Bushra Griffith
A cheese baker is a round stoneware or ceramic casserole with a lid, designed to fit a whole round of cheese, such as brie or Camembert. It can also be used with other cheeses such as feta, mozzarella, goat cheese, and blue cheeses. The baker's lid allows steam to gently heat the cheese, while the stoneware or ceramic holds the heat for a long time. To use a cheese baker, simply place the cheese inside, add your desired sweet or savoury garnish, close the lid, and put it in the oven. Once baked, serve the cheese directly in the baker, spreading it onto toasts or crackers or using it as a dip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Stoneware or ceramic |
| Purpose | Baking, storing, transporting, and serving cheese |
| Oven safe | Yes |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Microwave safe | Yes |
| Stovetop safe | No |
| Lid | Yes |
| Handles | Two side handles |
| Colours | Various |
| Price | $40-70 |
| Temperature range | +250°C/500°F |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose the right cheese: Camembert, Brie, or other varieties
- Add toppings: honey, rosemary, walnuts, garlic, thyme, berries
- Use the lid: to retain moisture, infuse flavours, and keep the cheese hot
- Avoid the stovetop: use in the oven, microwave, or freezer
- Clean and care: how to wash and store your cheese baker
Choose the right cheese: Camembert, Brie, or other varieties
When choosing the right cheese for your cheese baker, you can't go wrong with either Camembert or Brie. These two famous French cheeses are often grouped together due to their similarities. Both are soft-ripened, soft, bloomy, and edible-rind cheeses made from cow's milk. They are best enjoyed at room temperature, and their rinds are considered a delicacy.
However, there are some differences between the two cheeses. Camembert has a more intense, pungent, earthy, and nutty flavor, while Brie is milder, with a more buttery and delicate flavor. Camembert is denser, while Brie is runnier and melts better due to its higher milk fat content. If you prefer a stronger flavor, Camembert is the better option, but if you like your cheese milder and creamier, go for Brie.
Other cheeses that can be used in a cheese baker include feta, mozzarella, goat cheese, ricotta, and blue cheeses. These cheeses have different characteristics, so you can experiment with different varieties to find your favorite.
When preparing Camembert, it is recommended to let it sit at room temperature for an hour to enhance its flavor and texture. You can also freeze Camembert for up to three months, but its consistency may be slightly affected, making it better suited for cooked dishes.
Ultimately, the choice between Camembert and Brie, or any other cheese, comes down to personal preference. Both cheeses work well in a cheese baker, resulting in heavenly melted cheese for dipping or spreading.
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Add toppings: honey, rosemary, walnuts, garlic, thyme, berries
A cheese baker is a versatile piece of bakeware that is easy to use, clean, and store. It is perfect for entertaining guests or for a quick meal. The baker is made of stoneware or ceramic and comes with a lid. It is designed to fit a whole round of cheese such as brie or Camembert, but it also works with other cheeses such as feta, mozzarella, goat cheese, and blue cheeses.
Now, let's talk about toppings! Honey, rosemary, walnuts, garlic, thyme, and berries are all delicious options that can take your baked cheese to the next level. Here are some ideas for each topping:
Honey
A thick, rich, dark honey will add a burst of flavour to your baked cheese. Drizzle it over the cheese before baking or use it as a dip for the baked cheese. Honey pairs well with walnuts, rosemary, and berries, so feel free to mix and match these toppings!
Rosemary
Fresh rosemary leaves will add a slightly earthy flavour to your baked cheese. You can chop or crush the rosemary and mix it with honey and walnuts for a savoury and sweet combination. Alternatively, sprinkle some fresh rosemary on top of your baked cheese as a garnish.
Walnuts
Toasted walnuts are a must for this topping combination. To toast the walnuts, place them in a skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them! You can also candy or caramelize the walnuts by heating them in a skillet with maple syrup and salt.
Garlic
Garlic adds a savoury kick to your baked cheese. You can use fresh, raw garlic or roasted garlic cloves. Simply chop or crush the garlic and mix it with your other toppings before baking, or sprinkle it on top of the baked cheese as a garnish.
Thyme
Fresh thyme leaves can be used as an alternative to rosemary. They will add a subtle, herby flavour to your baked cheese. Mix it with the other toppings or sprinkle it on top as a garnish.
