Bushra Griffith
Soft cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. It can be used as a spread, a dip, a topping, or a filling. When serving soft cheese, it is recommended to have bread, crackers, or crudités on the side. Popular accompaniments include cured meats, seasonal or dried fruit, nuts, chutney, mustard, and jams or jellies. For a more indulgent treat, soft cheese can be paired with waffles, pancakes, or French bread.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tableware | Choose a board or platter that is the right size for the number of cheeses. |
| Knife | Use a sharp, fine-bladed knife to slice soft cheese without crushing it. |
| Butter | Some people use butter to mellow the flavor of strong cheese, but it is not necessary for mild cheeses. |
| Bread | Bread is indispensable for tasting soft cheese. |
| Forks | Only hard cheeses can be eaten with a fork. |
| Accompaniments | Seasonal fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cured meats, chutney, mustard, crudités, fresh herbs, spices, etc. |
| Temperature | For the utmost in flavor, aroma, and texture, serve cheese at room temperature. |
| Rind | Leave the rind on when serving soft cheese. |
| Serving utensil | Each cheese needs its own serving utensil. |
| Plate | A marble cheese-round, wooden cheeseboard, granite tile, slate, or footed cake plate can be used to serve cheese. |
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What You'll Learn
Soft cheese with sweet treats
Soft cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. Here are some ideas for serving soft cheese with sweet treats:
Waffles or Pancakes
Top waffles or pancakes with soft cheese and fresh fruit. You can also make gluten-free pancakes by adding cottage cheese to the batter. For a decadent brunch dish, try chocolate pancakes with a maple cream cheese frosting, chocolate chips, and fresh blueberries.
Cake and Cupcakes
Soft cheese is a popular ingredient for cake frosting and can be used to make a delicious carrot cake or spiced hummingbird cake. For a dainty treat, top mini carrot cake cupcakes with a generous layer of soft cheese frosting. You can also bake cream cheese into cupcakes by whipping it with sugar, an egg, and an egg yolk, creating a surprise cheesecake filling.
Fruit and Jelly
Soft cheese pairs well with seasonal fruit, such as pineapple, banana, and berries. Try a bright and playful dessert by suspending cubes of jelly in a creamy cheesecake to create a contrast of textures and a pretty terrazzo effect. You can also pour jelly over a block of cream cheese and serve it with crackers or other dippers.
Ice Cream
For a creamy and indulgent dessert, add a block of soft cheese to a standard custard-style ice cream base when making homemade ice cream. Chef David Grillo of Cantina 76 in Columbia, South Carolina, recommends this trick for a frozen treat that's similar to frozen custard.
When serving soft cheese, it is recommended to use a separate knife for each type of cheese to avoid mixing flavours. It is also best to serve cheese at room temperature, so remember to take it out of the fridge about an hour before serving.
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Soft cheese on waffles, pancakes, and bagels
Waffles
Cheese waffles are a tasty and simple breakfast option. The basic recipe consists of just two ingredients: eggs and cheese. You can use any type of shreddable cheese, such as sharp cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella. Simply beat an egg and mix in the shredded cheese and any desired seasonings until well combined. You can also add flour if you prefer a more traditional waffle texture, using gluten-free flour if needed for dietary restrictions. Once your waffle maker is preheated, cook the batter until it is brown and crispy. For a more crispy waffle, sprinkle shredded cheese onto the waffle maker before adding the batter. You can also experiment with adding vegetables like finely chopped broccoli or shredded carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
Leftover cheese waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in a toaster or toaster oven until crispy and warm.
Cheese waffles can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings. Try them with mashed avocado, pizza sauce, or yogurt, or use them as bread for sandwiches. For a tasty twist on a classic, make a BLT waffle sandwich with crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato slices between two cheese waffles.
Pancakes
For a super fluffy and thick pancake option, consider making cream cheese pancakes. This recipe is just as easy as making traditional breakfast pancakes but results in fluffier and thicker pancakes that are less likely to fall apart when flipped. To make the batter, whisk together dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk softened cream cheese with a little sugar, then add egg, vanilla, and milk. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. The batter will be thick and elastic. Heat a griddle or frying pan to low-medium heat and lightly grease with oil or cooking spray. Pour the batter onto the griddle and cook until a few air bubbles form, then flip and cook the other side until golden. These pancakes pair well with maple syrup.
Bagels
While I didn't find any specific recipes for soft cheese on bagels, bagels are a versatile bread that can be topped or filled with a variety of cheeses. Consider spreading softened cream cheese on a bagel and topping it with vegetables, meat, or herbs. You can also melt shredded cheese on top of a bagel for a toasted, crunchy option.
