Bushra Griffith
Bread cheese, also known as juustoleipä, leipäjuusto, or brödost, is a Finnish delicacy that has recently gained popularity. It is a versatile cheese that can be grilled, pan-fried, baked, or broiled, and is known for its signature toasted crust and chewy texture. With a mild, buttery flavour, bread cheese can be paired with both sweet and savoury garnishes, making it an excellent addition to charcuterie boards or grilled dishes. One unique way to enjoy bread cheese is by dipping it in coffee, a traditional Finnish practice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Finland |
| Traditional Name | Juustoleipä |
| Traditional Milk | Reindeer |
| Modern Milk | Cow |
| Texture | Firm, chewy, silky, smooth, squeaky |
| Taste | Mild, buttery, salty, sweet |
| Melting Point | High |
| Serving Temperature | Hot or cold |
| Pairings | Coffee, beer, honey, jam, tapenade, chutney, marinara sauce, pesto, maple syrup, bacon, garlic, pizza, crackers, bread, fruits, vegetables, salad, grilled veggies, pasta, steak, tomatoes, olives, pizza, tacos, charcuterie board |
| Preparation | Grill, pan-fry, microwave, bake, broil, air fryer, charcoal grill, oven, panini toaster, deep fryer |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to cook bread cheese
Bread cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways and paired with both sweet and savoury flavours. It is a good source of calcium and can be served as an appetizer, snack, breakfast, vegetarian entree or dessert. Here are some ways to cook bread cheese:
Grilling
Bread cheese can be grilled directly on the grates of a charcoal grill (without closing the lid) or on a lightly greased grill pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side until grill marks appear and the cheese is warmed through and soft on the inside. You can also grill it on skewers, similar to Queijo Coalho.
Pan-frying
To pan-fry bread cheese, use a non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Sear the cheese on all sides until browned and warmed through, with the inside still soft. Bread cheese can also be pan-fried without oil or butter, flipping it every couple of minutes until both sides are well browned.
Baking or Broiling
Place the bread cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in an oven at 375°F until bubbly. To broil, place it in the lower part of the oven and watch closely so it doesn't burn. Flip to the other side after a few minutes to ensure even heating.
Microwave
For a quick snack, bread cheese can be microwaved for 10 to 20 seconds to warm it up.
Air Frying
Bread cheese can also be cooked in an air fryer, if you have one.
Kaffeost
Kaffeost is a traditional way of serving bread cheese in Sweden and Finland, where a piece of cold bread cheese is dunked in hot coffee to warm it up, or cubes of cheese are placed at the bottom of a cup and hot coffee is poured on top.
Cheese Wraps: Ultimate Guide to Using Them
You may want to see also
How to make cheesy bread
Cheesy bread is a versatile dish that can be made in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious cheesy bread using bread cheese:
Ingredients
- Bread cheese
- Bread (optional)
- Toppings of your choice (e.g. honey, jam, herbs, garlic, etc.)
Step 1: Preparing the Bread Cheese
Bread cheese, also known as "Juustoleipä" or "leipäjuusto", is a Finnish delicacy that is versatile and can be prepared in multiple ways. It is traditionally made from reindeer milk but is now commonly produced using cow's milk or goat milk. This cheese has a unique characteristic of not melting like other cheeses, but instead, it softens when heated, giving it a silky and smooth texture.
To prepare the bread cheese for your cheesy bread, you can choose from various cooking methods:
- Grilling: Place the bread cheese directly on the grates of a medium-hot charcoal grill (without closing the lid) or use a lightly greased grill pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side until grill marks appear and the cheese is warmed through with a soft centre.
- Pan-frying: Use a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the bread cheese on all sides until browned and warmed through, keeping the inside soft.
- Baking or broiling: Place the bread cheese on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake or broil until bubbly. Alternatively, use a panini toaster, but keep it open to use only the hot surface.
- Microwave: For a quick snack, pop the bread cheese into the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds to warm it up.
Step 2: Assembling the Cheesy Bread
Once your bread cheese is ready, it's time to assemble your cheesy bread. The beauty of this dish is its versatility, so feel free to get creative with your toppings and combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Honey or Jam: Drizzle some honey or spread your favourite jam on the bread cheese for a sweet and savoury combination.
- Herbs and Sauces: Try pairing the bread cheese with herb-based sauces like chimichurri, pesto, or even a garlic sauce.
- Fruits and Vegetables: For a healthier option, serve the cheesy bread with fresh fruits and vegetables on the side or as a topping.
- Crackers or Bread: Enjoy the bread cheese with crackers or toast for some extra crunch.
- Dipping Sauces: Bread cheese goes well with dipping sauces like marinara or warm marinara sauce, similar to fried mozzarella sticks.
- Coffee: For a traditional Finnish experience, dip your cheesy bread into a cup of coffee. This unique combination is a popular breakfast choice.
Step 3: Serving Suggestions
Cheesy bread can be served as a snack, appetiser, or even a side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Charcuterie Board: Add your cheesy bread to a charcuterie board alongside fruits, vegetables, crackers, and meats for a elegant and tasty spread.
- Grilled Dish: If you grilled your bread cheese, consider serving it alongside grilled vegetables, salads, or even as a topping for pizzas.
- Soup Companion: Pair your cheesy bread with a bowl of soup, such as tomato soup, for a comforting meal.
- Breakfast Treat: For a breakfast-themed option, try maple syrup on top of your cheesy bread, especially if it's bacon-flavoured bread cheese.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of toppings and serving styles to create your own unique version of cheesy bread!
