Cheese is a beloved food all over the world. It is made from the curds of milk by adding an enzyme called rennet. In this article, we will explore the different types of cheese, ranging from popular cheese like tangy blue cheese, nutty Swiss cheese, or buttery brie.

Different Types of Cheese

Cheese is one of the most versatile and beloved foods around the world. It's used in countless dishes, from sandwiches to savory dishes, and comes in a vast array of flavors and textures. Categories of cheese are determined based on their texture, and there are four main cheese types that we will be discussing: Fresh Cheeses, Soft-Ripened Cheeses, Semi-Soft Cheeses, and Hard Cheeses.

(See more: Types Of Pasta Sauces You Need To Try

Fresh Cheeses

Fresh Cheeses are a popular type of cheese that is known for its soft, light, creamy, and buttery flavor. Made from milk that has not been aged, these cheeses have a high moisture content and are best enjoyed within a few days of being made.

Fresh Cheeses range in flavor from mild to tangy and can be used in a variety of dishes, making them a versatile choice for any cheese lover. From creamy Cottage Cheese to delicate Fresh Mozzarella, this category of cheese offers something for everyone.

Related Article: How To Make A Charcuterie Board For Beginners

1. Ricotta

Ricotta cheese is a white, soft cheese with a strong pungent flavor that originated in Italy. The name "Ricotta" means re-cooked or re-cooked whey. Traditionally, it was made by reheating the leftover whey from cheese-making with milk and lemon juice and then straining it to obtain a creamy cheese.

Today, ricotta cheese is commercially produced using whole or skim cow's milk, and sometimes goat's or sheep's milk. The milk is heated and an acid, such as vinegar or citric acid, is added to curdle the milk proteins. The curds are then separated from the whey and are drained and pressed, resulting in a creamy, slightly grainy-texture cheese.

Ricotta cheese has a mild and slightly sweet flavor profile, with a creamy texture and a white to pale yellow color. It is often used in Italian dishes such as lasagna, ravioli, and cannoli, and can also be used as a spread or dip. You can also put it in cheese melter for a better texture.

2. Mozzarella

Mozzarella cheese is a popular Italian milk cheese that is known for its mild flavor and soft, stretchy texture. This cheese is made by curdling milk with rennet and then heating the curds until they become elastic and stretchable.

Mozzarella cheese can be made using different types of milk such as cow's milk, buffalo milk, and goat's milk. Buffalo milk is the traditional milk used for making Mozzarella cheese and is said to produce the most flavorful and creamy cheese.

There are several varieties of Mozzarella cheese available, including fresh Mozzarella, low-moisture Mozzarella, and smoked Mozzarella. Fresh Mozzarella is very soft and has a creamy texture with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Low-moisture Mozzarella has a firmer texture and a saltier taste, making it a popular choice for pizzas. Smoked Mozzarella has a distinct smoky flavor that works well in savory dishes.

3. Feta

Feta cheese is a Greek cheese that is known for its tangy and salty flavor. It is a soft and crumbly cheese that is made from either sheep's milk or goat's milk, or a combination of both. In Greece, feta can only be legally produced in certain regions such as Macedonia, Epirus, and Thessaly.

The cheese is traditionally made by curdling the milk with rennet and then aging it in a brine solution. This process gives feta its distinct flavor and texture. Feta is commonly used in Greek cuisine and is a popular ingredient in dishes such as Greek salad and spanakopita, a spinach and feta-filled pastry.

One of the unique characteristics of feta is its ability to pair well with other flavors. Its salty and tangy taste complements the sweetness of fruits like watermelon and pairs well with savory ingredients such as olives and tomatoes. Additionally, feta works well in various dishes such as omelets, sandwiches, and even your favorite pasta dish.

4. Chevre

If you're a cheese lover, then chances are you've heard of Chevre. This fresh and soft goat milk cheese is famous for its tangy and acidic flavor, which gives it a unique profile among other types of cheese.

Chevre is typically sold in a log shape, which makes it an excellent addition to any charcuterie board or salad. Its tangy and acidic flavor profile also makes it perfect for pairing with fruits and nuts, adding a unique depth of flavor to your dishes.

