Andy Montoya
Edam cheese is a semi-hard cheese that originates in the northern regions of the Netherlands, although it is also produced in Spain, North and South America. It is made from cow's milk, and sometimes goat's milk, and is aged for up to a year. Young Edam cheese has a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavours, while aged Edam has a drier, crumbly texture and a more intense taste. Edam cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be served in many ways, including in sandwiches, baked dishes, or grated and folded into meals. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a starter or dessert, paired with fruit such as apricots, peaches, cherries, apples or pears.
How to serve Edam cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Semi-hard |
| Origin | Northern regions of the Netherlands |
| Texture | Springy when young, drier and crumbly when aged |
| Taste | Mellow blend of creamy and nutty tones with hints of salt |
| Food pairings | Rich fruits (apricots, peaches, cherries), zesty apples or pears, baked beans, chicken, bacon, turkey, ham, eggs, chilli, coleslaw, pastry, bread |
| Serving style | Grated, sliced, or folded into meals |
| Common allergens | Contains cow's milk, which is a common food allergen, especially in young children |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Edam cheese in sandwiches
Edam cheese is a versatile semi-hard cheese from the Netherlands with a mild, nutty flavour and a firm texture. Its smooth texture and slightly salty taste make it a popular choice for melting, adding a delicious richness to any dish. Its subtle flavour enhances the overall taste of the dish without overpowering other ingredients.
One of the most common uses for Edam cheese is in sandwiches. It can be melted in sandwiches or grated over them for a creamy, mild flavour. Edam cheese can be used in a variety of sandwich combinations. For example, one recipe suggests combining thick slices of turkey, sliced tomato, mayonnaise, coleslaw, salt, pepper, chilli powder, and oregano to taste with grated Edam cheese. Another recipe recommends combining sliced white bread, hot salsa, sliced scallion, sliced tomato, ketchup, and grated Edam cheese.
Edam cheese can also be combined with other cheeses in sandwiches. One recipe suggests combining thick slices of turkey, sliced tomato, mayonnaise, coleslaw, salt, pepper, chilli powder, and oregano to taste with a combination of Emmental, Edam, and cheddar cheese. Another recipe recommends combining sliced brown bread, butter, Heinz baked beans, Emmental cheese, Edam cheese, Cajun spice, chilli powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Edam cheese can also be combined with meats such as ham, chicken, and bacon in sandwiches. One recipe suggests combining buttered bread, crumbled ham, diced tomato, diced onion, and southwest sauce to taste with grated Edam cheese. Another recipe recommends combining sliced apple, honey, butter, goat cheese, and Edam cheese in a pastry roll.
The Art of Serving Bellavitano Cheese
You may want to see also
Baked dishes with Edam
Baked Edam cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of delicious dishes. Here are some ideas for baked dishes using Edam cheese:
Edam Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
This elegant dish is perfect for a fancy dinner or special occasion. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Then, stuff the chicken breasts with a rich filling of creamy Edam cheese and fresh spinach. Bake until cooked through and serve with a rich white wine and herb sauce.
Potato and Leek Tart
This crustless tart is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It features a base made of sliced potatoes and leeks, filled with a mixture of onions, eggs, and grated Edam cheese. Bake until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted, then slice and serve.
Edam-Up Quesadillas
Create a unique twist on the traditional quesadilla by layering grated Edam cheese with dollops of drained salsa between two tortillas. Bake or toast the quesadilla until the cheese is melted and serve with your favourite toppings and sides.
Baked Edam Cheese Dip
For a simple yet delicious appetiser, try making a baked Edam cheese dip. Mix shredded Edam cheese with mayonnaise, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices. Bake until bubbly and serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping.
Baked Edam Cheese Pasta
Create a creamy and cheesy pasta bake by mixing cooked pasta with shredded Edam cheese, milk, and your choice of herbs and spices. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese: How Many Servings?
You may want to see also
Edam cheese for breakfast
Edam cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of breakfast dishes. Here are some ideas for incorporating Edam cheese into a delicious morning meal:
Savory Breakfast Options:
- Omelette or Frittata: Add grated or cubed Edam cheese to your favourite omelette or frittata recipe. You can pair it with vegetables like onions, peppers, and tomatoes, and meats such as ham, bacon, or chicken.