Cheese Powder: Make a Quick Cheese Sauce
You may want to see also
How to make cheese bread without kneading
This no-knead cheese bread is simple to make and incredibly satisfying. You don't need to be a master baker to feel like a rockstar in the kitchen with this recipe. The beauty of no-knead bread lies in its simplicity. Unlike traditional bread, this method skips the hassle of kneading to develop the gluten network.
Ingredients
- Fresh yeast
- Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, or other grains)
- Salt
- Cheese (Colby, Edam, Gruyere, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well)
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Herbs (optional)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 240°C/450°F (220°C fan-forced). Put a 24-28cm / 4.5-8 quart heavy-based pot with a lid in the oven to heat up.
- Prepare the dough by mixing the yeast, flour, salt, and water. Allow the dough to rest and ferment to develop flavour and texture.
- Sprinkle a well-floured surface and gently scrape the dough out. Shape the dough into a ball with flour on the outside.
- Lift the dough and place it, along with the parchment, into the hot pot or pan.
- Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for another 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.
- Remove from the oven and admire the cheesiness! Spread with butter and salt, and enjoy with soup or dunk in coffee.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and herbs to find your favourite flavour combinations. This no-knead cheese bread is perfect for sandwiches, served alongside soup, or simply enjoyed on its own.
Creative Cotija Cheese Alternatives for Your Next Dish
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to make a charcuterie board with bread cheese
Bread cheese, also known as juustoleipä, is a Finnish delicacy that is traditionally made with reindeer milk and dipped in coffee. It is also commonly grilled, pan-fried, or microwaved and served with honey, jam, fruit, or nuts. It can be a great addition to a charcuterie board, especially if you are looking for a vegetarian option.
To make a charcuterie board with bread cheese, first select a board that is the appropriate size for your group. You can use a simple cutting board or a large butcher block, depending on the number of guests. Next, gather your ingredients, including cured meats, cheeses, bread or crackers, nuts, dried or fresh fruit, chocolates, honey, jams, dips, and spreads.
When selecting your meats and cheeses, aim for a variety of textures and flavors. For cured meats, consider prosciutto, genoa salami, chorizo, sopressata, ham, or cured sausages. For cheeses, choose a mix of hard and soft options, such as cheddar, manchego, Parmesan, gouda, brie, burrata, camembert, blue cheese, gorgonzola, or goat cheese.
Once you have your ingredients, start by placing the larger items, such as meats and cheeses, on the board first. Then, fill in the gaps with the smaller accompaniments, creating a visually appealing display with different heights, colors, and textures. You can add bread cheese to the board in slices or cubes, and pair it with fruits or vegetables for a healthier option. Drizzle honey over the bread cheese for a sweet touch, or serve it with a bowl of tomato soup on the side.
Finally, don't forget to provide knives for slicing, as well as small dishes or bowls for the dips and spreads. Now your charcuterie board is ready to be served and enjoyed!
Starbucks' Grilled Cheese: What's the Cheesy Secret?
You may want to see also
How to make a bread cheese sandwich
Bread cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways, including as a sandwich topping. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a bread cheese sandwich:
Ingredients
- Bread cheese
- Bread
- Butter
- Salad leaves (optional)
- Tomato slices (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Cheese
Start by preparing the bread cheese. Cut the cheese into thin slices or cubes. You can choose to bake, grill, microwave, or pan-fry the bread cheese until it is warmed through and slightly softened.
Baking/Broiling: Place the cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in an oven preheated to 375°F until bubbly. For broiling, place it in the lower part of the oven, watching closely to avoid burning, and flip it after a few minutes.
Grilling: Place the cheese directly on the grates of a medium-hot charcoal grill or use a lightly greased grill pan. Cook for a few minutes on each side until grill marks appear and the cheese is warmed.
Microwaving: Pop the cheese into the microwave for 10-20 seconds.
Pan-frying: Use a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and grease it with olive oil or cooking oil. Sear or sauté the cheese until browned and warmed, with the inside still soft.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Once the bread cheese is ready, it's time to assemble the sandwich. Take your bread and spread butter on one side of each slice. You can toast the bread lightly if desired.
On one slice of bread, place the prepared bread cheese. If desired, add some salad leaves and tomato slices to create a more substantial sandwich.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, place the second slice of bread on top, buttered-side down. Cut the sandwich in half and serve it immediately. Enjoy your delicious bread cheese sandwich!
Feel free to experiment with different types of bread and additional sandwich fillings to create your perfect bread cheese sandwich.
The Best Bread for a Philly Cheesesteak
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Bread cheese, also known as juustoleipä, leipäjuusto, or brödost, is a Finnish delicacy. It is a firm, chewy, and flavorful artisan rennet cheese with a higher melting point than other cheeses. It is traditionally made from reindeer milk but is now also made with cow's milk or goat milk. It has a mild, buttery flavor and a soft, squeaky texture.
There are several ways to cook bread cheese, including grilling, pan-frying, baking, broiling, or microwaving. When cooking bread cheese, it is recommended to brush it lightly with cooking oil or brush the cooking surface with oil. You can also cut it into sticks, small squares, or cubes before cooking.
Bread cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors. It can be served with honey, jam, tapenade, chutney, fruit, or vegetables. It can also be used as a sandwich topping, added to a salad, grilled veggies, or pasta, or served with olives, steak, or tomatoes. Bread cheese also makes a great dipping cheese for marinara sauce, pesto sauce, or even maple syrup.
Bread cheese can be enjoyed hot or cold. It can be stored at room temperature or warmed slightly in a pan before serving. It can also be heated in the microwave for a quick snack.
![The Cheese Board: Collective Works: Bread, Pastry, Cheese, Pizza [A Baking Book]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81FLQklK42L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
