Vallagret Cheese: Ultimate Guide To Using It

Vallagret is a Norwegian Swiss cheese with a nutty flavor and excellent melting characteristics. It is produced by MSU, which is famous for its cheese, and is only made during the fall and winter. Vallagret is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, and sliders. When cooking with Vallagret, it is important to store it properly, as it should be refrigerated at temperatures of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

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Vallagret cheese in mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is a popular dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, including Vallagret. Here is a guide on how to use this cheese to make a delicious and creamy mac and cheese.

The first step is to choose the right type of pasta. Elbow macaroni is a classic choice for mac and cheese, and it is recommended to use around a cup and a quarter of dried pasta to make three servings. Boil the pasta in lightly salted water until it is al dente, and then drain it.

The star of the dish, Vallagret cheese, is a Norwegian-style Swiss cheese with a buttery, mild, and slightly sweet and nutty taste. It is an excellent melting cheese, which makes it perfect for mac and cheese. You will need about a quarter cup of Vallagret, thinly sliced or shredded, for the above amount of pasta.

To make the cheese sauce, start by making a béchamel. In a saucepan, melt a tablespoon of butter and then add a tablespoon of flour. Cook this mixture, also known as a roux, for about three minutes. Slowly add milk to the roux, whisking continuously, until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, and then add the shredded Vallagret cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and you have a rich and creamy cheese sauce.

Finally, combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish. You can also add some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top for a crispy texture. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.

And there you have it! A comforting and indulgent Vallagret mac and cheese, perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck with friends. Enjoy the creamy, nutty flavours of the Vallagret cheese, and feel free to experiment with adding other ingredients, such as roasted red peppers or garlic, to make this dish your own.

Sliders with Vallagret cheese

To make Vallagret cheese sliders, you will need the following ingredients:

• 24 small party buns or 12 Hawaiian rolls
• 8 ounces of Vallagret cheese, thinly sliced (or any mild, buttery Swiss cheese)
• 2 roasted red peppers, sliced or finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh rosemary leaves
• Olive oil

• Slice the party buns or rolls in half.
• Place the Vallagret cheese on the bottom half of the buns or rolls.
• Add the roasted red peppers, garlic, and rosemary leaves on top of the cheese.
• Drizzle olive oil over the ingredients.
• Place the top half of the buns or rolls on top of the ingredients.
• You can also brush the tops of the buns or rolls with melted butter and bake them in the oven for a warm and gooey slider.

You can also get creative and add additional ingredients to your sliders, such as ham, mustard, or other types of meat and cheese.

Using Vallagret as a topping

Vallagret is a Norwegian Swiss cheese with a nutty flavour and excellent melting characteristics. It is a unique Jarlsberg-like cheese that combines characteristics of Cheddar and Swiss cheeses. Its mild, buttery flavour makes it a great topping for a variety of dishes. Here are some ways to use Vallagret as a topping:

Salads

Crumble or shred Vallagret cheese over your favourite salad to add a creamy, nutty flavour. Its melting characteristics make it a great addition to warm salads, such as a spinach salad with a light vinaigrette.

Sandwiches and Burgers

Slice some Vallagret thinly and place it on your favourite sandwich or burger. Its mild flavour pairs well with a variety of ingredients, such as roasted red peppers, garlic, and fresh rosemary. For an extra indulgent touch, lightly toast the sandwich or burger bun until the cheese is melted.

Baked Dishes

Vallagret can be used as a topping for baked dishes, such as casseroles or pasta bakes. Sprinkle shredded or grated Vallagret over your dish before baking to add a creamy, cheesy layer. For an extra crispy touch, top the Vallagret with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.

Pizzas

Create your own pizza at home and use Vallagret as the cheese topping. Its melting characteristics make it ideal for pizzas, and its mild flavour pairs well with a variety of toppings. Experiment with different combinations, such as classic Margherita with basil, or more adventurous options like sliced apples and walnuts.

Appetizers

Use Vallagret as a topping for appetisers, such as bruschetta or crostini. Spread a layer of the cheese on toasted bread slices and top with your favourite ingredients, such as chopped tomatoes, basil, or even a drizzle of honey. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a versatile base for a variety of appetisers.

Pairing Vallagret with wine

Vallagret is a Norwegian-style Swiss cheese with a buttery, mild, and slightly sweet and nutty taste. When pairing wine and cheese, it is important to consider the qualities of both the wine and the cheese and which ones match. For instance, a heavy wine will overpower a milder cheese, and a pungent cheese will overpower a light wine. Therefore, it is recommended to pair a lighter wine with a milder cheese and a sweet or heavy wine with a bolder, more mature-flavoured cheese.

Given its mild and nutty flavour, Vallagret cheese is best paired with a lighter wine. A good option would be a light, crisp, and acidic white wine, such as a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or a Unoaked Chardonnay. These wines will complement the buttery and nutty flavours of the Vallagret without overwhelming them.

If you are looking for a red wine to pair with Vallagret, a Pinot Noir would be a good choice. Pinot Noir is a light red wine with fruity notes that will go well with the sweetness of the cheese. Beaujolais and Red Blends are other red wines that could be considered, offering a similar flavour profile to Pinot Noir.

For those who prefer sweeter wines, a Moscato or Sauternes would be an excellent choice to pair with Vallagret. The saltiness of the cheese will enhance the sweetness of the wine, creating a delightful combination.

Storing Vallagret cheese

Another user has reported that they vacuum-sealed their MSU cheese and stored it in the fridge, and it lasted a long time. Waxed bags are another option for storing cheese, but even hard cheeses like Parm or Pecorino don't last very long using this method.

Vallagret cheese is produced in wheels and ages in cold storage, with only 10,000 wheels of this cheese made annually.

Frequently asked questions