Andy Montoya
Saint Andre is a decadent French triple cream cheese with a rich, creamy, and buttery flavour. It is made from cow's milk and has a fat content of 75%, which is what gives it that luxurious buttery taste. The rind is edible and tangy, and the inside is a yellowy-white colour. Saint Andre is best served at room temperature, and goes well with a crusty baguette, light beer, or a slice of pear. For a more indulgent treat, try warming the cheese in the oven and serving it with fresh French bread slices and your choice of toppings, such as fig jam or honey.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Triple-cream cow's milk cheese |
| Origin | Normandy, France |
| Texture | Buttery, soft, creamy, rich, decadent |
| Rind | Tangy, edible, covered with white powdery mold |
| Colour | Yellowy-white |
| Taste | Buttery, creamy, tangy, pungent |
| Serving Temperature | Room temperature |
| Serving Suggestions | Baguette, light beer, pear, muscat grapes, spinach salad, Chardonnay, crackers, honey, fig jam, French bread, cold meats, sausages, salads, champagne, banana, bread, jam |
| Serving Size | 2-ounce to quarter-pound portions for a handful of people |
| Storage | Consume within a week of opening; lasts up to three weeks to a month |
| Awards | 2022 Gold – World Cheese Awards, Soft Ripened Cheese Category; 2020 Silver – World Championship Cheese Contest, Soft Ripened Cheese Category; 2019 Gold – World Cheese Awards, Soft Ripened Cheese Category |
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What You'll Learn
Serving temperatures and storage
Saint Andre cheese is a soft cheese with a high fat content (75%) and a rich, creamy, and buttery texture. It is best served at room temperature. To achieve the ideal serving temperature, remove the cheese from the refrigerator about three hours before serving. Saint Andre can be enjoyed as part of a cheese platter or melted and served warm.
When storing Saint Andre cheese, it is best to keep it gently wrapped in the refrigerator. Soft cheeses like Saint Andre are susceptible to drying out and picking up other flavours from the air or the refrigerator. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the cheese within about a week of opening. However, some sources suggest that Saint Andre can last three weeks to a month or more before mould starts to form.
If the cheese develops mould, it is generally safe to cut off the affected portion and consume the rest, as long as it still tastes and smells fine. Trust your senses to determine if the cheese has gone bad. In addition, soft cheeses like Saint Andre can be frozen, but it may affect their taste and consistency.
When serving Saint Andre, a quarter to a half-pound portion is typically sufficient for a handful of people. It is recommended to serve the cheese with accompaniments such as crackers, fresh French bread, or a crusty baguette. For a contrast of textures and flavours, pair it with crunchy salads containing ingredients like croutons or peanuts.
Saint Andre also pairs well with sweet accompaniments like jam, honey, or fresh fruits such as bananas, pears, or grapes. For a decadent experience, enjoy Saint Andre with a glass of champagne or sparkling wine, as the effervescence complements the high fat content of the cheese. Pale ales are also a good beverage option to consider.
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Pairing with drinks
When it comes to pairing drinks with Saint André cheese, there are several options that can enhance the flavour and overall experience. This soft, cow's milk cheese has a rich, creamy texture and a mild, buttery taste, making it a versatile partner for a variety of beverages. Here are some drink pairing suggestions to consider:
Wine: Saint André pairs beautifully with wines that have a touch of sweetness to balance the cheese's richness. Off-dry to semi-sweet wines are ideal. Try a slightly sweet Vouvray from the Loire Valley, a Riesling with some residual sugar, or a Moscato d'Asti from Italy. The bubbles and sweetness of Moscato d'Asti particularly complement the creaminess of Saint André. If you prefer a red wine, go for a lighter, fruit-forward style like a young Beaujolais or a Pinot Noir from a cooler climate region, as the higher acidity and red fruit flavours will contrast nicely with the cheese.
Beer: The creamy texture of Saint André makes it a perfect match for a crisp, clean beer. Look for beers that have a slightly sweet profile, such as a cream ale, blonde ale, or wheat beer. The carbonation in these beers will cut through the richness of the cheese, providing a refreshing contrast. Avoid highly bitter or heavily hopped beers, as they can overpower the delicate flavours of Saint André.
Cider: A dry or semi-dry cider can also be an excellent pairing for Saint André. The crisp, fruity notes in cider mirror the cheese's creamy, buttery flavours. Try to find a cider that has a smooth, rounded taste profile, as the acidity in some sharper ciders may clash with the cheese.
Fortified wines: For a more indulgent pairing, consider a sweet or medium-sweet Sherry, Port, or Madeira. The nutty, caramelized flavours in these wines can enhance the savoury notes in Saint André, creating a complex and satisfying combination.
When serving Saint André with drinks, it's important to consider the temperature and presentation of the cheese as well. Allow the cheese to warm slightly at room temperature before serving, as this will heighten its creamy texture and flavour. Present the cheese on a platter or board with fresh and dried fruit, nuts, and crackers or bread, providing a variety of textures and flavours to enjoy with your chosen beverage. Remember to keep the drink pairings on the lighter, fresher side to avoid overwhelming the delicate nature of Saint André cheese.
