How to Choose the Perfect Cheese for Your Meal
Cheese can add unique and flavourful notes, making it an excellent addition to recipes. From soft and mild to sharp and pungent, there are so many varieties of cheese to choose from. Whether you’re making a pasta dish or want to make cheese the focus with a cheese plate, selecting the right cheese can make all the difference. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect cheese for your meal.
Know Your Cheese Types
Cheese can be divided into four main categories: fresh, soft-ripened, semi-hard, and hard. Fresh cheese is soft and spreadable, while soft-ripened cheeses are creamy and mild. Semi-hard cheeses are slightly firmer and have a mild to moderate flavour whereas hard cheeses are strong and sharp in flavour. Knowing the differences between these cheese types can help you choose the best one for your meal.
Match the Cheese to the Meal
The type of dish you’re making can help you determine which cheese to choose. For instance, if you’re making a grilled cheese sandwich, soft and creamy cheese is a great choice. If you’re making a pizza, a semi-hard type of cheese is ideal. For salads and pasta dishes, a crumbly type of cheese is a good option. Browse our range of cheeses in our luxury cheese hampers.
You can also invite new and exciting flavours into the dish using specialist cheeses that are infused with different ingredients. For example, if you’re making a spicy tortilla soup, adding chilli cheddar cheese brings both creaminess and heat. Or, if you want to ramp up the garlic in your spaghetti bolognese, consider grating some garlic and chive cheddar on top of the dish.
Consider Your Flavour Preferences
When selecting the perfect cheese for your meal, it’s important to consider your flavour preferences. Do you like mild or sharp cheeses? Do you prefer creamy or crumbly cheeses? There are so many delicious varieties of cheese, so take the time to think about your flavour preferences so you can choose the cheese that’s right for you.
Look for Quality
When choosing a cheese for your meal, look for a high-quality cheese that has been aged properly. Cheeses that have been aged for longer periods of time will be more flavorful and complex. You should also look for cheeses that are made with natural ingredients and don’t contain any artificial flavours or preservatives. That way, you’ll be using a cheese that elevates the dish instead of adding odd or unpalatable flavours.
Sample Before You Buy
If possible, try to taste the cheese before you buy it. This will give you a better idea of the flavour and texture of the cheese, so you can make sure it’s the right one for your meal. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about the different types of cheese available, which can give you more ideas about how to use cheese in your cooking!
These are some tips for choosing the perfect cheese for your meal. With so many delicious varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one in our cheese subscription. Just remember to consider the type of dish you’re making, your flavour preferences, and the quality of the cheese before making a purchase. And don’t forget to sample before you buy!