Kamil Perry
Soft-ripened cheese is a type of cheese that has a creamy texture and a bloomy rind. The rind is formed as the cheese ages, and it is soft and edible. Soft-ripened cheeses are aged just enough to let the rind mature while keeping the paste soft and creamy. They ripen from the outside in, and can be runny when at room temperature. When serving soft-ripened cheese, it is important to let it reach room temperature before serving, as this allows the flavours to bloom. Soft-ripened cheeses can be served as part of a cheeseboard, grilled cheese, or melted into dishes such as mac and cheese. They can also be served with fresh, dried, or candied fruits, or in sandwiches.
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What You'll Learn
- Soft-ripened cheese should be served at room temperature, not straight from the fridge
- It pairs well with nuts, fresh, dried or candied fruits, and charcuterie.
- It can be used in place of sliced cheese in sandwiches or melted in grilled cheese
- Soft-ripened cheese can be cooked, for example, it can be used in mac and cheese
- It can be served as part of a cheeseboard, with endless flavour combinations
Soft-ripened cheese should be served at room temperature, not straight from the fridge
Soft-ripened cheeses, such as brie, camembert, and Saint-André, are known for their creamy texture and bloomy rind. They are aged just enough to mature the rind while maintaining a creamy paste. Unlike hard cheeses, which harden as they age, soft-ripened cheeses remain soft and develop a more intense flavour over time.
Soft-ripened cheeses are best served at room temperature, not straight from the fridge. This is because their flavours "bloom" and become more subtle when they are allowed to warm up. Taking the cheese out of the refrigerator one to two hours before serving will allow it to reach the ideal temperature and enhance its flavour and texture.
At room temperature, soft-ripened cheeses can become runny, making them perfect for dipping with fresh or toasted bread. They can also be used as a spread on crackers or bread, or added to sandwiches. For a more elaborate dish, soft-ripened cheeses can be grilled or baked, such as in a grilled cheese sandwich or a brie en croûte.
When serving soft-ripened cheese, it is important to pay attention to its condition. If the cheese has an overly strong ammonia odour, it is likely past its prime and should be discarded. To prolong the life of soft-ripened cheese, it can be wrapped in wax paper and then loosely in plastic wrap before being placed in the fridge.
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It pairs well with nuts, fresh, dried or candied fruits, and charcuterie.
Soft-ripened cheeses have a creamy texture and a bloomy rind, and are distinct from hard and pressed cheeses. Notable examples include Brie, Camembert, and Saint-André triple cream cheese. When serving soft-ripened cheese, it is important to never serve it cold straight from the fridge. Instead, allow the cheese to reach room temperature before serving, as this allows its texture to loosen and its more subtle flavour notes to emerge.
Soft-ripened cheese pairs well with nuts, fresh, dried, or candied fruits, and charcuterie. For instance, Limburger is delicious cubed and served on a salad with Virginia ham, celery, toasted almonds, and tomatoes. It also goes well with dark breads like rye and whole-grain—lay the cheese on grilled turkey and bacon, or make a simple Limburger and onion sandwich. Brie and Camembert are also delicious in crusty breads with ham, turkey, roast beef, and/or prosciutto. For breakfast, try them in a sandwich with English muffins, poached eggs, and bacon.
If you're looking to create a cheeseboard, the possibilities are endless. Soft-ripened cheeses go well with nuts, such as almonds, and fresh, dried, or candied fruits, like figs and candied orange peel. They also pair well with cured meats, such as ham, bacon, and prosciutto. You can also add crackers, sliced fermented sausages, cultured vegetables, and hummus for a well-rounded platter.
Soft-ripened cheeses can also be used in cooking. They make an excellent addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when combined with a harder, sharper cheese for contrast. They are also a great addition to mac and cheese, and you can even use them in place of sliced cheese in sandwiches or as a spread for crackers.
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It can be used in place of sliced cheese in sandwiches or melted in grilled cheese
Soft-ripened cheese can be used in sandwiches and grilled cheese. When using soft-ripened cheese in sandwiches, it is recommended to bring the cheese to room temperature before serving, as the flavors "bloom" and become more pronounced. Limburger, a soft-ripened cheese, pairs well with dark breads like rye and whole-grain. It can be served in a sandwich with grilled turkey and bacon or in a simple Limburger and onion sandwich. Brie and Camembert, other examples of soft-ripened cheeses, pair well with crusty breads and meats like ham, turkey, roast beef, and prosciutto. They can also be used in a breakfast sandwich with English muffins, poached eggs, and bacon.
