Bushra Griffith
There are many ways to cut gouda cheese, depending on the type of gouda and how you plan to serve it. If you have a long-aged, dry, hard, and brittle gouda, it is meant to crumble, so you can simply crumble it with a knife or spreader, leaving the rind on the plate. If you have a thick wedge with a handsome rind, you can remove one side of the rind and cut the wedge in half, then use a cheese planer to make paper-thin triangular slices. Alternatively, you can cut gouda straight through the middle to get even blocks, or grate it with a cheese slicer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Gouda Cheese | Long-aged, dry, hard, and brittle gouda |
| Tools | Knife, spreader, cheese planer, cheese wire, cheese slicer, axe |
| Cutting Style | Cut a circle slightly off-center, cut in half, cut into cubes, crumble, cut into pie slices, cut into triangles |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting gouda cheese into cubes
To cut a gouda cheese wheel into wedges, start by slicing the wheel directly down the centre to create two halves. Then, divide each half into smaller wedges, ensuring each piece is appropriately portioned for sampling. If you want to create blocks, slice the wheel into quarters first, then cut each quarter into smaller, evenly-sized blocks. These blocks can be grated for recipes or sliced into thinner strips for snacking.
If you are working with a long-aged, dry, hard, and brittle gouda, it will want to crumble. You can crumble the cheese with a knife or spreader, leaving the rind on the plate and the crumbles piled up inside.
Before cutting a gouda cheese wheel, it is important to prepare your workspace and gather the necessary tools, such as a clean, spacious cutting board and a sharp knife. Let the cheese wheel come to room temperature before cutting, as cheese straight from the refrigerator can be too firm, making it difficult to cut cleanly. Remove any packaging or rind that needs to be taken off, although you may leave on a thin and edible rind.
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Using a cheese planer to create thin slices
If you're working with a large wedge of Gouda, the best way to cut it is to use a cheese planer to create thin slices. This method is ideal for a thick wedge with a handsome rind.
First, remove one side of the rind to improve access to the cheese. Then, cut the wedge in half. Now, take your cheese planer and carefully create paper-thin triangular slices. If you're not planning to serve the cheese immediately, it's best to leave it intact until then.
If you're working with a whole wheel of Gouda, the approach is slightly different. You'll want to limit oxygen exposure, so only cut the amount of cheese you need. Start by shaving off a little of the exposed surface with a knife, cutting less than 1/16 of an inch. Then, cut your desired amount. Wrap the remaining cheese with wax paper and let it sit for two hours at room temperature before eating.
When storing cut Gouda, wrap it in plastic wrap and gently tap the flat surfaces on the counter to remove any air. This will help prevent mould from forming. Keep the cheese in the refrigerator and enjoy it within a few weeks, as cut cheese has a shorter shelf life than intact cheese.
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Crumbling the cheese
If you're working with a long-aged, dry, hard, brittle Gouda, it will want to crumble. To crumble the cheese, place the wedge flat on a cutting board and use a knife to break off small pieces. You can also use a cheese planer to create paper-thin triangular slices.
When serving crumbly Gouda, it is recommended to leave one side of the rind intact to improve access to the cheese crumbles. This way, guests can break off small pieces themselves, which can be a satisfying experience. Alternatively, you can cut off the rind and crumble the cheese directly onto the plate, leaving the rind on the plate and the crumbles piled up inside.
If you prefer smaller cheese crumbles, you can use a cheese slicer or a grater to create thin strips or shreds of Gouda. You can then insert a toothpick into each small pile of grated Gouda and dip them into mustard or other sauces for a tasty treat.
For a more unique presentation, you can cut a circle slightly off-center or cut a hole in the middle of the Gouda wheel. This will create an interesting visual effect and expose more of the cheese for crumbling or slicing. However, keep in mind that this method might not be the most efficient way to get the most cheese out of the wheel.
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Cutting gouda cheese into strips
Cutting a Gouda cheese wheel requires more than just a sharp knife; it demands technique, precision, and an understanding of the cheese's structure to preserve its quality and taste. Before you get into cutting your Gouda cheese wheel, it’s important to prepare your workspace and gather the necessary tools. A clean, spacious cutting board, ideally made of bamboo or hardwood, is your foundation, providing ample room to manoeuvre and slice the cheese.
