Randy Chandler
Jarlsberg cheese is a semi-soft, medium-fat cheese with a sweet and nutty flavour and a buttery texture. It is made in Norway and has been popularised by its distinctive taste and versatility in pairings. Its unique characteristics make it a great addition to cheeseboards, sandwiches, casseroles, and dips. When serving, it is recommended to pair Jarlsberg with light, fresh white wines, beers, or cocktails. It can also be enjoyed on its own or with seasonal fruits, vegetables, crackers, bread, and nuts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Medium, semi-soft, semi-hard, part skim |
| Flavor | Mild, nutty, sweet, buttery |
| Texture | Creamy, soft, open |
| Color | Buttery |
| Serving suggestions | On its own, with seasonal fruits and vegetables, crackers, bread, nuts, cocktails, white wine, beer, liquor |
| Preparation | Grated, thinly sliced, melted |
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What You'll Learn
As a cheese dip with crackers, pretzels or chips
Jarlsberg cheese is a mild, Norwegian cow's milk cheese with a sweet and nutty flavour. It is similar to Swiss cheese and has a rich, buttery texture. A Jarlsberg cheese dip is a great snack option and is very easy to make.
To make the dip, combine the cheese with mayonnaise, cream cheese, green onions, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. You can also add in red onions, chives, and jalapenos. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the flavours to develop. You can also bake the dip at 400°F for 18-20 minutes until it is golden and bubbling.
The dip can be served with crackers, pretzels, or chips. For a low-carb option, use fresh vegetable sticks, keto crackers, or cheese crisps. For a heartier snack, serve with thick-cut potato chips, tortilla chips, or a sliced baguette.
Jarlsberg cheese dip is a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for gatherings and game days. It is also a versatile dip that can be customised with different ingredients and served hot or cold.
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In a sandwich
Jarlsberg is a versatile cheese that can be used to make a variety of sandwiches, from grilled cheese to dippers. Here are some tips on how to make the perfect Jarlsberg sandwich:
For a classic grilled cheese sandwich, start by slicing your bread of choice—such as Italian bread—into one-inch-thick slices. Butter one side of each slice, making sure to coat the entire side. Next, thinly slice the Jarlsberg cheese so that it melts quickly and evenly. Place the cheese on the unbuttered side of one slice, and top it with the other slice, buttered side up. Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan to medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan, buttered side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip the sandwich and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. Serve immediately.
For a heartier option, you can add meats such as ham or vegetables like sautéed mushrooms and sliced tomatoes. Spread mayonnaise on the slices of bread, add the cheese, meat, and/or vegetables, and place the two halves together. Fry the sandwich in butter over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side. For an "inside-out" variant, grate extra Jarlsberg into the pan and fry the sandwich in it.
If you're feeling creative, you can make grilled cheese dippers. Cut the bread and cheese into smaller pieces or use pre-sliced sandwich bread. Butter one side of each slice of bread and place the cheese in between. Cook the sandwiches in a pan over medium heat until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Serve with a dip of your choice, such as tomato soup or a mixture of yoghurt and mustard.
No matter which type of sandwich you choose, the key to a perfect Jarlsberg sandwich is a crunchy exterior and a melted, gooey interior. Enjoy your cheesy creation!
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With seasonal fruits and vegetables
Jarlsberg cheese is a versatile cheese that can be served with a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Here are some ideas for how to serve Jarlsberg cheese with seasonal produce:
Spring
For a spring cheeseboard, Jarlsberg can be paired with seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, snap peas, and artichokes. Strawberries and rhubarb are also in season during spring and pair well with the cheese. To add some crunch, serve with herbed crackers, baguette, or ciabatta, and any nuts of your choice. For a touch of sweetness, add some honey, apricot preserves, or blood orange jelly. A crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail can complement the flavours nicely.
