I’m definitely glad that cheese was accidently invented over six thousand years ago and that they’re still one of the most versatile ingredients we use today.
Personally, I’m a huge fan of cheese, maybe a little obsessed. There is nothing that can compare to the soft flavor they have and if I could, I would literally add it to every dish.
They can be used in salads, cakes, dishes and some can even be eaten as they are with some crackers and wine, yum!
If you’re a cheese fan like me, you’ve probably come across different types of cheese at the supermarket. You might love them all but maybe you still don’t know all the details.
Here are five types of cheeses that you should know about and how they are used:
1. Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is easy to spot because of its famous orange shade. Some can also come in a pale yellow color depending on how it was made.
It can be classified as a semi-hard type of cheese because of its firmness and texture, and the flavor blends really well in sandwiches, burgers and other quick meals like a mac and cheese dish.
2. Paneer
This is a fresh type of cheese that isn’t taken through the ageing process like other common types of cheeses. It has its unique tangy flavor because of its acidic content.
Paneer cheese is made by combining cow’s milk or sometimes buffalo milk, with an acidic ingredient like vinegar, citric acid or lemon juice.
You can actually prepare this cheese within a few minutes at home if you have the right ingredients and enjoy it in your curries.
3. Halloumi
Halloumi cheese is a creamy semi-hard type of cheese that’s made from a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It has a rubbery sort of texture and it can withstand a lot of heat.
You can simply grill or fry them directly with a few spices and herbs without it melting away. Its flavor blends in well in vegetable salads.
4. Mozzarella
Originally, this cheese was made from the milk of water buffalos. But you can still find many that are made from cow’s milk that still taste great. Like paneer cheese, it’s fresh and therefore isn’t aged.
Mozzarella is the best go-to cheese option for pizza, because of its flavor and texture and, it can also be used in salads and pasta dishes.
Now you’re aware that the type of cheese you’ve been enjoying in your pizza is probably mozzarella cheese.
5. Gouda
Gouda cheese has its roots in Netherlands. It is prepared from cow’s milk and aging can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years.
Some people say it has a fruity flavor while others get more of a caramel or a nutty taste from it.
Either way, this type of cheese is delicious and it can be melted to add a unique cheesy flavor to your soups and sandwiches. You can also try it in your homemade pizza too.