Wash your hands thoroughly, and if you have a cutting glove, use it. It protects your hand while providing extra grip to ensure the cheese doesn't slip as you slice. Keeping a clean towel nearby to wipe down your knife between cuts can also prevent cross-contamination and keep your workspace tidy. Before you even reach for your knife, the key to a perfect cut begins with the proper preparation of your Gouda cheese wheel. This stage ensures that the cheese's texture and flavour are optimised for cutting and serving.
Let your cheese wheel acclimate to room temperature. Cheese straight from the refrigerator can be too firm, making it difficult to cut cleanly. Remove the Gouda cheese from the fridge and let it sit out for approximately one to two hours before cutting. Once the cheese has reached room temperature, inspect it for any packaging or rind that needs to be removed. Some Gouda cheese wheels come wrapped in wax or cloth that should be carefully peeled away. However, if the rind is thin and edible, you may leave it on based on personal preference or presentation style.
Before cutting, it’s helpful to visually plan your cuts based on how you intend to serve the cheese. If you're aiming for wedges, consider marking the top of the cheese wheel with shallow cuts to guide you. For blocks or strips, envision the size and quantity you'll need and how you'll achieve that from the wheel. Gouda cheese can be cut into wedges, blocks, cubes, strips, or crumbles, depending on its texture and how you plan to serve it.
If you are cutting wedges, slice the wheel directly down the centre to create two halves. From there, you can further divide each half into smaller wedges, ensuring each piece is appropriately portioned for sampling. If you are cutting blocks or strips, slice the wheel into quarters first. Then, proceed to cut each quarter into smaller, evenly sized blocks or strips. The resulting blocks or strips are versatile, ready to be grated for recipes or sliced into thinner pieces for snacking.
If you are working with a long-aged, dry, hard, brittle Gouda, it will want to crumble. Jab it with whatever knife or spreader you’ve got and start crumbling! Leave the rind on the plate and the crumbles piled up inside.
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Slicing a wheel of gouda in half
Slicing a wheel of Gouda cheese in half is a delicate task that requires precision and the right tools. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect cut:
Step 1: Prepare your workspace and tools
Start by gathering the necessary tools, including a clean, sharp knife and a spacious cutting board, preferably made of bamboo or hardwood. It is important to prioritize cleanliness to prevent cross-contamination. Wash your hands thoroughly and consider using a cutting glove for protection and a better grip.
Step 2: Let the cheese come to room temperature
Remove the Gouda cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit for approximately one to two hours. Cheese straight from the fridge can be too firm, making it challenging to cut cleanly. During this time, you can also inspect the cheese for any packaging or rind that needs to be removed. Gouda cheese wheels are sometimes wrapped in wax or cloth, which should be carefully peeled away. However, if the rind is thin and edible, you may leave it on according to your preference or presentation style.
Step 3: Visualize your cuts
Before you begin slicing, take a moment to visualize and plan your cuts. Consider the size of the wheel and the amount of cheese you need. If you are aiming for wedges, you can make shallow cuts on the top of the cheese wheel as a guide.
Step 4: Slice the wheel in half
Now, it's time to slice the Gouda wheel in half. Place the wheel on your cutting board and use your sharp knife to cut straight through the center, creating two equal halves. This step requires a steady hand and a precise cut to ensure both halves are symmetrical.
Step 5: Wrap and store
Once you have successfully sliced the wheel in half, wrap one half as airtight as possible to preserve its freshness. Cheese is susceptible to mold growth when exposed to air, so it is crucial to minimize oxygen exposure. You can use saran wrap or vacuum seal the halves, depending on how long you plan to store them.
Remember, the way you cut your Gouda cheese can impact its taste and texture. Enjoy your freshly sliced Gouda and impress your guests with your cheese-cutting prowess!
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Frequently asked questions
There are various ways to cut gouda cheese, depending on the type of gouda and how you plan to serve it. If you have a long-aged, dry, hard, and brittle gouda, let it crumble authentically. If you have a thick wedge with a handsome rind, cut off one side of the rind to improve access to the cheese crumbles. If you are not planning to serve the cheese for a few days, it will keep better if left intact. If you have a thinner wedge, cut off a few servings from the nose (the thin, pointy end), and then cut the rest radially.
The traditional way is to cut a circle slightly off-center. However, gouda is usually sold in blocks or wedges, which are easier to slice. If you do have a gouda wheel, you can cut it in half, wrap one half as airtight as possible, and then cut slices or blocks out of the other half.
You can use a cheese planer to make paper-thin triangular slices, or a cheese slicer to make strips. You can also use a grater to grate the cheese.
