Cheese is a much-loved food all around the world, with a vast array of types that each have distinct features and uses. Have you ever wondered what the six most well-known types of cheese are and how to use them effectively in recipes?
This article will provide you with a detailed look at six types of cheese – Brie, Emmental, Mascarpone, Cheddar, Gouda and Parmesan – and how you can use each one to create innovative dishes.
You will be presented with an overview of each type of cheese, as well as some delicious recipes to try. From the creamy and mild Brie to the sharp and salty Parmesan, you will discover which cheese works best for various dishes, and how to use them to their maximum potential.
Do you have a newfound appreciation for cheese and are eager to expand your cooking repertoire? Then this article is for you! Read on to learn more about the six worldwide known types of cheese and find out how you can use each one in innovative dishes.
Brie
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese, originating from France. It is a type of cheese that belongs to the Creamy family. Its flavor is mild and slightly salty with a hint of nuttiness. It has a light yellow color with a white rind.
The cheese is usually served at room temperature, and can be enjoyed on crackers or bread. It can also be melted in sauces, soups, and other dishes for a creamy texture.
Brie pairs well with fresh fruits, honey, nuts, and wines. It can also be used in creative dishes such as Brie and Onion Tart, Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese, and Brie and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese.
Emmental
This delicious Swiss cheese is made from cow’s milk. It is a hard cheese with a nutty, creamy flavor. Its texture is like that of cheddar, but with a more open-pore structure. It is often used in cooking, as it melts easily and is great for fondue, quiches, and gratins. It is also a popular snack cheese, used in sandwiches and salads. Its rind is edible and has a sweet, nutty flavor.
Emmental pairs well with white wine, pickles, and fruits. In addition, emmental can be used in innovative dishes such as macaroni and cheese, quesadillas, and crostini.
Mascarpone
An icon in Italian cuisine, Mascarpone is made with cream and citric acid or lemon juice. It has a thick, creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
It’s commonly used in desserts, such as tiramisú, cannoli, and cheesecakes, but can also be used in savory dishes. It can be used to make creamy sauces, as a filling for ravioli, or as a topping for pizza. It can also be whipped and used as frosting or spread over toast or pancakes.
It can be paired with fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, and apples, as well as with nuts, honey, and chocolate.
Cheddar
The English village of Cheddar in Somerset is the origin of this yellow cheese that took the geographical name. It is one of the most widely-consumed cheeses in the world, and is often found in a variety of dishes.
Cheddar is made from cow’s milk and is aged for at least three months. It has a sharp, tangy flavor and a crumbly texture. It can be used in a variety of dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, quesadillas, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
It can also be melted over vegetables, potatoes, and meats or added to omelets and soups. Cheddar is also used to create cheese sauces and fondues.
Gouda
Dutch farmers developed this hard, yellow cheese made from cow’s milk. It is named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands, where it was first produced. This type of cheese has a mild and slightly sweet taste, with a smooth and creamy texture. It has a yellowish-orange rind and a creamy yellow interior.
Gouda cheese is usually aged for two to three months, although some varieties are aged for up to a year, making it a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. Grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, quesadillas, omelets, even some sauces, soups and fondues can be all enhanced in flavor and texture with the inclusion of Gouda cheese.
Parmesan
Parmesan is a hard, granular cheese with a unique flavor. It is one of the most popular cheeses in the world and is often used to top salads and pastas. It is made from cow’s milk and aged for at least a year, therefore its salty, nutty flavor with a slightly granular texture. The cheese has a rind that is usually yellow-orange in color.
It is used in a variety of dishes and recipes, such as grated onto salads, stirred into sauces, or melted over pizza. It is also an excellent addition to many Italian dishes, such as lasagna and cannelloni. Parmesan is also a key ingredient in many Italian-inspired dishes, such as chicken Parmesan and Parmesan-crusted fish.
Cottage Cheese
Paneer is a popular Indian cheese that has been enjoyed for centuries in traditional Indian cuisine. Made from cow’s milk, it is known for its smooth and creamy texture, mild flavor, and versatility in various dishes. Paneer is often used in savory curries, grilled or fried to add a delightful taste and texture, or even crumbled to top off salads and snacks. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or simply looking to explore new flavors, you can easily find paneer at any Indian grocery delivery store. These stores offer a wide range of authentic Indian ingredients, including paneer, allowing you to conveniently bring the taste of India to your own kitchen.
Recipes
Of course, recipes including cheese are probably more than we could even make or eat as it is rather easy to include cheese and only a few things are not a good match with it.
Depending on the cheese, some are better fits than others for specific recipes. But in general, they can all be used interchangeably to get similar effects.
If you want to try a recipe with Parmesan cheese, visit this link: https://minuterice.com/recipes/rice-stuffed-eggplant-parmesan/
There, you will find your way through a dish that combines vegetables with rice and a creamy and delicious topping of Parmesan cheese. Even if this recipe is made with eggplants, feel free to change that for your favorite vegetable. You can use zucchinis or even acorn squash.
Which type of cheese is your favorite and which one are you most eager to start including in your diet? Let us know in the comments!
