Randy Chandler
Cutting cheese is an art form that can significantly impact the texture and taste of each piece. The best way to cut soft cheese depends on the shape and type of cheese, as well as the desired presentation and serving style. For example, soft cheeses like chèvre can be served whole with a spreader or soft cheese knife, allowing guests to cut their own portions. If pre-portioning soft cheeses, it is best to use a thin-bladed soft cheese knife or cheese wire to create uniform slices or rounds, preventing the cheese from sticking to the blade and becoming crumbly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of knife | Soft cheese knife, slim blade knife, butter knife, cheese wire, unflavoured unwaxed dental floss |
| Motion | Slicing, not sawing |
| Temperature | Throw soft cheese in the freezer for 20 minutes before cutting |
| Shape | Cut into rounds, wedges, or triangles |
| Thickness | Thin slices |
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What You'll Learn
Use a sharp knife
Using a sharp knife is the best way to cut soft cheese. The sharpness of the knife is essential, as it will help you cut through the cheese with ease and precision. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
When using a sharp knife, it is important to slice the cheese rather than trying to push the blade through it. This is especially true for soft cheeses, as slicing will give you more control and help prevent the cheese from sticking to the knife. A sharp, thin-bladed cheese knife or a slim blade knife is ideal for soft cheeses. The thin blade will help you cut uniform slices and prevent the cheese from crumbling or becoming misshapen.
If you are cutting a block of soft cheese, it is recommended to cut it into thin slices rather than cubes. This will increase the surface area of the cheese, enhancing the flavour of each piece. Cut the block horizontally first to make slicing easier, and then cut vertical slices along the rind portion. You can also cut rectangular slices diagonally to create triangles.
For very soft cheeses, a soft cheese knife with holes in the blade is ideal. The holes create gaps that prevent the cheese from sticking to the knife. If you don't have a soft cheese knife, you can use a sharp butter knife instead. Alternatively, you can use unflavoured, unwaxed dental floss to cut the cheese by laying the floss on top of the cheese and drawing the ends upwards in a quick, decisive motion.
Remember, the type of knife you use depends on the type of cheese and how it will be served. If you are serving a large wedge of soft cheese, you might want to cut it into smaller pieces. On the other hand, you could leave it whole and provide a knife for your guests to cut their desired amount.
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Slice, don't saw
When it comes to cutting soft cheese, it's important to remember: slice, don't saw. Using a sawing motion can cause the cheese to stick to the knife and create an uneven, crumbly mess. Instead, use a sharp, thin-bladed knife and slice through the cheese with a smooth, decisive downward motion.
Soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert, and goat cheese, have a creamy, sticky texture that can easily adhere to the knife if not cut properly. To avoid this, choose a knife with a slim, sharp blade. A soft cheese knife, with holes in the blade to prevent sticking, is ideal. Alternatively, a slim blade knife, with a long and narrow sharp blade, can also be used. These knives allow you to cut through the cheese with a smooth, slicing action, rather than a sawing motion, resulting in neat, uniform slices.
If you don't have access to a specialised cheese knife, there are some clever alternatives. Unflavoured, unwaxed dental floss can be used to cut soft cheese. Simply lay the floss under the cheese at the desired cutting point, then quickly draw the ends of the floss upwards towards each other. This creates a clean cut without the need for a knife. Another option is to use a cheese wire, which is perfect for creating precise slices through soft cheeses.
When cutting a block of soft cheese, it's best to avoid simply cutting it into small cubes. To maximise flavour, aim for thin, wide slices that increase the surface area of each piece. This allows you to savour the full taste and texture of the cheese in each bite. For example, you can cut the block horizontally into thin, coin-shaped slices, and then cut these into smaller rectangles or triangles.
Remember, the right cutting technique can enhance your cheese-eating experience. So, when it comes to soft cheese, always slice with a smooth, downward motion and choose the right tools to avoid a sticky situation.
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Cut horizontally first
Cutting soft cheese can be a tricky task, but cutting horizontally first is an effective technique. This method is particularly useful for soft, bloomy rind cheeses such as Brie or Camembert. Cutting horizontally first makes the overall slicing process easier, especially when preparing cheese for guests.
To begin, use a sharp, thin-bladed cheese knife or a slim-bladed knife. A soft cheese knife is ideal as it has holes in the blade, preventing the cheese from sticking. If you don't have a specialised knife, a butter knife can be used for soft cheeses. Alternatively, a cheese wire or unwaxed dental floss can be used to cut the cheese neatly.