Despite its soft texture, Chevre can be a versatile cheese for cooking. It can be used to add richness to dips or melted and drizzled-over savory dishes. So whether you're making a creamy spinach dip or a savory chicken dish, Chevre can be the perfect ingredient to take your dish to the next level.

5. Cottage Cheese

Cottage Cheese is a popular fresh cheese known for its unique appearance, texture, and taste. This mild cheese has a curd-like appearance with a crumbly texture and a slightly tangy flavor.

This versatile cheese is made by curdling milk with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, and then draining the whey to create solid curds. Cottage cheese is famous for its high protein, low fat content, making it a healthy option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Cottage cheese has numerous ways to enjoy it. It can be consumed on its own as a snack with a drizzle of honey, combined with fresh fruit or added to smoothies for breakfast. Cottage cheese can also be used in savory dishes such as lasagna, quiches, and pasta sauces, adding extra richness and flavor to your meals.

6. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a type of cheese that originated from the United Kingdom almost 500 years ago. It consists mainly of milk and cream and has a mild tangy flavor with a soft, creamy texture. One of the defining features of cream cheese is its high value of fat and very little protein, which makes it a popular choice for baking and dessert making.

Cream cheese is commonly used in baking desserts or as a base for cream cheese frosting or as a filling for jalapeño poppers. It's a versatile ingredient that can be added to any recipe to enhance its flavor and texture. For example, its creamy, tangy flavor makes it an excellent addition to dips, spreads, and creamy sauces.

There are many types of cream cheese available, with different textures and flavors, that are suitable for a wide range of sweet or savory dishes. For example, soft cream cheese is perfect for spreading on bagels, while firm cream cheese is used in cheesecake recipes. Moreover, flavored cream cheese, such as chive and onion, strawberry, jalapeño, and garlic and herb, adds a distinct flavor dimension to any dish.

Soft-Ripened Cheeses

Soft-ripened cheeses have a creamy texture and delicate flavor that make them a popular addition to cheese boards and savory dishes. These cheeses are ripened from the outside in, resulting in a soft, gooey center and a bloomy rind. From brie to camembert, there are numerous soft-ripened cheese varieties to explore. Let's take a closer look at what makes these cheeses unique and why they have become a favorite among cheese lovers.

1. Brie

Brie cheese is a soft French cheese that traces its roots back to the region of Île-de-France, also known as the Brie region. It has been around since the 8th century and is considered one of the oldest and most popular cheeses in the world.

Brie cheese typically has a soft texture and pale color, with a rind that is usually white in color and edible. It has a mild flavor that ranges from nutty to fruity, making it a versatile cheese that can be paired with various foods. When served at room temperature, Brie cheese has a soft, velvety texture that literally melts in the mouth, making it a popular dessert cheese.

Brie cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of cooking and baking applications. It can be baked or grilled as a topping for savory dishes, used as a filling for sandwiches, or as a complement to fruit and nuts. Brie cheese is also a popular ingredient in dessert recipes, such as tarts and pastries.

To bring out the best flavors in Brie cheese, it should be served at room temperature. Generally, it is recommended to take the cheese out of the refrigerator at least an hour before serving to allow it to reach room temperature. The ideal serving temperature for Brie cheese is between 60-65°F.

2. Camembert

Camembert is a French cheese that is similar in appearance to Brie but has a distinctly different aging production process. It is made from cow's milk and is aged for a shorter period, resulting in a unique earthy flavor and creamy texture.

One of the standout features of Camembert is the iconic round wooden box that it is sold in. These boxes were originally designed to protect the cheese during transport, but they also help to preserve the cheese's delicate texture and aroma.

When it comes to enjoying this aged cheese, there are many delicious ways to savor this flavorful cheese. One popular option is to serve it on slices of garlic bread for a rich and satisfying sharp flavor. It can also be paired with jams such as fig or berry for a sweet and tangy combination.

3. Coulommiers

Coulommiers is a soft-ripened cheese that hails from the Île-de-France region of France. Made from cow's milk, this cheese has a slightly bloomy rind that adds to its overall creamy and mild flavor. The cheese is typically sold in small rounds and is a popular choice for cheese boards and savory dishes.

