Picture it. You start building your crowd-pleasing cheese board, or you start to gather the ingredients for that awesome recipe featuring your favorite cheese only to discover your coveted cheese covered in mold. The good news is you can avoid this frustrating situation when you understand the basics of cheese shelf life and follow some simple steps for ensuring your cheese stays deliciously fresh for as long as possible.

How long does cheese last?

Having a well-stocked supply of fresh cheese is always a great idea whether you love to cook, to entertain, or you are a serious snacker. Once you bring your cheese home from the store, just follow these tips to extend your cheese’s shelf life.

The first step is to know that the shelf life of cheese depends largely on its texture. The harder the cheese, the longer it will last when properly stored.

Semi-Hard and Hard Cheeses

Semi-hard and hard cheeses have lower moisture content due to their longer aging process, and this lower moisture content lends to a longer shelf life than other types of cheese. These cheeses can last anywhere from two to four months unopened and properly refrigerated. Once opened, these cheeses can last about four to six weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly. After that, you can still freeze your favorites and make them last even longer.

Examples of long-lasting semi-hard and hard cheeses are:

• Parmesan
• Copper Kettle
• Asiago
• Grana Padano
• Cheddar
• Swiss

Soft Cheeses and Semi-Soft Cheeses

A good rule of thumb is that the softer the cheese is, the shorter its shelf life. The soft cheeses listed below will have the shortest shelf life of all cheeses. It’s wise to check for an expiration date on the packaging and adhere to it whenever possible. But, once opened these cheeses will last about one to two weeks.

Unlike other cheese textures, soft cheeses also don’t freeze well. So when you purchase these cheeses, make sure you have a short-term plan for using them when they are at their freshest.

Soft cheeses:

• Mascarpone
• Mozzarella
• Brie
• Blue cheese

Semi-soft cheeses fare a bit longer when properly stored in the refrigerator. These cheeses can last about one to three weeks under the best circumstances.

Semi-soft cheese:

• Fontal
• Muenster
• Provolone

How should I store cheese in the refrigerator?

Until you’re ready to use cheese, it should be kept in its original packaging. That’s because all cheese kept in its original packaging will last longer than cheese that’s been opened. If the cheese has been opened, it can still stay fresh as long as you properly store it in your refrigerator. You will need to make sure you have the following items to maximize its shelf life:

• Parchment, wax, or cheese paper
• Plastic wrap
• Storage container
• Labels

Now you’re ready to follow these steps to properly store opened cheese:

1. With clean hands, take the cheese and wrap well in parchment or cheese paper. If you have neither, a sheet of wax paper will also work as a first layer in storing the cheese.
2. Next, take some plastic wrap and wrap a bit looser over the first layer of wrapped cheese. A small amount of air in the wrapping allows the cheese to breathe and maintain its desired texture longer.
3. Label the cheese with the date and type.
4. You may want to place this wrapped cheese in a larger zip lock plastic bag, reusable food storage bag or a container.
5. Place in a high humidity bin in your refrigerator at a temperature between 35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit,

When does cheese go bad?

Even after taking the proper precautions for storing cheese, it can still go bad. Contracting a foodborne illness is nothing to risk, so you should always avoid eating any food that has spoiled and gone bad.

The expiration date, also listed sometimes as a ‘sell by’ or ‘best by’ date, should be a guide. The date ensures the product will be at its peak quality until this time. As with any food, you should always inspect it closely before eating. Some cheeses can be used for a short period after these dates, but remember the quality may be not as good as if the cheese were fresh.

The first telltale sign cheese is no longer fresh is the appearance of mold. While mold is harmless on some cheese varieties (like blue cheese), many molds emit toxins that can cause illness when consumed.

Another way to check the freshness of cheese is to inspect it for hard spots or changes in texture, discoloration, and the undeniable indicator that cheese has passed its peak —a bad odor.

If you find your cheese is approaching the last days of its precious shelf life, you don’t have to simply throw it away. You can always try your hand at freezing the cheese, or get creative with the cheese and use it some of these ways:

• Top a salad, side dish or entree
• Add to a sauce for a creamy finish
• Make an impromptu cheese board

When you know the basics of storing cheese, you will always have your favorite cheese fresh and ready to enjoy. For more information on how to make the most of your cheese explore some of these versatile recipes or try our Cello Cheese Chat and learn all you need to cheese confidently.

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Too much cheese? That sounds like a delicious problem, but we know fellow cheese lovers don’t want to waste a single slice. Read on to learn exactly how easy it is to freeze your favorites and save the leftovers so you can cheese confidently both now and later.

Freezing Cheese Basics

Whether you overbought because your favorite cheese was on sale or had a last minute party cancelation, have no fear. You can easily freeze cheese by following just a few simple steps and get an extra one to three months to find the perfect way to use it.