When cutting horizontally, make small, thin slices in the shape of rounds or coins. This technique is important as it increases the surface area of the cheese, enhancing the flavour. Cutting thin, wide slices will allow each bite to capture the different flavour elements and textures of the cheese.
After cutting the cheese horizontally, you can then cut vertically along the rind portion. For the second portion, cut slices across the width of the cheese. This will ensure that each piece has a uniform size and a balanced rind-to-paste ratio.
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Use a soft cheese knife
When it comes to cutting soft cheese, a soft cheese knife is a great tool to have. These knives are designed to cut through soft cheeses without crushing or sticking to them. They are also known as open-work blade knives and typically feature a thin, long, sharp blade with holes or perforations. The holes in the blade help to reduce the surface area in contact with the cheese, preventing it from sticking to the knife and keeping the cheese intact. This type of knife is ideal for cutting soft cheeses into thin, precise slices, which is the best way to get the most flavour out of each piece.
When using a soft cheese knife, it is important to use a slicing motion rather than simply pushing the blade through the cheese. This will help you control the cutting process better, especially with soft cheeses. You can cut a wedge of soft cheese by creating slices along its long edge, forming a long strip. It is considered poor etiquette to cut the tip or nose of the cheese wedge as this is said to be the most flavourful part.
Some soft cheeses, like logs of very soft cheese, can be so soft that they do not need to be cut. Instead, you can serve them whole with a spreader or soft cheese knife, allowing guests to cut or spread their own portions. If you want to pre-portion these very soft cheeses, a soft cheese knife or cheese wire can be used to cut them into uniform rounds. Alternatively, you can use unflavoured, unwaxed dental floss by laying the cheese on top of the floss and then drawing up both ends quickly and decisively to cut through the cheese.
Soft cheese knives are versatile and can be used for a variety of soft cheeses. They are particularly useful for cutting larger, thicker semi-soft cheeses like Provolone into smaller pieces. The thin blade of a soft cheese knife allows for delicate handling of cheeses like Brie and Camembert, preventing them from crumbling or becoming misshapen. This type of knife is also useful for cutting through cheese rinds, making it a handy tool for cheeses like Valençay-style cheeses.
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Freeze soft cheese before cutting
Freezing soft cheese is not recommended as it can significantly damage its structure and texture. However, if you still want to freeze soft cheese before cutting, here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
Firstly, it is important to note that freezing soft cheese will alter its texture and consistency. Soft cheeses have a high moisture content, which means more water will turn into ice crystals during freezing. This can lead to a drier, crumbly, and mealy texture upon thawing. The degradation of texture will be noticeable, especially if the cheese is eaten plain. Therefore, it is recommended to use frozen soft cheese as an ingredient rather than serving it by itself.
When freezing soft cheese, it is crucial to use proper storage methods to minimize quality loss. Start by portioning the cheese into quantities that you will likely use at once, as constant thawing and refreezing should be avoided. Soft cheese can be grated or sliced before freezing, and then stored in its original packaging or wrapped in foil or cheese paper. To prevent freezer burn, ensure that the cheese is well-protected from the air. You can use a vacuum sealer, which eliminates contact with air and allows for longer storage. Alternatively, wrap the cheese tightly in parchment paper followed by aluminum foil to create a barrier and keep everything in place. Finally, place the wrapped cheese in an airtight ziplock bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible.
When it comes to thawing, it is best to transfer the frozen cheese to a flat plate or container and let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator for about 12 hours or overnight. Do not refreeze the cheese after thawing, as it will further deteriorate its texture and flavour. It is recommended to consume the cheese once it has been thawed, and use it as an ingredient rather than serving it plain.
While freezing soft cheese may not yield the best results in terms of texture and flavour, it can still be a viable option for extending the shelf life of the product and reducing waste. However, if you prioritize quality, it is best to buy and serve soft cheese fresh and encourage your guests to enjoy it without freezing.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to cut soft cheese depends on its shape and how you want to serve it. If you want to pre-portion soft cheese that comes in logs, cut each log into several uniform rounds using a thin-bladed soft cheese knife, cheese wire, or unwaxed dental floss. If you want to serve it as part of a cheese plate, you can leave it whole and provide a butter knife for your guests to cut their own pieces.
The best knife to use for cutting soft cheese is a thin-bladed soft cheese knife or a butter knife. If you don't have a soft cheese knife, you can use a cheese wire or unwaxed dental floss to cut the cheese.
Yes, the temperature of the cheese can affect how easily it can be cut. Soft cheese is easier to cut when it is cold, so consider placing it in the freezer for 20 minutes before cutting.
