Andy Montoya
Fromagerie Bergeron is a family-run cheesemaker based in Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly, Quebec, that has been crafting bold, lactose-free, Gouda-style cheeses since 1989. The company has won several awards for its cheeses, including the prestigious SIAL Canada International Cheese Competition. Bergeron cheeses are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, such as in sandwiches, burgers, crackers, raclettes, and fondue. The Louis Cyr cheese, named after a Quebec legend, is a popular variety with a slightly crumbly yet creamy texture and notes of caramel, hazelnuts, and dried fruit. The Classique variety is another well-loved cheese, with a creamy interior and a light hazelnut taste, perfect for snacks or as an addition to gravies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Gouda-style |
| Texture | Slightly crumbly yet creamy |
| Taste | Rich notes of caramel, fresh hazelnuts, and dried fruit |
| Serving Suggestions | Sandwiches, hamburgers, crackers, rusks, confit, raclettes, tacos, salads, baked macaroni, fondue |
| Pairing Suggestions | Blonde ale, brown ale, fruity and light red wine, dry fruity white wine |
| Ingredients | Pasteurized milk, whey protein concentrate, salt, calcium chloride, bacterial culture, microbial enzyme, potassium sorbate, natamycin |
| Dietary Information | Lactose-free |
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What You'll Learn
Bergeron cheese fondue
Preparation
To prepare the fondue, simply heat it up and serve. It can be heated in the oven at 232°C (450°F) for 20 minutes or on the BBQ for 15 minutes. Place on a cookie sheet and turn over halfway through baking.
Serving Suggestions
The fondue can be served as an appetizer with a salad or as a side dish to a main course. It pairs well with a variety of beverages, including blonde or brown ale, light red wine, or dry fruity white wine.
Varieties
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Burgers and sandwiches
Bergeron cheese can be a great addition to your burgers and sandwiches. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate it into your recipes:
Veggie Burgers with La Patte Blanche Cheese:
This recipe is perfect for vegetarians as it uses beet balls instead of meat patties. To make the beet balls, grate and finely chop red beets, red onions, and garlic. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and add rolled oats and eggs. Chop some fresh basil and add it to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper, and shape the mixture into four compact patties. Cook the patties on a BBQ for 4-5 minutes on each side, and don't forget to oil them beforehand. For the assembly, grill the buns and add Boston lettuce, red cabbage, shredded carrots, tomatoes, sprouts, and of course, the La Patte Blanche cheese. You can also add your favourite sauces, such as mayonnaise, ketchup, or a Big Mac-style sauce.
Grilled Cheese Burger:
For a classic grilled cheese burger, you'll need American cheese, burger patties, butter, ketchup, sesame seeds, and a special sauce. The sauce can be made by whisking together mayo, mustard, ketchup, and relish. To assemble, add two slices of American cheese to a slice of bread, top with a patty, spread some sauce, and add chopped onions and pickles. Then, add two more slices of cheese and top with another slice of bread. Cook the grilled cheese in a skillet over medium heat until golden on both sides and the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with ketchup.
Bergeron Classique® Roll-ups:
This recipe uses Bergeron Classique®, a firm-ripened, lactose-free cheese with a hint of fresh hazelnuts. Top a tortilla with lettuce, ham slices, and cheese slices. Roll the tortilla tightly and cut it into rounds. These roll-ups can be served as a fun and tasty snack for the whole family, and you can even serve them with a dip!
Sandwich Skewers:
For a fun and interactive sandwich experience, try making sandwich skewers. Cut a slice of bread into four pieces, or use mini croissants, mini pitas, or tortillas cut into strips. Prepare your favourite fillings, such as cold cuts, cooked chicken, roast pork, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and cheese cubes. Provide skewers (plastic or wooden) and let everyone assemble their own unique sandwich skewers. This is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen and make mealtime more engaging.
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Crackers and rusks
For a simple yet tasty snack, pair the cheese with your favourite crackers or rusks. The mild flavour of the cheese complements a variety of crackers, from plain to seeded varieties. To enhance the flavour of the cheese, try toasting the crackers or rusks lightly before serving. This will add a subtle crunch and warmth to the snack. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of crackers, such as those made with unique ingredients like olive oil, herbs, or even cheese-infused crackers.