- Breakfast Sandwich or Burger: Melt a slice of Edam cheese on top of a breakfast sandwich or burger. It pairs well with ingredients like eggs, sausage, bacon, or vegetables.
- Breakfast Quesadillas: Try making triple-decker breakfast quesadillas by layering grated Edam cheese with salsa, beans, and your choice of breakfast meats or vegetables. Cook until crisp in a skillet.
- Savory Pastry: Create your own breakfast pastry by filling pre-made puff pastry with a mixture of grated Edam cheese, cream cheese, and your choice of breakfast meats or vegetables. Bake until golden.
Sweet Breakfast Options:
Edam cheese also pairs well with sweet flavours, especially fruits:
- Fresh Fruit and Cheese Platter: Serve slices of Edam cheese alongside fresh fruit like peaches, melons, apricots, cherries, pears, or apples.
- Baked Goods: Incorporate grated or cubed Edam cheese into your favourite baked goods, such as muffins, scones, or sweet breakfast breads.
Feel free to experiment and customise these suggestions based on your personal preferences and get creative with your Edam cheese breakfast options!
Serving Cru Cheese: A Beginner's Guide to Cheese Plating
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Grated Edam with chicken
Chicken, Sage, and Edam Toastie
This recipe combines chicken, sage, and grated Edam cheese in a toastie. You can experiment with the amount of grated Edam to add according to your taste preferences.
Edam and Sweet Tomato Chicken Parcels
For a high-protein meal, you can create chicken parcels with grated Edam and sweet tomato. To prepare this dish, you'll need skinless and boneless chicken breasts, reduced-fat grated Edam, semi-dried tomatoes, thyme, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Make a pocket in each chicken breast, fill it with the Edam mixture, and then wrap the stuffed breasts with Parma ham slices. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and cooked just before serving, making it ideal for entertaining.
Baked Goods and Pastry Rolls
Grated Edam can be used in various baked goods and pastries. For instance, you can create your own chicken patties using minced boneless chicken thigh, onions, garlic powder, paprika powder, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and lettuce. Then, you can use grated Edam as a topping or filling for pastry rolls or other baked creations.
Sandwiches and Wraps
In addition to toasties, you can incorporate grated Edam into sandwiches and wraps. Combine it with ingredients like chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and your choice of sauces and seasonings.
These are just a few suggestions for how to use grated Edam with chicken. You can experiment with different combinations of ingredients and cooking methods to create your own unique dishes.
The Perfect Pairing: Brie and Grapes
You may want to see also
Young Edam with fruit
Young Edam is a semi-hard cheese with a smooth and creamy texture and a slightly salty taste with nutty undertones. When young, Edam has a springy texture and a milder taste. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways and pairs well with fruits.
When serving young Edam with fruit, opt for rich fruits like apricots, peaches, and cherries. The bright, lively, and fresh tones of these fruits will contrast delightfully with the creamy and nutty tones of the young Edam. You can also serve young Edam with traditional "cheese fruits" like zesty apples or pears, either as a starter or dessert.
To create a well-rounded cheese board, complement the young Edam and fruit with nuts and crackers. The crackers will provide a crunchy texture to the board, while the nuts will enhance the nutty undertones of the young Edam.
For a more substantial dish, young Edam can be melted in a grilled cheese sandwich or casserole, adding a rich and creamy element to these savoury dishes. Its mild profile also makes it suitable for grating over various dishes for a creamy, mild flavour.
Cheese Platter Portion Planning: How Many to Serve?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Edam cheese is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk or goat's milk. It originates from the northern regions of the Netherlands.
Edam cheese has a mellow blend of creamy and nutty tones with hints of salt. When left to age, it intensifies in taste, while young Edam has a creamy texture and milder undertones.
Edam cheese can be served in a variety of ways, including grated, in slices, or in bite-sized pieces. It can be used in sandwiches, baked dishes, or paired with fruits like apricots, peaches, and cherries.
Yes, Edam cheese can be shared with babies once they are ready for solid foods. It is recommended to choose pasteurized Edam to reduce the risk of foodborne illness and offer high-sodium versions in moderation. Cut the cheese into thin, flat slices or bite-sized pieces to reduce the choking risk.