Berries
Dried cherries or cranberries are a great addition to the honey, walnut, and rosemary topping combination. If your berries seem too dry, soak them in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes to plump them up. Fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries can also be served on the side for dipping into the warm, melted cheese.
Remember, the beauty of using a cheese baker is its simplicity. Place your chosen cheese in the baker, add your desired toppings, and bake according to the instructions. Serve with bread, crackers, or fruit for a delicious and indulgent treat!
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Use the lid: to retain moisture, infuse flavours, and keep the cheese hot
The lid of a cheese baker is an important feature that offers multiple benefits. Firstly, it helps to retain moisture by trapping steam inside, ensuring that the cheese remains deliciously gooey and decadent. This steam also helps to gently heat the cheese, preventing it from drying out or hardening during the baking process.
The lid also plays a crucial role in infusing flavours. By containing the steam and creating a closed environment, the lid traps the aromas and flavours of any added ingredients, allowing them to permeate the cheese. Whether you choose sweet toppings like honey, or savoury additions like pesto or caramelised onions, the lid ensures that these flavours infuse beautifully into the melted cheese.
Additionally, the lid is essential for keeping the cheese hot until serving time. The ceramic or stoneware material of the cheese baker retains heat exceptionally well, and the lid helps to trap that heat inside. This feature is especially useful when entertaining, as it allows you to serve the cheese at the optimal temperature, ensuring a delightful, indulgent experience for you and your guests.
Some cheese bakers, like the Emile Henry model, feature a lid without a knob, which can double as a warm serving container for toasted baguette slices or crackers. This design showcases the versatility of cheese bakers, allowing you to utilise the lid as a practical and attractive serving piece.
Overall, the lid of a cheese baker is a key component that enhances the overall cheese-baking experience. It ensures that your baked cheese remains moist, flavourful, and deliciously hot, making it perfect for dipping, spreading, or enjoying as a fondue-style treat.
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Avoid the stovetop: use in the oven, microwave, or freezer
A cheese baker is a round stoneware or ceramic casserole that comes with a lid. It is designed to be used in an oven, in a microwave, or in the freezer. It is not intended to be used on a stovetop.
When using an oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the cheese in the baker, adding sweet ingredients such as sliced fresh fruit, honey, or marmalade, or savoury ingredients such as pesto, caramelised onions, or mushrooms and sausage. You can also bake the cheese plain and add toppings once it's out of the oven. Cover and bake for 15-20 minutes, checking after 15 minutes to test for doneness. Insert the tip of a paring knife into the centre of the cheese, and if it comes out warm or with melted cheese on it, it is ready.
A cheese baker can also be used in a microwave. The microwave is a more affordable alternative to a gas or electric oven, as it uses thermal radiation.
Cheese bakers can also be used to store and transport cheese in the freezer. The Emile Henry Cheese Baker, for example, can go straight from the freezer to the oven.
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Clean and care: how to wash and store your cheese baker
A cheese baker is a versatile piece of cookware that is easy to use, clean, and store. It is a round stoneware or ceramic casserole that comes with a lid. The lid allows steam to gently heat the cheese, and the baker holds the heat for a long time.
To wash your cheese baker, simply place it in the dishwasher, or wash it by hand with warm water and mild detergent. Make sure to remove any food residue or debris before washing. Once it is clean, dry the cheese baker thoroughly with a towel or cloth.
To store your cheese baker, find a cool, dry place in your kitchen. You can stack it with other cookware or pots and pans, or you can hang it on a wall if you're short on space. The cheese baker is dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and oven safe, but it should not be used on a stovetop.
With proper care and storage, your cheese baker will last for many years. It is a great addition to any kitchen and can be used for a variety of dishes, from savory dips to small casseroles and gratins. Its simplicity and versatility make it a perfect gift for any occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese baker is a round stoneware or ceramic casserole that comes with a lid. It is used to bake and serve cheese.
Brie, Camembert, feta, mozzarella, goat cheese, ricotta, blue cheese, and more.
Place the cheese in the baker, add sweet or savoury ingredients such as honey, rosemary, walnuts, pesto, caramelised onions, or mushrooms and sausage. Close the lid and put it in the oven. Once baked, serve directly in the baker.
A cheese baker can also be used to make small casseroles, gratins, savoury dips, or even dessert-style dips.
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