7 Cheeses Everyone Should Know How to Cook With

I am a big fan of cheese. Seriously, I could spend hours in my local cheese store. While there is no right or wrong way to enjoy cheese, some cheese do work better in certain recipes. Soft cheese, like mozzarella are great in melty paninis, and crumbly cheese, like goat and feta, are the perfect addition to any salad. I thought I'd offer a fun little overview of my favorite cheeses and some great recipes to make with them - ranging from the more interesting to more traditional.




Fresh Mozzarella1. Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is a soft cheese that is either cow's milk or water buffalo milk based. It has a very mild flavor and is frequently used to top pizzas, stuff strombolis, and make Caprese salad. Its quick melting ability makes it perfect for paninis, too!

Make mozzarella pesto panini:

Ingredients:
2 pieces rustic country bread
2 slices of fresh mozzarella, sliced thin
2 tablespoons fresh pesto
1 teaspoon butter

Directions:
Spread both sides of the bread with the pesto and place the mozzarella in the middle. Warm the butter in a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwich in it. Place a heavy lid or tea kettle on top of the sandwich and let it cook for about 3 minutes, or until crispy and golden. Flip the sandwich and repeat cooking on the other side with the kettle placed on top. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Cut and serve!


Related: Guacamole grilled cheese ... and 15 more takes on this lunchtime staple



Parmesan Cheese2. Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan is a hard cow's milk cheese that originally hails from Italy. It is known for its strong, nutty flavor and a small amount goes a long way. It is most commonly used for sprinkling on top of pastas and to flavor roast vegetables. Adding it to bread crumbs and using it to top fresh tomatoes is a great way to use it in summer food!
Make baked tomatoes with parmesan








Swiss Cheese3. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a semi-hard cheese that has a mild, savory taste. It is the perfect topper for sandwiches, like a classic turkey and cheese, and is also a great filler for baked goods like crepes and quiche.
Make a swiss mushroom crepe








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Brie4. Brie
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese that has a lovely silky texture. It is often eaten on crackers or breads and also makes a great appetizer. One of our favorite ways to serve it is baked and wrapped in filo dough!
Make apricot-walnut balsamic baked brie













Greek Feta5. Greek Feta
Tangy feta is a traditional Greek cheese that is known for its light, salty flavor. It is often added to pasta salads, mustard-based vinaigrettes, and paired with fruit. The fresh flavor makes it perfect for summer dishes!
Make a watermelon and feta salad





















Classic Cheddar6. Classic Cheddar
This classic hard cheese is made from cow's milk and can be found in flavors ranging from mild to extra-sharp. It stands up well to burgers and also makes a great topping for baked potatoes and eggs.
Make bacon cheddar scrambled egg nests









Related: 7 food additives you should think twice about before eating





Goat Cheese7. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is a soft, tangy cheese that is easy to spread or crumble. It can provide the perfect accent for dishes like strong green salads, and it also tastes great when stuffed in chicken. If you're looking for an easy, go-to appetizer, try spreading it onto crackers and topping with sundried tomatoes.
Make kale salad with goat cheese



- By Kelsey Banfield
Follow Kelsey on Babble

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