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Soft cheese with cured meats
Soft cheese and cured meats are a classic combination that can elevate any gathering into a memorable feast. The key to a successful pairing lies in the balance of textures and flavours. Here are some tips to create exquisite pairings of soft cheese with cured meats:
Experiment with Textures
Combining cured meats and cheeses with opposite textures can enhance their individual flavours. For instance, the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture of Prosciutto di Parma pairs beautifully with the creamy embrace of a soft-ripened cheese. Similarly, the robust nature of firm meats like chorizo or saucisson sec is complemented by the richness of spreadable soft cheeses. On the other hand, soft, silky meats like pancetta create a delightful contrast when paired with crisp bread or crackers, adding an element of surprise to the dining experience.
Play with Flavours
When pairing soft cheese with cured meats, consider their flavour profiles. Saucisson sec, a dry French salami, pairs well with hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan due to its tender, rich flavours. For those who enjoy a spicy kick, the heat from chorizo can be balanced by the mild and sweet flavours of Havarti cheese, resulting in a harmonious blend. If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing whole muscle meats like prosciutto, known for their sweeter, nuttier flavours, with a tangy, acidic cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano.
Build a Charcuterie Board
When crafting a charcuterie board, remember that cured meats and cheeses are the stars. However, adding small touches can elevate the overall presentation. Seasonal fruits like grapes or figs provide a fresh counterbalance to the richness of the meats and cheeses. Nuts, olives, and fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme contribute additional textures, colours, and aromas, creating an unforgettable sensory experience for your guests.
Explore Regional Pairings
When in doubt, look to regional pairings for inspiration. The classic combination of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma is not just a culinary match made in heaven but also shares a unique connection: the whey byproduct from Parmigiano production is fed to the hogs that provide Prosciutto di Parma. Another inspired pairing is Italy's Alto Adige specialty, Speck, a lightly smoked whole muscle meat, with Piave cheese. While Speck offers a savoury, smoky flavour, Piave brings a burst of pineapple and tropical fruit notes to the pairing.
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Soft cheese with condiments
Soft cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for serving soft cheese with condiments:
Fresh Herbs and Spices
Pair soft cheese with fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, or herbs de Provence. You can also add spices like cumin seed with Munster cheese or paprika with fresh cheese. Don't forget to use a sharp knife to slice your soft cheese without crushing it!
Fruits and Nuts
Create a beautiful cheese platter by pairing soft cheese with seasonal fruits such as apples or raisins. Dried fruits and nuts can also complement soft cheese. Try walnuts with blue cheese for a tasty combination.
Sweet Condiments
For a sweet treat, pair soft cheese with condiments such as jelly or jam. You can also get creative with chilli-based condiments like jalapeño jelly or mostarda, which is a spicy, fruit-based condiment.
Savoury Spreads
While soft cheese is delicious on its own, you can enhance its flavour by pairing it with savoury spreads. Try chutney or mustard with mature cheddar or triple-cream cheeses. Butter is also an option for mellowing the flavour of strong cheeses, but it's important to keep the butter separate from the cheese.
Bread and Crackers
Bread is a must when serving soft cheese, as it provides the perfect vehicle for spreading or dipping. Crackers can also be a great option for a crunchy texture.
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Soft cheese with fruits and vegetables
Soft cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for serving soft cheese with fruits and vegetables:
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Fresh fruit and vegetables can be paired with soft cheese to create a simple yet delicious snack. Cut up some fruits or vegetables of your choice, such as apples, cucumbers, or carrots, and serve them alongside soft cheese for dipping. This combination makes for a refreshing and nutritious option.
Waffles and Pancakes
For a more indulgent option, top waffles or pancakes with soft cheese and fresh fruit. The sweetness of the waffles or pancakes pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the soft cheese and the freshness of the fruit. You can also incorporate soft cheese into the pancake batter itself, creating a unique and flavorful twist on the classic breakfast dish.
Sandwiches and Bagels
Create a classic cucumber and soft cheese sandwich, or spread soft cheese on a bagel and top it with sliced tomatoes or cucumbers. Soft cheese can also be used as a substitute for sliced cheese or mayonnaise in sandwiches, adding a creamy texture and mild flavor. For a more sophisticated option, try a sophisticated smoked trout dip with salted crisps and a glass of chilled champagne.
Crudités
Crudités are a sophisticated way to enjoy soft cheese with vegetables. Arrange an assortment of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, alongside a small bowl of soft cheese for dipping. This makes for a healthy and elegant appetizer or snack.
Baked Goods
Soft cheese is a versatile ingredient in baking. It can be used to create creamy frostings for cakes, cupcakes, and muffins, adding a unique twist to traditional baked goods. For example, a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a classic combination that is perfect for afternoon tea.
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Frequently asked questions
Sides that go well with soft cheese include seasonal fruit, dried fruit, nuts, cured meats, crackers, sliced fermented sausages, cultured vegetables, hummus, and bread.
Condiments that can accompany soft cheese include mustard, chutney, jelly, butter, and jam.
Soft cheese can be incorporated into lasagna, casseroles, tostadas, egg rolls, ravioli, pizza, sandwiches, and pasta.
Sweet dishes that use soft cheese include carrot cake, chocolate pancakes, cupcakes, ice cream, and cheesecake.
Soft cheese is best served at room temperature. It is recommended to take the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving.
