With its versatility, melty, and creamy texture, cheese is an ingredient that can elevate the appeal of any dish to a notch higher gourmet experience. Its rich flavor with creamy texture adds depth and complexity to many recipes. From mild creamy to sharp and tangy, there is the perfect cheese that will suit every palate.
Every cheese lover knows that not all cheeses are created equal in gourmet cooking. Some cheeses are better suited for certain dishes than others. From your typical grilled cheese sandwich to cheddar truffle cheesecakes, family gatherings, and celebrations will never be complete with these mouth-watering cheese recipes.
The Role of Cheese in Gourmet Dishes
Cheese brings a unique and distinct flavor profile to gourmet dishes. It adds a luxurious mouthfeel that enhances the overall dining experience, whether melted on top of a pizza or into a sauce. The ability of cheese to enhance flavors is unbeatable!
One of the primary roles of cheese in gourmet cooking is its ability to create a rich, creamy texture. Melting cheeses like Brie or Fontina can contribute a luxurious creaminess to sauces, soups, and risottos. Meanwhile, grated or shredded hard cheeses can be baked or fried to create crunchy toppings for salads, pasta, or casseroles.
Another feature of cheese as an ingredient is its versatility, from the smooth and velvety texture of melted, which can transform a simple dish into a gourmet masterpiece, down to different cheeses that offer a spectrum of flavors, from tangy and sharp to nutty and creamy. This allows chefs to create complex and nuanced taste profiles in their dishes. Further, cheese pairs well with other gourmet ingredients, such as fruits, nuts, and cured meats, allowing chefs to create harmonious and diverse flavor combinations.
Moreover, your beloved cheese plays a crucial role in presenting gourmet dishes. Melted cheese can act as a binding agent, creating a lavish display style in dishes like casseroles, lasagnas, and stuffed pasta, providing structure and flavor.
Bright colors and beautiful patterns can make the dish visually appealing, attracting diners before they can eat. Whether it’s a cheese board decorated with various cheeses or a layer of cheese that melts perfectly on the grill, cheese adds an element of luxury and sophistication to any plate.
Also, cheeses like ricotta and feta are often used as fillings for pastries, crepes, and savory pies, adding moisture and richness to the presentation.
Lastly, cheese enhances flavor, making it a star on its own. From the classic French dish, cheese soufflé, to the Italian favorite, lasagna, cheese takes center stage, showcasing its versatility and ability to shine independently. The richness and complexity of cheese can be enjoyed in its purest form, allowing diners to savor its unique qualities.
Criteria for Selecting Cheese for Gourmet Dishes
From creamy brie to sharp cheddar, there are countless varieties to choose from when discussing cheese. However, not all cheeses are created equal in gourmet cooking. To ensure the success of your culinary creations, it is vital to consider specific criteria when selecting cheese for gourmet dishes.
1. Flavor Profile
The cheese’s flavor profile is the most important criterion to consider. Gourmet dishes often rely on cheese’s complex and nuanced flavors to elevate the overall taste. Consider the rich flavor of cheese. Some dishes may benefit from a mild cheese that complements the other ingredients, while others may require a stronger, more decadent cheese as an accent.
When choosing cheese, consider the intensity and balance of flavors. Light cream cheeses, like camembert, can work well with delicate dishes, while rich, tangy cheeses, like blue cheese, can add a rich accent to richer dishes.
2. Melting Qualities
Choose cheeses with good melting properties, such as gratins or sauces, if the dish requires melting. Examples of cheeses that melt well are Gruyère, fontina, and cheddar.
Additionally, consider whether you want the cheese to complement or contrast with other ingredients in the dish. For example, a tangy blue cheese might complement the sweetness of figs, or a nutty Gouda might contrast with the richness of a creamy pasta.
3. Texture and Consistency
The texture of cheese can have a huge impact on the overall mouthfeel of a dish. Some gourmet dishes may call for smooth, creamy cheese, while others may call for crumbled or hard cheese. Consider how the cheese will interact with other ingredients and how it will melt or hold its shape while cooking.
Brie or goat cheese are soft cheeses that create a creamy texture, while hard cheeses like Parmesan or aged cheddar can add a delicious crunch.
List of Best Cheeses for Gourmet Dishes
1. Mozzarella
This mild and elastic cheese is often used in Italian dishes like pizza and lasagna. Mozzarella is delicious with almost anything and is one of the best cheeses for grilled cheese sandwiches. Mozzarella is known for its excellent melting properties. It becomes gooey and stretchy when melted, making it a favorite for pizza and other melted cheese applications.
2. Havarti
Havarti cheese has a mild, buttery taste with a hint of tanginess. The flavor may depend on the specific variety of Havarti and its age. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed independently, sliced in sandwiches, melted in dishes like grilled cheese, or paired with fruits and crackers. It also works well on both hot and cold menus.
3. Feta
Widely used in Mediterranean cuisine, feta adds a distinctive flavor to salads and pastries. Although traditionally made with sheep’s or goat’s milk, cow’s milk can also make feta. It is fragrant, salty, and crumbly, making it a versatile cheese for different dishes.
4. Cotija
Cotija cheese is typically firm and crumbly. It only melts slowly, making it suitable for grating. It has a robust and salty flavor, which intensifies as it ages. The saltiness of Cotija cheese can vary depending on how it’s made and its age. Cotija cheese is a versatile cheese used in various Mexican dishes. It is often sprinkled on top of tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, salads, and soups.