Before you roll up your sleeves to freeze some cheese, you should understand which cheeses fare the best heading into the ice. Cheese texture is the number one factor that affects its ability to stand up to freezing.

Cheese Texture and Freezing

To best understand which cheese will stand the test of freezing, it’s important to understand the different cheese textures and what cheese falls into each category.

Semi-Hard and Hard Cheeses

Semi-hard and hard cheeses have lower moisture content due to their longer aging process. These types of cheeses are also some of the most versatile and hardest-working cheeses in your meal planning arsenal. Their lower moisture content means fewer ice crystals will form in the cheese during freezing, so the taste and texture are minimally impacted by freezing and thawing, unlike softer cheeses with higher moisture content.

Examples of semi-hard and hard cheeses that freeze well are:

• Parmesan
• Copper Kettle
• Asiago
• Grana Padano
• Cheddar
• Swiss

Soft Cheeses and Semi-Soft Cheeses

These cheeses tend to not fare as well as semi-hard and hard cheeses during the freezing process. This is because soft and semi-soft cheeses are categorized as having a higher moisture content and either no rinds or a soft edible rind. Due to the higher moisture content in these cheeses, more ice crystals form during freezing. These crystals thaw and affect the texture of the cheese, typically in a less than appealing way.

These cheeses can be frozen for up to six weeks while still mostly retaining their flavor, but the texture may be compromised. Freezing softer cheeses for longer than six weeks will likely cause the cheese to start to lose its unique texture, which still may be okay if you are using it as an ingredient in a cooked or baked dish like pizza.

Common soft cheeses are:

• Mascarpone
• Mozzarella
• Brie
• Blue cheeses

Semi-soft cheese includes:

• Fontal
• Muenster
• Provolone

What is the Best Way to Freeze Cheese?

As with freezing most foods, the key to making cheese last longer and retain as much of its original taste and texture as possible is to ensure you take the proper precautions when freezing. This includes getting as much air out of the packaging as possible and wrapping the cheese tightly.

The items you will need to freeze cheese are:

• freezer proof labels
• parchment paper
• high quality plastic wrap
• tight closing sealable bags

Consider using wrap and bags that are specifically designed for freezing foods, as they will keep foods fresh longer and help prevent freezer burn.

Freezing Cheese in its Original Packaging

For freezing, it is always best to keep the cheese unopened and in its original packaging. The first step is to take the cheese and wrap it in a layer of parchment paper. This will help absorb any moisture from getting to the cheese. Next, place it in a plastic freezer storage bag, and then try to push as much of the air out of the bag as possible before sealing it tightly.

Freezing Open Cheese

If the cheese has been opened or is no longer in its original packaging, make sure it is sliced into portions — this will help with thawing. First, wrap the cheese in a layer of parchment paper, just like with cheese in its original packaging. Next, wrap a layer of plastic wrap tightly around the cheese, and repeat with a second layer. Now, place the wrapped cheese in the plastic freezer storage bag and try to get most of the air out of it, just like you do with cheese still in its packaging.

Always label your cheese with the cheese type and date before freezing. If you pride yourself on being organized in the kitchen, set a reminder for four weeks to check on the freshness of the frozen cheese. If you see the wrapping has been compromised, you will want to thaw the cheese and plan to use it as soon as possible. If the wrap is still in good condition, consider moving it to your refrigerator in the coming days or weeks and make a plan to use it in a recipe or just a quick snack.

Cheese Thawing Basics

When it’s time to thaw the cheese, always thaw in the refrigerator. Allow about 12 hours for every pound of cheese to properly thaw. Do not unwrap the cheese until it feels soft to the touch. Then unwrap the cheese and inspect the packaging. If the cheese packaging is still intact, carefully open the package and try to slice the cheese to determine if it’s thawed. If the cheese is difficult to handle and crumbles, take a fresh piece of parchment paper and wrap the cheese in the parchment paper and then a layer of plastic wrap. Check the cheese again in a few hours.

If the wrapping has been cut or broken in the process, inspect the cheese before slicing. If it’s pale or has white spots, the cheese may have been exposed to bacteria. In this case, consider throwing it away and finding another fresh option for your cheesing needs.

That’s all to say, some cheeses don’t have to be thawed at all if you plan to use them in a baked dish or pizza. For example, frozen shredded cheese or grated cheese can be sprinkled on a dish or pizza that will be baked, which means having these cheeses in a well-stocked freezer is a great idea.

Still have questions about freezing and thawing cheese? Try our Cello Cheese Chat and find the answers you need to cheese confidently. For even more cheese information, tips, and even recipes, be sure to sign-up for our newsletter or grab our guide on making your own show-stopping cheese board.

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Nearly 2,000 varieties of cheese exist in the world, which means even the most sophisticated cheese connoisseur might still have some cheeses to explore. With this many different types, cheese lovers need to be able to categorize cheese the same way you categorize everything else you love — from books to movies to sports or types of pasta. Along with the all-important tasting notes, texture is another way to distinguish cheese. Understanding different cheese textures will help you determine which cheese to use for different occasions and how to select new cheeses to try on your lifelong cheese tasting journey.