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Pairing with sweet foods
Saint Andre is a soft, buttery, and creamy French cheese made from cow's milk. It has a high fat content of 75% and is best served at room temperature. Its rind is edible and tangy, covered with white powdery mould. The cheese is yellowy-white on the inside and has a decadent taste. When it comes to pairing Saint Andre with sweet foods, there are several options to choose from:
Fruits
Saint Andre goes well with fresh fruits such as pears, bananas, and muscat grapes. The sweetness of the fruit provides a nice contrast to the creamy, buttery flavour of the cheese.
Bread and Crackers
The cheese can be served with a crusty baguette or French bread slices. For a sweeter option, try spreading the cheese on crackers or bread with a drizzle of honey or your favourite jam, such as fig jam or marmalade.
Desserts
The sweetness of honey also makes it a perfect pairing with Saint Andre, especially when drizzled over the cheese. Additionally, the cheese can be served with pastries or baked goods that have sweet flavours such as caramel, honey, or molasses.
Drinks
When it comes to drinks, Saint Andre pairs well with champagne or sparkling wine. The bubbly lightness of these drinks creates a delightful contrast with the creamy texture of the cheese. Pale ales are also a good option, as the effervescence of these beers complements the high fat content of the cheese.
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Pairing with savoury foods
When it comes to pairing Saint Andre cheese with savoury foods, there are numerous options that can enhance the flavour and overall dining experience. This creamy and rich cheese can be a wonderful complement to many dishes, adding a touch of luxury and indulgence. Here are some ideas to get you started:
For a classic pairing, serve Saint Andre with fresh, crusty bread. The bread provides a neutral base that showcases the cheese's creamy texture and subtle flavours. A baguette, sourdough, or a rustic country loaf would all be excellent choices. Simply spread the cheese on the bread and enjoy as a simple yet satisfying appetiser or light meal.
Saint Andre also pairs beautifully with charcuterie and cured meats. The saltiness and texture of prosciutto, salami, or cured ham can balance the richness of the cheese. Create a platter with a variety of meats, some cornichons, and a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. The combination of flavours and textures will make for a delightful appetiser or casual meal.
This cheese can also be a wonderful addition to a salad. Try pairing it with a crisp, green apple salad that has a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The sharpness of the apples and the tanginess of the dressing will cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a refreshing and flavourful dish. You could also add some toasted walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture contrast.
If you're looking for a heartier option, try serving Saint Andre with roasted vegetables. The cheese pairs particularly well with earthy flavours, so consider roasted mushrooms, beets, or carrots. The sweetness that develops in roasted vegetables will also complement the creaminess of the cheese. You could also try serving it with a warm, baked potato topped with fresh chives and a dollop of Saint Andre for an indulgent side dish.
For a more unusual pairing, try serving Saint Andre with fresh or dried fruit. The cheese's creamy texture and mild flavour can be enhanced by the natural sweetness of the fruit. Try pairing it with fresh figs, sliced pears, or dried apricots. You could also create a cheese plate with a variety of fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey for a luxurious dessert or afternoon treat.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with your own savoury food pairings. Saint Andre is a versatile cheese that can enhance many dishes. Try adding it to an omelette, using it as a topping for a steak, or melting it into a grilled cheese sandwich. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a wonderful ingredient to elevate your everyday meals into something special.
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Melting methods
Saint Andre is a triple cream cow's milk cheese produced in the Normandy region of France. It has a rich, creamy, buttery texture and a tangy, pungent flavour. It is best served at room temperature and pairs well with a variety of foods and drinks. Here are some melting methods for serving Saint Andre cheese:
Warming in an Air Fryer
Place a wedge of Saint Andre cheese in an oven-safe dish and air fry at 360ºF for about 4 minutes, or until the cheese starts to melt and soften. Serve with fresh French bread slices or crackers and your choice of toppings, such as fig jam or honey.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
If your Saint Andre cheese is approaching its expiration date, consider melting it in a grilled cheese sandwich. This classic comfort food can be made by spreading softened butter on the outside of two slices of bread, layering Saint Andre cheese between them, and grilling or frying until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Fondue
Fondue is another delicious way to enjoy melted Saint Andre cheese. Cut the cheese into small cubes and place them in a fondue pot or slow cooker with a small amount of grated garlic, a splash of white wine, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Stir the mixture occasionally as it melts, and serve with bread cubes, crackers, or sliced apples for dipping.
Topping for Meat or Vegetables
Saint Andre cheese can also be melted and used as a topping for meats or vegetables. Slice or crumble the cheese over a steak, burger, or portobello mushroom and broil until melted and slightly browned.
Baking
Saint Andre cheese can be used in a variety of baked dishes, such as quiches, tarts, or stuffed mushrooms. When baked, the cheese melts and becomes creamy, adding a rich and decadent flavour to your dish.
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Frequently asked questions
A quarter-pound to a half-pound of cheese per person is a standard serving size.
Soft cheeses like Saint Andre should be eaten within a week of opening. You can also trust your senses: if it smells strongly of ammonia or tastes bad, don't eat it.
Saint Andre is a soft, creamy cheese with a high fat content. It is best served at room temperature with bread, crackers, or a baguette. It also pairs well with honey, jam, marmalade, or fruit, and a glass of champagne or light beer.
You can find Saint Andre at Trader Joe's, Costco, or online at Cheese Lover Shop.
