Patrick Oconnell
Baked cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. It can be melted on top of a lasagna or pizza, stuffed into pastries, or mixed into a batter for a savoury pound cake. Baked cheese can also be used to make keto-friendly cheese crisps, which are a quick, easy, and delicious snack. When baking with cheese, it's important to consider the type of cheese being used, as some cheeses have lower moisture content or melt more evenly than others. Additionally, the baking temperature and time can vary depending on the desired texture and consistency of the cheese.
How to use baking cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Wisconsin brick cheese, mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, parmesan, gouda, pepper jack, smoked cheese |
| Other ingredients | Pepperoni, prosciutto, sourdough crumbs, bacon, mushrooms, shallots, arugula, garlic-infused oil, ricotta, tomato sauce, puff pastry, guava paste, eggplants, radicchio, onions, red wine vinegar |
| Baking equipment | Baking sheets, parchment paper, cookie sheet, pizza stone, muffin cups |
| Baking instructions | Preheat oven to 350-400 degrees F, line baking sheets with parchment paper, grate or shred cheese, form into small heaps or thin circles, bake for 6-15 minutes until golden brown, let cool for 5-10 minutes |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge |
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What You'll Learn
Baked cheese crisps
To make baked cheese crisps, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper. You can also use a bacon-greased cookie sheet or spray the cookie sheet with oil, but be careful as this can get messy. Pile 2 tablespoons of grated cheese onto the tray, leaving about 2 inches between each pile. You can use Parmesan, cheddar, Gouda, or American cheese. If using Parmesan, it is recommended to use a Microplane grater for a very pillowy texture that melts evenly. You can also use sliced cheese cut into quarters.
Sprinkle herbs or spices onto the cheese piles, if desired. You can also add toppings such as olives, jalapeños, or sesame seeds.
Bake for about 7 minutes until the cheese is evenly golden, turning the tray once during cooking. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from golden to burnt very quickly. Allow the crisps to cool for about 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer them to a paper towel or cooling rack to cool completely. Be gentle when handling the crisps as they are very fragile and can fall apart easily.
Enjoy your homemade baked cheese crisps as a snack or side dish. They are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your crisps turn out soggy, they may need to be baked a little longer.
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Mac and cheese
Baked mac and cheese is a popular dish that can be made in many ways. The key to a good mac and cheese is a crispy top and a creamy, soft bottom.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in mac and cheese are pasta, cheese, and butter. For the pasta, elbow macaroni is a popular choice, but any short pasta with nooks and crannies will work, such as penne, shells, or ziti. The pasta should be cooked until al dente or even a minute less, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
For the cheese, there are many options to choose from. Cheddar is a popular choice, as it melts down to be creamy, and can be paired with pecorino-Romano or Parmesan for a sharper, saltier flavour. Other options include Gruyere, mozzarella, jack cheese, pepper jack, Swiss cheese, Monterey jack, Colby jack, or American cheese. It is recommended to shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt properly and can make the sauce grainy.
Sauce
To make the cheese sauce, start by creating a roux with equal parts butter and flour, whisked together until bubbly and golden. Then, slowly whisk in cold or warm milk to prevent clumping and create a creamy texture. You can add mustard and spices such as nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt to taste.
Assembly
Once the sauce is ready, slowly add the cheese and stir until melted. Then, add the cooked pasta and stir to combine. You can also add toppings such as breadcrumbs, bacon bits, or extra cheese.
Baking
Pour the mac and cheese into a buttered baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Storage and Reheating
Baked mac and cheese can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days and can also be frozen. To reheat, bake at 325°F for 20 minutes if thawed or at 350°F for 70-80 minutes if frozen.
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Lasagna
To make a cheese lasagna, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 13x9-inch baking dish or use non-stick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan, and any other cheeses you are using, along with eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Next, layer your lasagna according to the following method: start by spreading a spoonful of sauce over the bottom of the baking dish to coat it. Then, add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers, ending with a layer of noodles and sauce.