Summer
In the summer, Jarlsberg can be enjoyed with seasonal fruits such as watermelon and strawberries. A summer salad with grilled zucchini and Jarlsberg is a refreshing option. For something more indulgent, puff pastry swirls or corn muffins filled with Jarlsberg and nut pesto are perfect for a picnic or barbecue.
Autumn/Fall
As the weather gets cooler, a heartier dish such as a bulgur bowl with fruits and nuts can be a satisfying option. For a cozy night in, a fondue with Jarlsberg and a variety of seasonal vegetables and fruits for dipping is always a treat.
Winter
Jarlsberg is a great cheese to include in a winter casserole, pairing well with sausages and other hearty ingredients. It can also be melted into a silky sauce for a mushroom and Jarlsberg panini, perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner.
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With white wines, beers or Aquavit
The distinctive sweet and nutty Jarlsberg cheese of Norway is versatile and pairs well with white wines, beers, and Aquavit.
When it comes to white wines, dry or semi-dry whites made from Chardonnay or Riesling grapes are recommended. Examples include Chablis, White Burgundy, or a light, spicy Gewürztraminer. The buttery notes in Chardonnay complement the creamy texture of Jarlsberg, creating a harmonious balance. Unoaked, lighter-bodied wines are also recommended as they won't overpower the subtle, mild flavours of the cheese. Examples include Sauvignon Blanc, which has a light, sweet taste that complements drier wines well.
Jarlsberg also pairs well with most beers. Classic lagers, for instance, complement the creamy and nutty flavour of Jarlsberg. The light bitterness of the beer helps to balance out the creaminess of the cheese. IPAs are also a good choice, with their bold flavours and hoppy bitterness complementing the rich, nutty taste of Jarlsberg. For those who prefer fruity and spicy notes, a Belgian Tripel is recommended.
For those who prefer a stronger drink, Aquavit, a Scandinavian liquor distilled with aromatic botanicals like caraway, cumin, cardamom, orange peel, aniseed, and fennel, is a perfect match for Jarlsberg.
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In a casserole
Jarlsberg cheese is a Norwegian cow's milk cheese with a mild, sweet, and nutty flavour. It is similar to Swiss cheese and has a strong flavour. Its large round holes and pleasing taste make it a popular choice for many dishes.
One popular way to serve Jarlsberg cheese is in a casserole. Here is a recipe for a comforting Jarlsberg cheese casserole that can be prepared in advance and baked when needed, making it an excellent option for a hearty breakfast or a busy holiday weekend.
Ingredients:
- Jarlsberg Cheese, grated
- Hearty Sausage
- Butter
- Onion
- Mayonnaise
- Paprika
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together grated Jarlsberg cheese, mayonnaise, and the cooked onions. Season with salt and pepper, and add paprika for extra flavour and colour.
- Grease a casserole dish. Spread the cheese mixture into the dish.
- Sprinkle the top with additional paprika, or grated Jarlsberg cheese for a more cheesy casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden and bubbling.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting, gooey cheese casserole!
You can also use leftover Jarlsberg cheese dip to make a cheesy potato casserole. Simply heat the dip in a skillet, add some cream, and toss it with cooked pasta for a delicious, creamy pasta dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Jarlsberg cheese is a versatile option that can be served in many ways. It can be sliced thinly and used in sandwiches, or paired with seasonal fruits, vegetables, crackers, bread, and nuts for a cheeseboard. It also melts well and can be used in casseroles.
Jarlsberg cheese is best paired with light, fresh white wines such as those made from Chardonnay or Riesling grapes. It also goes well with most beers and Aquavit, a traditional Scandinavian liquor.
Jarlsberg cheese is a great option for entertaining guests, whether it's for a holiday gathering, a game-day party, or a weekend get-together. It can be served as part of a cheeseboard or as a dip with crackers, pretzels, or chips.
Jarlsberg cheese is a mild, semi-soft cheese with a sweet and nutty flavor. Its unique flavor profile makes it a great addition to sandwiches, burgers, or even as a dip. It can also be grated and mixed with other ingredients to create a creamy spread.
