Frederic Melton
Cheese is a staple in many meals, but it is often forgotten at breakfast time. However, there are many varieties of cheese that can be incorporated into breakfast dishes, providing a range of health benefits and a delicious start to the day. For those who enjoy savoury foods in the morning, there are numerous options to choose from, such as bagels with cream cheese and cucumber, or a classic cheese sandwich. If you're feeling more adventurous, you could try a frittata with cured bacon, corn, and scallion whites, topped with a unique cheddar cheese rubbed with espresso and lavender. For those with a sweet tooth, a banana and honey bagel or a cheesecake-style bagel could be the perfect breakfast treat. Breakfast is an excellent opportunity to indulge in a variety of delightful cheeses, and with so many options to choose from, there's sure to be something for everyone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutritional value | Rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and 12 other essential nutrients |
| Health benefits | May help prevent osteoporosis, cavities, and promote healthy teeth enamel |
| Weight loss | Goat milk cheese, cow’s milk, and buffalo milk cheese are lower in fat |
| Versatility | Can be paired with crackers, muffins, bagels, eggs, fruits, sandwiches, or used in recipes like frittatas and quesadillas |
| Popular types | Cheddar, gouda, gruyere, cream cheese, feta, farmer's cheese, Ossau Iraty, Barely Buzzed, and more |
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What You'll Learn
Bagels and muffins with cream cheese
Bagels and muffins are a great breakfast option, and they pair well with cream cheese. While a bagel with cream cheese can be about 450 calories, an English muffin with cream cheese has just 155 calories, making it a healthier option. For those craving an everything bagel, a tasty alternative is to spread low-fat cream cheese on a toasted English muffin and sprinkle it with everything bagel seasoning.
If you're looking for a more indulgent option, top your English muffin with fresh berries or dried fruits, and a generous spread of cream cheese. For a savoury option, you could try a deli-style lox spread on your bagel or muffin. If you're feeling creative, you can add your own twist with fresh herbs like dill or chives, or even a touch of garlic.
For those with a sweet tooth, a lemon curd or honey can be added to the cream cheese for a sweet and tangy spread. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a cream cheese infused with bourbon whiskey or lavender and espresso, for a unique breakfast experience.
Cream cheese is a versatile breakfast option, and with a few simple tweaks, you can create a variety of delicious breakfast treats to suit any taste.
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Feta with eggs
Feta fried eggs are a delicious and quick breakfast option. They are crispy, full of flavour, and can be made in just a few minutes.
To make feta fried eggs, start by heating a nonstick skillet or a small frying pan over medium heat. You can also use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. Add a spray of cooking oil or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Next, crumble over the feta cheese, ensuring the perimeter of the pan is covered, and allow it to sizzle and sauté for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts without burning. The best feta for this recipe is a block of full-fat feta packed in brine, which melts easily, has a more complex taste, and lasts longer than other kinds. You can also use dairy-free feta or goat cheese, though you may want to add salt to taste.
Once the feta starts melting and bubbling, crack an egg into the centre of the pan. Season the egg with black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. You can also add other herbs such as parsley, basil, or dill. Cover the pan and cook, reducing the heat if necessary, until the egg is cooked to your preference. For a runny yolk, the white should be set, and the cheese crispy and golden brown.
Feta fried eggs can be served on their own or with a variety of bases. Try spreading avocado on a tortilla or slice of toasted bread, such as sourdough, and add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. You can also add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes. For extra tang, top with pickled onions or a drizzle of chilli oil or hot sauce.
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Cheese sandwiches
When making a breakfast cheese sandwich, it is best to use low-fat cheese to keep the meal healthy. Cheddar is a good option, as it is a popular and versatile cheese. For a simple yet tasty sandwich, combine cheddar slices with whole wheat bread and some vegetables such as tomato, lettuce, or cucumber. If you want to add a spread, try a low-fat cream cheese or houmous for extra flavour.
For a more indulgent option, try a grilled cheese sandwich. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as gouda, gruyere, or cheddar, and add toppings of your choice. If you want a kick of spice, try a jalapeno cheddar, or for a unique flavour, use a cheddar infused with bourbon whiskey or rubbed with lavender and espresso. These cheeses will add a sweet and spicy twist to your sandwich.
If you are looking for a healthier option, you could try a feta and egg sandwich. This combination provides a nutrient-rich breakfast, and you can add slices of olive and wholemeal bread to complete the meal. Alternatively, for a classic flavour combination, pair a soft cheese with some fruit. Farmer's cheese is a good option for this, and you can use a variety of seasonal fruits such as berries or dried fruits.
