Patrick Oconnell
There are many different types of cheese, from soft cheeses like Brie and cream cheese to hard cheese varieties such as cheddar and Parmesan. Semi-hard cheeses include the familiar Cheddar, as well as Colby and Monterey Jack. Soft-ripened cheeses begin firm and chalky but are aged from the exterior inwards by exposing them to mould. Some cheeses, such as mozzarella, blue cheese, and feta, are also a great source of protein and other important nutrients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soft cheese | Brie, cream cheese, Neufchâtel |
| Semi-hard cheese | Cheddar, Cheshire, Gloucester, Colby, Monterey Jack |
| Hard cheese | Cheddar, Parmesan |
| Spreadable | Soft cheese |
| Melting properties | Soft cheese does not melt well |
| Maturation period | Cream cheese: not matured; Brie and Neufchâtel: up to 1 month; Neufchâtel: 10 days |
| Health benefits | Mozzarella, blue cheese, feta: protein and other important nutrients |
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What You'll Learn
What kind of cheese for a pizza?
Mozzarella is the most popular cheese for pizza, known for its meltability and mild, creamy flavour. It creates the iconic stretchy, gooey layer that pizza lovers crave. Fresh mozzarella has a soft texture and a milky taste, while the low-moisture version is great for achieving a golden-brown bubbly finish.
Provolone is often blended with mozzarella to add depth to the cheese profile without overpowering the other ingredients. It works well on meat lovers' pizza, veggie pizza, and any pizza that could use a flavour boost.
Cheddar is a sharp, tangy cheese with a firm texture that adds a burst of personality to your pizza. It doesn't melt as smoothly as mozzarella, but it brings a delightful bite and pairs well with other cheeses and toppings. It's a good choice for BBQ chicken pizza, bacon cheeseburger pizza, and any pizza with a smoky or robust flavour profile.
Ricotta is a fresh cheese with a light, fluffy texture and a slightly sweet taste. It doesn't melt like traditional pizza cheeses but adds creamy dollops of flavour to your pie. Its mild flavour complements stronger cheeses and savoury toppings, making it a versatile addition to many pizza recipes.
Other cheeses that work well on pizza include gouda, fontina, Jack, and Muenster.
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What kind of cheese for a sandwich?
When it comes to making a cheese sandwich, the options are endless. The traditional choice is cheddar, but you can go mature or mild depending on your preference. If you're feeling creative, you could opt for something like Swiss or Gruyere for a nuttier flavour, or Provolone for a sharper taste. For a grilled cheese sandwich, consider a mild to medium cheddar for its melting qualities and a bit of assertive flavour.
If you're looking for an Instagram-worthy cheese pull, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the flavour of the cheese and how well it plays with other cheeses and fillings. Secondly, its melting properties—you want a cheese that will give you that perfect, creamy cheese pull.
When it comes to bread, you can use white, wheat, sourdough, or rye. And don't forget the butter! Salted or unsalted, it's up to you. If you're feeling adventurous, try a Parmesan crust on your grilled cheese sandwich. Simply spread a layer of mayonnaise or butter on the outside of your bread slices before toasting.
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What kind of cheese for a salad?
There are many different types of cheese that can be used in a salad. Feta is a classic choice, with its salty, tangy flavour pairing well with extra-virgin olive oil. Goat and sheep cheeses are also popular choices for salads, as they tend to be tangier than cow's milk cheeses. For a softer option, fresh mozzarella is a good choice, adding a refreshing touch to a light summer salad. If you're looking for something with a higher melting point, halloumi is a salty cheese with a unique texture that can be grilled, fried, or eaten raw. Blue cheese is another option, especially if you're looking to add some sweetness and toastiness to your salad. Finally, parmesan is an essential salad cheese, adding a new level of flavour to a simple chop salad.
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What kind of cheese for a pasta dish?
There are many types of cheese that can be used in pasta dishes, depending on the desired effect.
Mozzarella is a soft Italian cheese with a mild, creamy flavour and a stretchy, melted texture. It is perhaps the best melting cheese for pasta, perfect for dishes with a lot of sauce or that are baked. It is a good choice for lasagne, chicken parmesan, baked ziti, and other cheese bake pasta casserole dishes. It can also be used in pasta salads.
Parmesan is another popular choice for pasta. It is called for in a traditional alfredo recipe, as well as carbonara, lasagne, and a four-cheese sauce recipe. It is also a good choice for topping pasta dishes, adding a nutty, salty flavour.
Ricotta is a type of whey cheese that is wonderfully creamy and thick. It is prepared from any leftover whey, be it from cow or goat’s milk, and is best used to thicken up sauces. It goes well in a lasagne or a pasta bake and is also delicious when served with spinach and other green vegetables.
Pecorino Romano is a hard Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk that is best suited for grating, then sprinkling over pasta dishes. It has a strong and salty taste, so it is not for everyone.
Swiss or Alpine cheeses, such as Gruyere and Emmental, are known for their nutty and slightly sweet and salty flavour, making them a delicious and unique choice for pasta dishes.
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What kind of cheese for a cheeseboard?
When it comes to creating the perfect cheeseboard, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, variety is important – aim for a mix of different flavours and textures. A good rule of thumb is to choose three cheeses from different categories.
Start with a firm or semi-firm cheese. Some popular options include aged white cheddar, gouda, edam, gruyère, dubliner, and manchego. These cheeses offer a range of flavours, from the sharp tang of cheddar to the nutty sweetness of gouda.
Next, add a spreadable or soft cheese. Brie, camembert, and goat cheese are excellent choices. Goat cheese, in particular, has a unique tangy flavour due to the presence of fatty acids, making it more pungent than cow's milk cheese.
Finally, if you want to add something a little different, consider a strong blue cheese like gorgonzola, stilton, or roquefort. These cheeses have a distinct, funky flavour that may not be to everyone's taste, but they can add a real depth to your cheeseboard.
Of course, there are many other cheeses that could be included, such as chabichou du Poitou, a small, spreadable goat cheese with a tangy, wrinkled rind and a dense, creamy centre. So, feel free to experiment and find the perfect combination of cheeses that suits your taste!
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza, but you could also try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby.
Soft cheeses like cream cheese, Brie, or Neufchâtel are good for sandwiches.
Crumbled feta or blue cheese can add protein and other important nutrients to a salad.