Finally, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
You can also make lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking, or freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat leftover lasagna, place it in a lightly greased, covered casserole dish and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
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Cheese cake
There are many ways to use baking cheese, one of which is to make a cheesecake. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious, creamy cheesecake using baking cheese:
Firstly, ensure that you are using brick-style cream cheese, not the spreadable version. Allow your cream cheese to reach room temperature before beginning. This will ensure a smooth, creamy texture without lumps. Combine the cream cheese with sugar, eggs, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl or stand mixer. Mix on a medium-low speed until smooth, being careful not to overmix or incorporate too much air.
For the crust, a traditional graham cracker crust is a popular choice. You can use a simple combination of crushed graham crackers and butter, packed tightly into the bottom of your pan. Pre-baking the crust can help prevent sogginess. You can also add a crunchy twist by using Oreo cookies or Biscoff pie crust.
Pour the filling into your prepared crust, either in a single springform pan or divide it into multiple mini pans for individual servings. Bake at a low temperature of around 325°F (160°C) for about 50-60 minutes, checking regularly to avoid over-baking. The edges should be slightly puffed and a light golden brown, while the center should still be slightly jiggly.
Once baked, allow the cheesecake to cool for 10 minutes, then gently loosen the crust from the pan to prevent cracks as it cools further. Leave it to cool for another 1-2 hours until it reaches near room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill overnight or for at least 6 hours.
Your creamy, crack-free cheesecake is now ready to serve! You can top it with a mixed berry compote, whipped cream, or create a tasty raspberry swirl by swirling in some seedless raspberry jam before baking. Enjoy your homemade, decadent dessert!
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Savoury cakes
If you're looking for a savoury cake recipe, you could try a twist on the classic cheesecake by making a savoury version. While you can experiment with different cheeses, a classic combo of cream cheese and sour cream will give you a light and creamy quiche-like texture. You can add any vegetables you like, such as peppers and onions, or even cooked crumbled sausage or crisp bacon.
For a vegetarian option, you could try a cheese and onion savoury cake. This recipe is inspired by Ottolenghi's cauliflower cake and is filled with cheese, herbs, and red onion. It's a simple, flavourful, and moreish option that can be served as an elegant lunch. To make this cake, start by preheating your oven to 180°C and greasing a 20 cm springform pan. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cottage cheese until smooth and pale. Then, add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl after each addition and mixing well. Next, add the sauteed onions, cheddar cheese, and herbs, and mix until combined. Finally, add the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper – and mix until just combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and top with onion rings. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool for 20-30 minutes before serving.
If you're looking for something even more savoury, why not try a mac and cheese cake? This unique twist on the classic comfort food combines the flavours of macaroni and cheese with the texture of a cake. To make this cake, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and greasing an 8-inch or 9-inch cake pan. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, eggs, salt, pepper, sugar, and cayenne. Then, add the flour and most of the cheddar cheese, reserving some for the top. Finally, mix in the green onions and melted butter. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and smooth out the surface. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and a few shakes of cayenne. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly browned and the cake is set. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature, garnished with green onion.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking tray with parchment paper. Pile grated cheese onto the tray, leaving about 2 inches between each pile. You can also add herbs, spices, olives, or jalapenos at this stage. Bake for about 7 minutes, or until golden brown, turning the tray once. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a paper towel to cool completely.
Real Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan is a good choice, as it melts evenly and doesn't require refrigeration if aged. Other options include cheddar, pepper jack, and smoked cheese.
Baked cheese crisps can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Baked cheese crisps are a good low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free snack option. They are also naturally crunchy and filling, making them a satisfying alternative to potato chips.
Yes, you can add toppings to your baked cheese crisps. For example, you can use them as a base for dips like salsa or bean dip, or top them with seasoned cream cheese, cucumber, feta cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes.