When preparing the cheese, consider slicing it thinly to allow the cheese to reach room temperature quickly and achieve optimal flavour. You can also cut the cheese into cubes or small pieces to create bite-sized snacks that are easy to eat and share. If you want to elevate this simple snack, consider adding some toppings or accompaniments. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of herbs or spices can add a unique twist to the flavour profile. Fresh or dried fruits, such as grapes or apple slices, also pair well with the cheese and provide a refreshing contrast.
For a heartier option, create a mini charcuterie board by pairing the cheese with crackers and adding a selection of cured meats, such as salami or prosciutto. This allows you to create a more substantial snack or even a light meal. You can also offer a variety of condiments, such as mustards or jams, to create different flavour combinations. Consider adding some fresh ingredients like arugula or sliced tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
Additionally, you can get creative and use the crackers and cheese as a base for mini canapes. Top the crackers with a thin slice of the cheese and add a small amount of your favourite topping, such as a tapenade, sun-dried tomato spread, or even a dollop of chutney. This way, you can create elegant and tasty bites that are perfect for entertaining or as a sophisticated snack.
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Panzanella salad
Panzanella is a Tuscan bread salad that is perfect for serving with Bergeron cheese. It is a great summer dish when tomatoes are in season. The salad is typically made with stale bread, but you can also use fresh bread cubes that have been toasted in the oven. This way, you can control the texture of the bread.
To make the panzanella, start by slicing and salting your tomatoes. This will take about 15 minutes for the salt to draw out the juices. In the meantime, tear up your bread and toss it with some olive oil. You can use Italian country bread or ciabatta. Spread the bread on a baking sheet and leave it to dry for a few hours or overnight. Then, bake it in the oven until it is crispy on the outside but still slightly chewy.
Once your tomatoes have released their juices, make the dressing. The traditional dressing for panzanella is simply extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. However, you can kick it up a notch by adding fresh garlic, thyme, and a small squeeze of Dijon mustard. Don't forget to use the tomato juice!
Now, it's time to assemble the salad. In a large bowl, mix the bread, chopped tomatoes, basil, and any other vegetables you like. You can also add some mozzarella for a creamier texture. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Let the salad sit for at least 20-30 minutes so that the bread can absorb the dressing. Serve it as a side dish or a light meal.
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Cheese and meat tacos
There are many ways to serve Bergeron cheese, a versatile cheese produced by Fromagerie Bergeron, a family-run business based in Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly. The company has crafted bold, lactose-free cheeses since 1989, including the award-winning Louis Cyr, Le Classique Fumé, and Le Fin Renard.
One creative way to serve Bergeron cheese is in cheese and meat tacos, such as the Smash Burger Tacos topped with smoked cracker-cut slices mentioned on the Fromagerie Bergeron website. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own cheese and meat tacos:
Prepare the Meat
For the taco filling, you can use any ground meat of your choice, such as beef, turkey, or chicken. Start by cooking and seasoning the meat with your favourite taco spices. You can also add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to enhance the flavour. Once the meat is cooked and seasoned to your liking, set it aside and keep it warm while you prepare the other components.
Melt the Cheese
Bergeron cheese, particularly the smoked variety, will add a unique flavour to your tacos. To melt the cheese, you can use a non-stick pan on low heat or a double boiler to prevent it from burning. Stir the cheese frequently until it becomes a creamy, smooth consistency. If you're using pre-shredded cheese, add a little bit of cornstarch or flour to help it melt evenly.
Warm the Taco Shells
While the cheese is melting, warm your taco shells. You can use hard taco shells or soft tortilla shells, depending on your preference. Warm the hard taco shells in the oven or toaster oven according to the package instructions. For soft tortillas, heat a pan over medium heat and warm each tortilla for a few seconds on each side until pliable.
Assemble the Tacos
Now it's time to bring everything together. Place a spoonful of the melted Bergeron cheese onto each taco shell, spreading it evenly. Then, add a generous portion of the cooked meat on top of the cheese. You can also add other toppings at this point, such as chopped tomatoes, lettuce, onions, or jalapenos.
Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it's time to serve your cheese and meat tacos. You can offer additional toppings on the side, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, so your guests can customise their tacos further. Enjoy the delicious combination of melted Bergeron cheese and savoury meat in every bite!
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to serve Bergeron cheese:
- In a sandwich
- On a burger
- With crackers, rusks and confit
- On a Panzanella salad
- On Smash Burger Tacos
A Blonde or Brown Ale, or a fruity light red or dry fruity white wine.
Kids will love the mild Six Pourcent® cheese. You can serve it cubed on a skewer with bread, meat, and vegetables for them to assemble themselves.