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Chef Greg's recipes
Chef Greg has some fantastic recipes for cheese lovers to enjoy at breakfast time.
Avocado toast is a simple, tasty, and healthy breakfast option. Chef Greg elevates this dish by adding Alouette Toasted Everything, chopped eggs, and seasoning. Alouette's spreadable cheeses come in three flavors, so you can have a different avocado toast every morning.
For a more traditional breakfast, Chef Greg recommends bagels and English muffins stuffed with cream cheese. He uses Smithfield Cream Cheese to create three mouth-watering recipes. One of these is a cucumber bagel with cream cheese and lemon sauce—a savory option to start the day. For those with a sweet tooth, Chef Greg has created a banana and honey bagel and a cheesecake-style bagel.
If you're an early riser and have a little more time on your hands, Chef Greg suggests trying a cheese quesadilla. These can be topped with ingredients of your choosing. If you want to prepare something the night before, a sandwich with hard cheese is a convenient option for breakfast on the go.
For a real treat, Chef Greg recommends a frittata—an Italian-style omelet. This recipe includes cured bacon, corn, and scallion whites, topped with Beehive's Barely Buzzed: a cheddar cheese rubbed with espresso and lavender.
Chef Greg also shares some tips for those who want to include cheese in their breakfast routine. He recommends Farmer's cheese with a variety of seasonal fruits for a quick breakfast on busy mornings. For a more indulgent option, he suggests centering your whole breakfast around cheese. Some of his recommendations include Ossau Iraty and Barely Buzzed, a hard cheese rubbed with coffee—a great choice to enjoy with your morning coffee.
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Healthy options
Cheese is a nutritious food with several health benefits, and it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced breakfast. While some people may avoid cheese in the morning due to its fat content, there are lower-fat options that can complement a healthy breakfast. Here are some ideas for healthy breakfasts that include cheese:
Fruit and Cheese
A classic combination that is easy to prepare, especially on busy mornings. Farmer's cheese is a good choice to pair with seasonal fruits, adding fibre and nutrients to your meal.
Low-Fat Cheese Sandwich
A sandwich is a popular and convenient breakfast option. Using low-fat cheddar cheese on whole wheat bread with vegetable slices can be a healthy and tasty choice.
Feta and Eggs
Feta cheese with sliced eggs, olives, and wholemeal bread is a perfect Greek-inspired breakfast. This combination offers a variety of nutrients and can be accompanied by a cup of coffee.
Avocado Toast with Cheese
Avocado toast is a simple and healthy breakfast option. You can add some chopped eggs, seasoning, and a spreadable cheese like Alouette Toasted Everything to make it even more delicious and nutritious.
Bagel with Cream Cheese
A bagel stuffed with cream cheese is a traditional breakfast choice. For a savoury option, try a cucumber bagel with cream cheese and lemon sauce. If you prefer something fruity or sugary, a banana and honey bagel or a cheesecake-style bagel might be ideal.
Quesadillas
If you're an early riser and have a bit more time in the morning, you can try making cheese quesadillas. These can be prepared with your choice of toppings and provide a hearty and indulgent breakfast.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese sandwich is a popular and easy breakfast option. You can use a variety of cheeses, but low-fat cheddar is the healthiest option. You can also add veggie slices and use whole wheat bread for added nutrients. Another option is to have bagels or English muffins with cream cheese.
If you're looking for something more indulgent, you could try a cheese quesadilla or a grilled cheese sandwich. You could also try a frittata (an Italian-style omelet) with cured bacon, corn, and scallion whites, topped with a strong cheddar cheese.
Cheese is a great source of calcium and other essential nutrients. If you're watching your weight, goat's milk cheese tends to have the least amount of fat, followed by cow's milk and then buffalo milk cheese. So you could try a breakfast of fruit with farmer's cheese, or avocado toast with chopped eggs and a spreadable cheese.
Some good breakfast cheeses include Ossau Iraty, Barely Buzzed (a hard cheese rubbed with coffee), and Smithfield cream cheese. If you're making a bagel with cream cheese, you could also try topping it with lemon sauce or banana and honey.
There are many different cheeses that can be eaten for breakfast, including Bonne Bouche, Haystack Mountain Camembert, Habanero Cheddar, and Goat Cheddar.
