Randy Chandler
Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. It can be melted, shredded, or sliced and added to sandwiches, salads, casseroles, and even baked goods. When it comes to travelling with cheese, there are some regulations to be aware of, especially when bringing cheese back from Europe. It is recommended to pack cheese in checked luggage rather than carry-on, and to avoid cheese with meat or liquid-like consistencies. In terms of pizza preparation, there are differing opinions on where to place the cheese, with some advocating for cheese as a base, others for cheese on top of the ingredients, and still others for a combination of both.
Where to Put Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pizza | Under toppings, on top of sauce, or both |
| Sandwiches | Yes |
| Salads | Yes |
| Casseroles | Yes |
| Baked goods | Yes |
| Luggage | Put cheese in checked suitcase, not carry-on |
| Luggage | Hard cheeses travel better than soft cheeses |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Pizza toppings
Pizza is a versatile dish, and the placement of cheese depends on the type of pizza and the other toppings involved. The most common placement for cheese is on top of the tomato sauce, followed by toppings, and then a sprinkling of cheese on top. This method ensures that the toppings cook properly and do not slide off the pizza.
Some pizzas, like the Chicago-style, place the cheese under the sauce. This can also be done with certain toppings, like pepperoni or prosciutto, to prevent them from sliding off or drying out. Other toppings, like basil, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, should go under the cheese to prevent charring.
The type of cheese used is also important. Mozzarella is a popular choice, with low-moisture mozzarella providing a stretchy, chewy texture, and fresh mozzarella adding a gooey, textural contrast. Parmesan is also commonly used, adding a nutty flavour and acting as a barrier to protect the crust from the sauce. A blend of cheeses can introduce complex flavours and textures, with provolone adding chewiness and fontina a silky texture. Creamy soft cheeses like feta, ricotta, or goat cheese can also be used, while hard or aged cheeses like Asiago, Parmesan, or Romano should be used sparingly.
For the best results, it is recommended to grate the cheese yourself, as freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese. The oven temperature and baking method are also important factors, with higher temperatures and the use of a pizza stone or baking steel resulting in a crispier crust.
Shepherd's Pie: Best Cheeses to Top it Off
You may want to see also
Sandwiches
Cheese is a sandwich staple, but it's usually combined with other ingredients to enhance its flavour and texture. The classic option for a cheese sandwich is Cheddar, but you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Red Leicester, Double Gloucester, White Cheshire, or Shropshire Red. You can also combine two or more types of cheese in your sandwich. For instance, a blend of medium cheddar, gouda, and havarti is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Other options include Monterey jack, pepper jack, Gruyere, fontina, Swiss, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and American cheese.
When making a grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to consider the type of bread and cheese you'll be using. Thick-sliced bread, such as Texas toast or sourdough, works best as it can withstand the heat and provides a good base for the cheese to melt. For the cheese, you can use pre-sliced or grated cheese, but slicing or shredding a block of cheese yourself will result in the ultimate flavour and texture. To enhance the flavour even further, you can add fresh herbs like basil with mozzarella, thyme with cheddar, or fresh dill and oregano with havarti or provolone.
To assemble the sandwich, start by spreading butter on one side of each slice of bread. You can also substitute butter with mayonnaise or olive oil for a crispier sandwich. Place one slice of bread, buttered-side down, on a hot skillet or frying pan. Add the cheese to the hot toasted side and sprinkle any desired flavourings, such as black pepper, red chilli flakes, or oregano. Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing upwards. Grill the sandwich until it turns a light brown colour and the cheese starts to melt. Flip the sandwich and continue grilling until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
You can also add extra ingredients to your sandwich, such as cooked bacon, ham, sliced tomatoes, or dried herbs. Simply place these ingredients on top of the cheese before adding the second slice of bread. If you're making a plain cheese sandwich, you can simply layer the cheese between two slices of bread and enjoy!
