Cheese's Culinary Trinity: Appetizer, Main, Dessert

Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is valued for its long shelf life, high fat and protein content, and can be a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A. There are over a thousand types of cheese, which differ in style, texture, and flavour. In cooking, cheese is often used to highlight flavours and create unique and tasty dishes. Here are three ways cheese is commonly used in cooking:

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Cheese in salads, sandwiches, and pasta

Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and pasta. Here are some ideas for incorporating cheese into these dishes:

Cheese in Salads

Cheese can add flavour, texture, and nutritional value to salads. Some popular cheese options for salads include fresh goat cheese, feta, brie, and Gouda. To include cheese in a salad, simply cut or grate it and mix it with the other ingredients. Leftover cheese can also be added to a salad to create a tasty and nutritious dish. In addition to the type of cheese, the size and shape of the cheese pieces can also enhance the salad's texture and visual appeal. For example, cheese can be shredded, cubed, or crumbled into the salad.

Cheese in Sandwiches

Sandwiches are a classic way to enjoy cheese, and the type of cheese used can vary depending on preference. A traditional grilled cheese sandwich can be made with Swiss cheese, which has a milder flavour and melts well. For those who enjoy a sharper taste, cheddar cheese can be a good option. The versatility of cheese allows for numerous combinations with other sandwich ingredients. For instance, grilled cheese sandwiches can be paired with ingredients such as tomatoes, spinach, and onions.

Cheese in Pasta

Cheese is a popular ingredient in pasta dishes and can be incorporated in a variety of ways. Some common types of cheese used in pasta include mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar. When used in pasta salads, cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan can be added to the dish along with vegetables, olives, and a dressing. The nooks and crannies of certain pasta shapes, such as penne, fusilli, and rotini, help to trap the dressing and bits of cheese, enhancing the overall flavour. In cooked pasta dishes, cheese can be melted into the sauce or used as a topping. For instance, a four-cheese sauce made with Roquefort, Edam, Cabra, and Manchego can be served with tagliatelle.

Whether it's in a salad, sandwich, or pasta, cheese adds flavour, texture, and nutritional value to the dish. Its versatility allows for endless combinations and creative culinary explorations.

Melting cheese

Cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, and Cheddar melt well and are perfect for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or classic dishes like macaroni cheese or cauliflower cheese. For a Greek twist, fry cheese for a crispy outside and a melted centre, serving it with a squeeze of fresh lemon. To elevate your grilled cheese, try using Swiss cheese, which has a milder flavour and melts evenly.

For a more indulgent option, bake brie in puff pastry with dried fruits and nuts, topped with cinnamon and brown sugar. This creates an explosion of meltiness that is perfect for dessert. Another dessert option is to use cream cheese in a New York-style baked cheesecake with blueberries or as a frosting for carrot cake or red velvet cupcakes.

When melting cheese, it is important to note that the texture of the cheese will impact the order in which it is added to the dish. For example, when making a four-cheese sauce, the firmer cheeses are added first, followed by the creamier cheeses, like Roquefort, at the end.

Grilled cheese

To make a grilled cheese sandwich, first, get out a pan, a turner or spatula, a butter knife, and a plate. Make sure they are all clean. Get out your bread, butter, and cheese. Place two slices of bread on the plate and spread butter on the face-up side of each slice. You can also spread mayonnaise on the bread, which will help the sandwich cook up with a crisp, browned exterior. Next, place two or three slices of cheese on the plate. Good melting cheeses include mozzarella, havarti, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and cheddar. If you want to upgrade your sandwich, try using Swiss cheese, which has a milder flavour and melts well. You can also sprinkle some parmesan cheese on the buttered bread before putting it in the pan. For a richer taste, use a combination of two different cheeses. Place the sandwich in the pan on low heat, and cook until the bottom slice is lightly browned, then flip. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted.

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Cheese as a topping

Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes as a topping. Here are some ways to use cheese as a topping:

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a simple yet delicious option. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as Swiss cheese, which has a milder flavour and melts well, or cheddar cheese, which has a range of flavours from mildly sharp to very sharp. For a more indulgent option, try frying mac and cheese balls made with cheddar. Simply make mac and cheese as you usually would, freeze it in ball-sized portions overnight, and then deep-fry them. Serve these bite-sized treats with a tangy sauce, such as marinara, for a tasty treat.

Salads

Cheese can add a delicious creamy or crunchy texture to your salads. Try using softer cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or brie, which pair well with fruits and nuts. For a crunchier option, grate a hard cheese like Grana Padano and bake it in the oven for a few minutes to create a crispy topping. You can also add fruits like cranberries or peaches, and nuts like walnuts, to create a sweet and savoury contrast.

Pasta

Cheese is a classic topping for pasta dishes. A four-cheese sauce made with Roquefort, Edam, Cabra, and Manchego can be served with fresh Tagliatelle. For a simpler option, a baked pasta dish like macaroni cheese or cauliflower cheese uses hard and mild cheeses like Cheddar or Edam for a nice melting texture. If you're feeling adventurous, try breaded mozzarella as a starter or use cream cheese to fill ravioli with spinach and onion.

Desserts

Cheese is not just for savoury dishes; it can also be used in desserts. Cream cheese is a key ingredient in classic desserts like cheesecake, carrot cake, and red velvet cupcakes. For a fruity option, try a brie, apple, and caramel sandwich, or bake brie in puff pastry with dried fruits and nuts, topped with cinnamon and brown sugar.

Cheese in desserts

While cheese is often served as a separate course before or after dessert, or even in place of dessert, it can also be used as an ingredient in sweet dishes.

Cheese is commonly used in cheesecakes, and there are many different types of cheesecake, from the traditional to the more unusual. For example, a Corsican-style cheesecake is made with brocciu, a fresh goat's or ewe's milk cheese, but it can also be made with ricotta. Pumpkin cheesecake is another variation, which can be served with gingersnaps and a spicy, warming flavour. A gluten-free option is Christina Tosi's mini cheesecake, which is also a component of her Strawberry Lemon Layer Cake. A more unusual cheesecake is the Smoked Coconut Cheesecake, which is flavoured with notes of caramel and smoke.

Cheese is also used in other baked goods. For instance, cream cheese can be spread into the layers of dough to make cinnamon rolls, and goat's cheese can be used to make a tangy frosting for chocolate cupcakes. Cream cheese is also used in a Brazilian dessert, Banana and Cheese Pudding, which consists of layers of fresh banana and sweetened condensed milk. Cream cheese is also used in a no-cook appetizer: dried apricot coated in tangy goat cheese and then rolled in a mixture of crushed pistachios and fresh herbs.

Cheese can also be used in sweet sandwiches. For example, Tartine Bakery & Café in San Francisco serves a sweet grilled sandwich with a filling of creamy banana, quince, and cheese. Waffle cones can also be filled with sweetened farmer's cheese and fresh berries.

Finally, cheese can be used to make sweet sauces. For instance, a four-cheese sauce can be made with Roquefort, Edam, Cabra, and Manchego and served with fresh Tagliatelle. Cream cheese can also be used to make a filling for ravioli.

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