Coulommiers has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It has often been compared to its famous cousin, Brie Cheese. While it shares some similarities, Coulommiers is smaller in size and has a thicker, more velvety rind. Due to this, it has a slightly different flavor profile that makes it a unique experience.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

Semi-soft cheeses are a versatile and popular type of cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They have a texture that falls somewhere between hard and soft cheese, making them easy to slice, crumble, and melt. Semi-soft cheeses come from all over the world and can be made with different types of milk, resulting in various flavors and aromas. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about semi-soft cheeses, including their characteristics, popular types, and tips for serving and storing them.

1. Gouda

Gouda Cheese: A Delicious Dutch Delight

Gouda cheese, named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands, is famous for its sweet and nutty flavor profile and semi-hard texture, making it a favorite among cheese lovers worldwide. The Gouda cheese has a rich history dating back to the 12th century when farmers in the Netherlands started producing cheese for trade. Today, Gouda cheese is still predominantly produced in the Netherlands but is also being made in other parts of the world.

Gouda cheese comes in a variety of age varieties, ranging from young to extra-aged. The younger Goudas, aged for only a few weeks to a few months, have a light yellow color, a caramel-like taste with a sweet aroma, and a springy texture. As the cheese ages, it becomes firmer, full-flavored, and crumbly, with small salt crystals forming in it. The extra-aged Goudas, aged for over two years, possess a deep and robust flavor with a piquant aftertaste.

Pairing Gouda cheese with the right beverage is essential to bring out its unique flavor profile. Young Goudas pair well with light beers, while mature Goudas are best savored with deeply flavored wines like Merlot and Shiraz. For a classic combination, try older Goudas with port wine or sherry.

Gouda cheese is a perfect addition to a cheeseboard, blended into macaroni and cheese, or melted on top of burgers or cheese sandwiches, adding depth of flavor and richness to the dish.

Cheese Pairing Guidelines

Cheese is undoubtedly one of the most versatile and beloved foods in the world. Its rich and diverse flavors, textures, and aromas make it an essential ingredient in countless dishes and a perfect complement to an endless array of flavors and beverages.

As such, it's worth taking the time to explore the different types of cheese and learn how best to pair them with other food and drink. In the following sections, we'll take a closer look at some of the general guidelines for pairing cheese. So, let's dive in and discover the delicious world of cheese pairings!

1. Go With Where It Grows

When it comes to pairing cheese with wine, one approach that many experts recommend is 'Go With Where It Grows.' This method involves pairing cheeses with wines from the same region where the cheese originates.

This technique is based on the idea that the food in a particular region tends to have characteristics that complement each other due to unique growing conditions, farming practices, and heritage.

For example, Italian cheese, such as Gorgonzola, pairs incredibly well with red wine from the same region. The rich and creamy texture of Gorgonzola cheese, combined with its tangy flavor, pairs well with the full-bodied and tannic red wines of Italy, such as a Barolo or Chianti.

If you're considering pairing cheese with wine, it's a good idea to research the cheese's origin and identify any wines from the same region that complement its flavor profile. In addition to Italian cheese, consider exploring cheese and wine pairings from Spain, France, and other regions known for their dairy products. By following the 'Go With Where It Grows' approach, you can discover some delicious pairings that celebrate the unique heritage and traditions of each region.

2. Start Small

When it comes to creating the perfect cheese board, it's important to remember to start small. It can be tempting to include every type of cheese you come across, but this approach can leave your guests feeling overwhelmed.

(See more: Types Of Soups You Need To Add To Your Menu)

• To begin, consider selecting one to three types of cheese to feature on your board. This allows you to provide a well-rounded and balanced selection of flavors without overloading your guests' palates.
• When choosing your cheeses, think carefully about their moisture and fat content, as well as their age.
  • Cheese with high moisture content, like soft-ripened cheeses, pairs well with crisp fruits and vegetables, while harder cheeses like cheddar or gouda pair well with bread and nuts. (The nutty taste compliments the intense flavor of cheese)
• In addition to considering the types of cheese, pay attention to portion size. Cheese can be quite filling, so providing small slices or wedges allows your guests to enjoy a variety of flavors without feeling too full.
• Finally, consider including mild cheeses and textures on your board to balance out more intense and complex flavors. This ensures that everyone can find something they enjoy while still experiencing a diverse and delicious selection of cheeses.

Remember, by starting small, being mindful of portion size, and paying attention to moisture and fat content, you can create a cheese board that is both appealing to the eye and delicious on the palate.