Cheese on Fajitas: A Culinary Conundrum
You may want to see also
Salads
Feta is a classic choice for a salad. This salty, tangy Middle Eastern cheese, made primarily from sheep's milk, is a defining ingredient in Greek salad and is delicious with extra virgin olive oil. Goat's cheese is another popular option, whether crumbled over greens or fried and served warm.
Blue cheese is a natural partner for bacon, making it a key ingredient in a steakhouse wedge salad or Cobb salad. It can be bought pre-crumbled, but it's better value and tastier to buy a good quality blue cheese and crumble it yourself.
Parmesan is another essential salad cheese. Its grainy texture and rich, nutty flavour work well shaved over grilled asparagus with an anchovy-laced Dijon vinaigrette, or in a butter lettuce salad with bacon, croutons and a lemony vinaigrette.
Cheddar is a less obvious choice for a salad, but it's a popular ingredient in the Midwest, where it's used in picnic macaroni salad and English pea salad. Drunken Goat, a Spanish cheese with a semi-soft texture and a mildly fruity flavour, is another versatile option that can be shaved or cut into chunks.
Cheese Sauce: Spices to Add a Kick
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Casseroles
Another option is a potato and cheese casserole, such as the hash brown casserole. This dish combines creamy potatoes with shredded cheese and a crunchy topping, which is then baked until bubbly and golden. A similar option is the cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham casserole, which includes layers of potatoes, cheddar, and bacon bits.
For a heartier option, a chicken and bacon pasta carbonara casserole can be made with a blend of Parmesan-Romano and Colby-Jack cheeses. Alternatively, a beef and tater tot casserole can be made with ground beef, mushroom soup, tater tots, and melty cheddar cheese.
Cheese can also be added to casseroles in a variety of other ways, such as mixing in cream cheese or cottage cheese, sprinkling cheese on top, or using a blend of multiple types of cheese for a more complex flavor.
Creating a Delicious Cheese Tray: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Travelling with cheese
Firstly, it is important to distinguish between hard and soft cheeses. Hard cheeses, such as Parmigiano, Manchego, and Pecorino, travel much better than soft cheeses. Soft cheeses are more likely to spoil and may be subject to stricter regulations. If you are travelling with soft cheeses, it is advisable to vacuum seal them to preserve their lifespan and prevent leakage.
When packing cheese, it is recommended to place it in your checked baggage rather than carry-on luggage. The baggage hold is cooler than the overhead bins, providing a more suitable environment for your cheese. Additionally, certain cheeses may be considered liquids by some authorities, and liquid restrictions apply to carry-on luggage. To be safe, avoid bringing cheese that pours like a liquid, such as ricotta or cottage cheese.
If you are travelling with hard cheese, you can simply wrap it in a sealed bag and place it in your checked baggage. However, if you are concerned about the temperature, you can use a frozen bag during the summer months or a cool bag with an ice pack. This is especially important if you are travelling to a hot destination or anticipate delays that could affect the quality of your cheese.
Always declare your cheese at customs, as different countries have varying regulations regarding dairy products. It is also worth noting that some countries have restrictions on cheese with meat in it, so be sure to research the specific rules for your destination.
Lastly, consider the duration of your journey and the potential for delays. The longer the travel time, the more likely your cheese is to spoil, especially if it is a soft variety. Plan your travel route and make any necessary arrangements, such as requesting a vacuum sealer from a cheese shop, to ensure your cheese stays fresh and delicious throughout your travels.
Tasty Tuna and Cheese: A Perfect Pairing?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are differing opinions on where to put cheese on a pizza. Some people put cheese on top of the tomato sauce, then add the toppings, then sprinkle a little more cheese over the toppings. Others put the sauce, then 2/3 of the cheese, then the toppings, then the remaining 1/3 of the cheese.
Shredded cheese can be used in sandwiches. You can also make bruschetta toast with cheese.
Shredded cheese can be used in salads.
Put the cheese in your checked suitcase rather than a carry-on. The plane’s baggage hold is cooler than the overhead bins.