5. Brie
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that falls into the category of bloomy rind cheese. This means it is coated with a thin layer of white, edible mold, which gives the cheese its characteristic soft exterior. This type of cheese goes well with others, such as crusty bread, crackers, fresh fruits (like apples and grapes), and nuts. It’s often enjoyed with wine, particularly white wines or sparkling wines.
If you know the trick, brie can also be made into a cheese dip. Bake it for 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly; this method creates a warm, creamy brie dip that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or crackers. To have more ideas about cheese dips, you can check different types of cheese dips.
Creative Recipes Using Selected Cheeses
If you are down to planning your next recipe using your favorite cheese, here are some of the best cheese dishes that will make everyone love your cooking even more.
Appetizers
Grilled Brie and Bread with Blackberry Basil Smash Salsa
Ingredients:
1/3 cup basil, fresh
1 1/2 cups blackberries, fresh
1 clove garlic
1 jalapeno
1/2 lemon or lime, juice of
1 (8 ounces) brie, round
Condiments
- 1/4 cup Honey
Baking & Spices
- 1 pinch salt
- Olive oil (enough to drizzle on top of the bread)
Bread & Baked Goods –
- 1 loaf of Sourdough or Ciabatta bread
Instructions:
- To make the salsa, put the blackberries in a kitchen bowl and gently mash them with a fork until they taste slightly saucy. Stir in basil, jalapeño, lemon or lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Preheat your kitchen grill to high heat or preheat your oven to 450° degrees F.
- Place the bread pieces on a tray and drizzle olive oil on both sides. Rub half a clove of garlic on each side of the bread. Sprinkle your toast loaf with pepper and salt.
- Place the brie and bread slices on your grill and cook for a while (2 to 3 minutes) on each side or until lightly golden. Remove from the grill, and be careful when flipping the brie; you don’t want to break it.
- You can serve the brie on a cutting board and drizzle the warm brie with honey. Add the salsa. Serve with the grilled bread.
Cream Cheese and Chive Sandwiches with Edible Flowers
Ingredients
- 1 8- oz package of cream cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1 small loaf of French bread
- fresh herbs for garnish I used dill, chives, mint,
- fresh edible flowers for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl of medium size, mix the cream cheese and chives (a hand mixer works well for this).
- Slice the loaf of bread diagonally. Spread each piece with the cream cheese mixture. Arrange the herbs and flowers on top.
- You can serve the dish immediately or store it in the refrigerator for a few hours. You’ll want to wait to garnish the sandwiches with the herbs and flowers until just before serving.
Main Courses
Sundried Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients:
- two large chicken breasts
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomato vinaigrette dressing
- marinade (salt and pepper and olive oil)
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken breasts using your homemade dressing for a few hours.
- Carefully cut the chicken breasts like hot dog buns, but avoid cutting all through.
- Open the chicken breasts where you cut them and layer on them with the remaining ingredients. There’s no need to fit all the ingredients. Smash it as much as you can. Stick a few toothpicks near the opening to hold everything together.
- Heat the pan and sear the meat on both sides. Lower the heat and continue cooking time until well cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs in Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients:
For the sauce
- 1½ tbsp. tomato paste
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes
- 1 tbsp. butter
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
For the meatballs
- ½ cup dried panko
- 1/3 cup grated onion
- 1 tsp. dried parsley
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1½ lbs. ground chicken
- 2 tbsp. olive oi
Instructions:
To make the sauce
- Put the tomatoes in a blender. If necessary, puree until smooth, and add a little of the reserved liquid from the tomato can to smooth the mixture.
- Melt butter in a deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add your onion and cook for a minute until it begins to soften.
- Stir in tomato paste, garlic, and red pepper and mix until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato mixture, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, until sauce thickens, then lightly season with salt and pepper. Remove the pan from the stove’s heat and add the cream. Set aside.
To make the meatballs
- Combine the grated onion, panko, parsley, basil, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic and egg.
- Stir and mix using a fork just until blended. Then, gently add the ground chicken and knead together until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into 1½-inch in diameter meatballs.
- Preheat the oven to 400˚ F.
- Add oil to the pan over a medium-high heat fire. Add the prepared meatballs to the pan in a single layer while turning occasionally until all sides are browned.
- Once all the meatballs are browned, add them to the pan with the tomato sauce. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Bake until the cheese is entirely bubbly and melted and the meatballs are cooked about 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and garnish with your basil. Ready to serve and enjoy!
Desserts
Cookies and Cream Baked Donuts with Cream Cheese Glaze
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup flour
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons oil (canola or vegetable)
- ½ tablespoon vinegar
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup cocoa
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze
- 3 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 4-5 centers from Oreo cookies
Instructions:
- Mix flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa until no lumps are left. Mix buttermilk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract in another bowl.
- Combine all the ingredients (both wet and dry) and stir until well combined.
- Lightly spray the frying pan with nonstick cooking spray. Fill with dough. Bake at 350°F for 14-15 minutes. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing it to a cooling rack.
- To make the frosting, mix all the frosting ingredients. Taste and add more powdered sugar for your preference. Cut out the remaining cookie to make the top of the donut.
- Once the donuts have cooled, pour the glaze on top and sprinkle with cookie crumbs.
Conclusion
Selecting the right cheese for gourmet dishes requires careful consideration. Remember, the best cheese for a gourmet dish depends on your preferences and recipe. Experimenting with different combinations can lead to delightful culinary creations.