Here’s Why Bread Cheese Deserves a Spot on Your Appetizer Menu

Have your heard of bread cheese? It’s not a new cheese, but it’s not something everyone’s heard of, either. Contrary to the name, there’s no actual bread present in this type of cheese. While it may sound unusual, for bread cheese fans, there’s no better way to enjoy it than by dunking it in coffee. But that’s not the only way to enjoy bread cheese. Here’s what you need to know about this delicacy.

What Is Bread Cheese?

Bread cheese pays tribute to a Finnish cheese called Juustoleipä (pronounced: hoo-stah-lee-pa), traditionally made with reindeer milk (yes, you read that right) and dipped in coffee. Today, cheesemakers in Wisconsin have adapted this Scandinavian dairy product and now make it with cow’s milk.

So how did it get the name bread cheese? It’s all in the way it’s made. According to Wisconsin master cheesemaker Sid Cook, making bread cheese is “much harder as there are many more steps to the process.” Simply put, fresh cheese curds are pressed into bread-size blocks and baked in special ovens until the sugars on the outside are caramelized. The result is a block of cheese that resembles a piece of toasted bread.

What Does Bread Cheese Taste Like?

If you’ve ever had fresh cheese curds or halloumi, bread cheese is similar in that it’s got the soft, “squeaky” texture. The taste is mild but the oven-toasted top has an almost buttery flavor. Bread cheese is usually served warm (more on this later) and has a high melting point, which turns the texture more silky-smooth while still holding its shape.

Where to Buy Bread Cheese

While bread cheese is easier to find in stores in the Midwest, it’s finding its way to the coasts. It’s been spotted in popular stores such as Trader Joe’s and Aldi, but you can also look for bread cheese at your local cheese shop. Still can’t find it? Check online or directly order from Wisconsin cheesemakers such as Brunkow or Carr Valley.

Buy It: Carr Valley Bread Cheese, Pack of 3 ($42, Amazon)

How to Store Bread Cheese

If you’re lucky enough to score on a few blocks of bread cheese, the good news is that it has a long shelf life. Cook says bread cheese lasts up to 6 months refrigerated and one year in the freezer. You can store the bread cheese in cheese paper, beeswax, or a plastic storage bag.

How to Eat Bread Cheese

If you want to start with the traditional route, go with Cook’s favorite method of cutting bread cheese and warming it up by using it like a stir stick and stirring in a fresh cup of hot coffee. Here are some pro tips on different methods of how to cook bread cheese:

• Bake or broil: Place bread cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet ($11, Walmart) and bake in 375°F oven until bubbly. To broil, place in the lower part of the oven until the surface is bubbly (watch it closely so it doesn’t burn). Flip to the other side after a few minutes to finish heating through.
• Grill: To grill bread cheese, place directly onto the grates of a medium-hot charcoal grill (do not close the lid) or use a lightly greased grill pan. Cook a few minutes on each side until grill marks appear and cheese is warmed through and soft on the inside.
• Microwave: Pop the bread cheese in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds to warm it.
• Pan-fry: To pan-fry, place on a nonstick skillet ($40, Target) over medium-high heat. Sear the bread cheese on all sides until browned and warmed through, with the inside still soft.

Now for the fun part. Once you have the melty bread cheese ready, it’s time to enjoy. Try it as a breadless (and Keto-friendly) grilled cheese. It’ll pair perfectly with a bowl of tomato soup. You can also serve bread cheese as an appetizer á la baked brie by topping with honey, jam (the folks at Wisconsin Cheese recommend a homemade strawberry-rhubarb), fruit, and/or nuts. Enjoy with crackers or bread. And since bread cheese has a higher melting point, you can also use it as a vegetarian kabob option at your next cookout.