Cheese

Hand-picking the finest cheese to complement your meals or to serve on a sophisticated office party cheese board can be an exciting yet complex journey given the myriad of choices available. The versatility of cheese, serving as both a stand-alone delicacy and an ingredient that enhances the flavor of other dishes, has made it a staple in both home and office kitchens. Understanding the distinctive characteristics of cheese types can elevate your culinary experiences and impress your guests or colleagues.

Fresh Fruit and Cheese Pairings

An expertly crafted cheese and fresh fruit pairing can be a culinary revelation. When paired aptly, the fruit enhances the cheese's flavor profile. For example, the intense flavor of blue cheese with sweet fresh fruit like pears or figs creates a combination where both flavors are amplified. Even a simple cheddar paired with fresh apples can make for an unforgettable snack. By understanding the principles of flavor pairing, you could serve up pairing options which hit all the right notes of sweet, tart, creamy, and savory.

Exploring Cheese Features

A keen understanding of cheese features like texture, fat content, flavor profile, and the aging process is essential for selecting the suitable one for your needs. Hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, highly-aged and with a brittle texture, are perfect for grating over pasta dishes. On the other hand, soft cheeses like brie or camembert, with their creamy, rich flavors, shine in a different light and are often enjoyed at room temperature spread on fresh bread or crackers. Cheese is a fresh food item, so proper storage is also crucial in maintaining its original taste and extending its shelf life. Most cheeses prefer a cool environment and should be loosely wrapped to allow them to 'breathe'.

Cheese in Culinary Use Cases

Every cheese tells its own flavor story and there is a cheese suitable for every use case. Take spaghetti carbonara, for instance, where creamy, tangy Pecorino Romano is the star. Or the ubiquity of mild and meltingly good Mozzarella in your favorite pizza. Grilled cheese sandwiches soar to new heights with an assertive sharp cheddar, and a cheese soufflé would be nowhere without the full-bodied flavor of a good Gruyère. People often underestimate the versatile role that cheese can play, not just in enhancing other flavors, but in being a showstopper itself.

On Choosing Local and Artisan Cheeses

Don't overlook the world of local and artisan cheeses at your disposal. Many innovative cheese-makers are crafting unique and mouthwatering cheeses locally. From the crumbly and robust to creamy and subtle, these cheese artisans are masters of their craft. They often bring an incredible variety of unique flavor profiles due to their custom processes and their respect for traditional cheese-making methods. When you choose local, you are also supporting your local community and food artisans.

As you can see, the world of cheese is vast and varied, but with a little bit of knowledge, you can start to navigate it like a pro. The right cheese can turn a meal from ordinary to extraordinary, making it worth the effort of becoming well-versed in this versatile dairy product.

Boost Your Cheese Game: Staples' Top Picks

• Busy? Enjoy your cheesy bites with a cup of joe. Select from our wide range of Single Serve & Keurig? K-Cup? Pods for that perfect cheese pairing.
• Satisfy your snack cravings and make that cheese plate even more appetizing. Check out Staples' enticing variety of Snacks & Granola Bars to complement your cheese selection.
• Delight your palette even more by adding some crunch! Explore our diverse line-up of Chips that go amazingly well with any type of cheese.