a pan, combine milk, water, salt, and butter and bring to a boil. Add all of the flour at once and stir with a wooden spoon until smooth. Over low heat, continue to stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and place the dough in a separate bowl. Allow it to cool for 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until incorporated. Then, add 4 ounces of grated Gruyere cheese and mix well. Using a tablespoon, form balls out of the dough and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with any remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and crusty.
These cheese puffs are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. They are crusty on the outside, soft and hollow on the inside, and very, very cheesy. You can also reheat them the next day in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for 7 minutes.
Gruyere is a bold, salty, and nutty Swiss cheese that melts really well, making it perfect for these baked cheese puffs. Its unique flavour adds a depth of taste that is sure to impress!
Baking Cheesy Egg Delight: A Simple Oven Recipe
You may want to see also
French onion soup
To make French onion soup, start by heating butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat. Slice the onions and add them to the pot, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Cook the onions for about 45 minutes to an hour, until they are soft and have turned a rich golden brown. If you want to deglaze the onions, add some white wine or sherry at this point and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. You can also add a little flour at this stage to thicken the soup.
Next, add the garlic and dried thyme to the pot and stir to combine. For a savoury flavour boost, you can also add some beef broth or vegetable stock. Simmer the soup gently for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. While the soup is simmering, prepare the croutons by slicing a baguette into 1/4-1/3 inch slices. Brush or spray the slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning.
To assemble the soup, ladle it into oven-proof ramekins or bowls, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top. Place 3-4 crouton slices in each bowl, then sprinkle grated Gruyere cheese on top. Place the bowls under the oven broiler until the cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and serve immediately.
Cheesecloth-roasted turkey: a simple, juicy delight
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Baked potato side dish
Gruyere cheese is a creamy, nutty cheese from Switzerland that can be used to elevate a variety of dishes. Here is a recipe for a baked potato side dish using Gruyere cheese:
Ingredients:
- Gruyere cheese
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Cream
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400˚F.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
- Peel the potatoes and thinly slice them using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
- In a large bowl, combine the potatoes and melted butter, stirring to coat the potato slices evenly.
- Layer the potatoes and cheese in the prepared baking pan. For a more elegant presentation, you can also layer them in a sprayed muffin tin to create individual potato stacks.
- Pour the cream, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper over the potato and cheese layers.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
This baked potato dish is an indulgent and comforting side that pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to casseroles. The Gruyere cheese adds a nutty, savoury flavour to the potatoes, making it a delicious and satisfying dish.
You can also experiment with adding other ingredients to this base recipe, such as caramelised onions, bacon, or herbs, to create your own unique twist on this classic side dish.
Cooking Oscar Mayer Cheese Dogs: A Tasty Guide
You may want to see also
Cheesy grits
Gruyere cheese is a creamy yet nutty cheese from Switzerland that can be used to make a variety of dishes, including the popular cheesy grits. Here is a recipe for cheesy grits using Gruyere cheese:
Ingredients
- Milk
- Butter
- Quick grits (not instant)
- Egg
- Heavy cream
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Grated Gruyere cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart casserole with 2 tablespoons of butter. In a heavy-medium saucepan, combine the remaining butter, milk, and salt over medium heat. Once the mixture starts to simmer, add the grits and stir until they are thoroughly combined. Keep cooking the grits at a simmer, stirring frequently, until they thicken (this should take around 15 minutes). In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, cream, and black pepper. Stir this mixture into the cooked grits along with the grated cheeses. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole and smooth the top. Bake until set, which should take around 45 minutes.
Tips
- For an extra crispy texture, you can start the grits on the stovetop but stop before they're fully cooked so they can finish in the oven. This will allow them to absorb more flavour.
- If you're serving the grits as a side dish, they can be made up to 3 days in advance, making them a convenient option for stress-free entertaining.
- If you're looking for a heartier dish, you can add Cajun seasonings, shrimp, or even diced ham to the cheesy grits.
Delicious Frozen Fish & Cheese: Quick and Easy Cooking
You may want to see also