When using soft-ripened cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches, it is important to consider the type of bread and cheese used, as well as the cooking technique. For the bread, it is recommended to use a sturdy loaf that is not too thick, thin, or soft, as this can affect the melting of the cheese and the overall texture of the sandwich. Sourdough, brioche, and ciabatta are popular choices, but any bread can be used according to preference.
For the cheese, a combination of two types of cheese is often suggested for optimal flavor and melt. Mozzarella is a popular choice for its stretching qualities and mild flavor, often paired with a flavored cheese like vintage cheddar, Gruyere, gouda, havarti, or American cheese. It is recommended to grate the cheese yourself, as store-bought pre-grated cheese may not melt as well due to anti-caking agents.
In terms of cooking technique, it is recommended to butter one side of each slice of bread and place the slices butter-side down in a hot skillet. The sandwich is then cooked until the bottom slice is lightly browned, after which it is flipped and cooked until the cheese is melted. Some recipes suggest spreading mayonnaise in addition to butter for a delicate, crispy bite. Covering the pan while cooking can also help achieve the desired level of melt and crispiness.
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Soft-ripened cheese can be cooked, for example, it can be used in mac and cheese
Soft-ripened cheese can be cooked in a variety of ways and used in numerous dishes. For example, it can be used in mac and cheese.
To make mac and cheese with soft-ripened cheese, you can follow a simple recipe that involves cooking elbow macaroni until al dente, usually around 8 minutes. While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the cheese sauce, also known as a roux. To make the roux, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add flour, stirring until smooth. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.
Slowly pour in milk, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Be careful not to let the milk burn. The final step is to add the cheese! Slowly stir in grated soft-ripened cheese of your choice, such as cheddar, until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Once the macaroni is done, drain it and stir it into the cheese sauce until coated. You can serve it as a stovetop mac and cheese, or you can bake it for a crispy, golden top. Simply pour the macaroni into a buttered baking dish, top it with more grated cheese, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) for about 15 to 25 minutes.
Feel free to experiment with different types of soft-ripened cheeses and add your favourite spices to make this dish your own!
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It can be served as part of a cheeseboard, with endless flavour combinations
Soft-ripened cheeses are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways, but one of the best ways to experiment with flavour combinations is to include them on a cheeseboard. The beauty of a cheeseboard is that there are endless possibilities for pairings, and you can get creative with flavour combinations.
When building a cheeseboard, it's important to consider the different textures and flavours of the cheeses you select. Soft-ripened cheeses, with their creamy texture and bloomy rind, can add a wonderful contrast to harder, sharper cheeses like cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Notable examples of soft-ripened cheeses include Brie, Camembert, and Saint-André triple cream cheese.
To elevate your cheeseboard, consider adding fresh, dried, or candied fruits, as well as nuts. Figs and candied orange peel can pair beautifully with the earthy, mushroomy flavours of soft-ripened cheeses. You can also include charcuterie options such as ham, salami, or prosciutto for a savoury element.
For a more interactive and indulgent experience, provide accompaniments such as honey, jams, or chutneys that can be paired with the cheeses. You can also offer a selection of breads, such as crusty bread or rye, for guests to create their own small sandwiches.
Remember, when serving soft-ripened cheese, it's best to bring it to room temperature before serving. This allows the flavours to truly shine and ensures the cheese reaches its optimal texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft-ripened cheese should be wrapped in wax paper and then loosely wrapped in plastic before being placed in the fridge. Take it out of the fridge one to two hours before serving to let it reach room temperature.
Soft-ripened cheese should never be served straight from the fridge. It should be served at room temperature to allow its texture to loosen and its flavour notes to come out.
Soft-ripened cheeses can be served on a plate with nuts and fresh, dried, or candied fruits. They also go well with charcuterie, or in a sandwich with dark bread like rye and whole grain.
Yes, you can cook with soft-ripened cheese. It can be used in grilled cheese, mac and cheese, or in a single-serving brie en croûte.
Yes, you can eat the rind of soft-ripened cheese.