What affects cheese texture?

Moisture content and aging are the two main factors that determine texture in a cheese. To keep it simple:

• the lower the moisture content, the firmer the cheese.
• the longer the aging process, the firmer the texture of the cheese.

In essence, the firmness of a cheese is what determines its texture, which can range from soft to hard. When shopping for cheese and trying to decide what texture to get, a good rule of thumb is to work backwards from how you want to use that cheese. Are you making a pizza, slicing for a sandwich, cubing for a cheese board, or sprinkling over a salad? Use our quick guide below to help you figure out what cheese texture you need based on how you plan to enjoy your cheese!

What are the main types of cheese texture?

Cheese texture is classified under the four following categories:

Hard

Hard cheese is made by removing most of the whey from the curds and applying pressure to them. The cheese is then left to develop its own unique edible rind, or is sometimes given a wax rind. Since hard cheese is aged longer, it tends to have a richer flavor spectrum. Expect hard cheeses to be rich, aromatic and complex in flavor with an occasional sweet aftertaste.

Common hard cheeses include Parmesan and Grana Padano. These hard cheeses are the best choice for grating and crumbling. They’re also perfect for snacking on alone or for adding a little extra pizazz to a cheese board. Pro tip: keep the edible rinds for adding to soups for a slow cooked flavor that lends richness to your favorite dish.

Semi-hard

This lower moisture content category is home to some of the most popular and hardest working cheeses, like cheddar and swiss. These cheeses are aged less than hard cheeses and then set in wax rinds, which help prevent unwanted mold and keep the semi-hard cheese at the right moisture content level. Chances are you always have at least one semi-hard cheese in your refrigerator at all times, as this category covers lots of the most popular sandwich and cracker cheeses.

Common semi-hard cheeses include cheddar, Swiss, Gouda, Havarti, and Asiago. While flavor profiles are always multifaceted, semi-hard cheese texture usually signals a relatively mild flavor. However, some semi-hard cheeses are aged longer, which lends to sharper varieties and occasionally a more pungent flavor— like Swiss.

Cheeses with a semi-hard texture are incredibly versatile and can meet just about any cheese need. They slice well, making them an obvious choice for both sandwiches and cheese boards alike. When preparing a classic comfort dish like macaroni cheese or grilled cheese, any semi-hard cheese will deliver a creamy, yummy result.

Semi-soft

The biggest difference between semi-soft and soft cheese is that the semi-soft cheeses usually have a rind, albeit a softer and edible one, due to a mold that forms during the short aging process. Common types of semi-soft cheese include Fontal, Muenster, and provolone. Flavor profiles for semi-soft cheeses can range from buttery and salty to more pungent and earthy, depending on how long they are aged.

Semi-soft cheeses make slicing a breeze, which makes them ideal for sandwiches and cheese boards, like semi-hard cheeses. Where they really stand out, though, is with melting. Try some of Cello’s rubbed Fontals on your next pizza for an extra kick of flavor.

Soft

This category is also sometimes described as “fresh” cheese because the cheese isn’t aged. Soft cheeses have a higher moisture content and no rinds. Common soft cheeses include Mascarpone, mozzarella, feta, and Chevre. The soft cheese category boasts a broad spectrum of flavors, from mild to complex, making it a fun cheese texture category to experiment with. From spreading on your favorite cracker to crumbling over your next salad, scrambled egg breakfast, or homemade pizza, some of these lesser-known soft cheeses can add a gourmet twist on an everyday meal.

Off to the Cheese Counter

Now that you understand the similarities and differences between the cheese textures, it’s time to apply what you learned at your local grocer. It’s easier to find the kind you want when you can describe the texture you need for your cheesing occasion. Ask your local cheesemonger (or our Cello Cheese chat feature) to walk you through the selection process. And don’t be shy, make sure to ask for samples to make sure you get the texture you need!

Through understanding cheese texture, taste, and use, you can really start to have some fun. Play around with your different options and learn what cheeses can be substituted for others so you can put your own spin on traditional recipes by trying different cheeses as key ingredients.

Want to learn even more about pairing, selecting, and cooking with cheese? Sign up for our newsletter, or download our guide to get help using these texture tips to create the perfect cheese board for your next get-together. You’ll be cheesing confidently in no time.

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Mascarpone cheese doesn’t have as much name recognition as cheese board favorites like Parmesan and cheddar. But if you can’t pass up a dessert offering of tiramisu when you’re at your favorite restaurant, chances are you love Mascarpone cheese without even realizing it. This decadent cheese is a favorite among bakers, but it’s not only for baking. Once you know all the ways you can use Mascarpone cheese and learn about the depth of its flavor and versatility, you’ll always want to keep a cup in your refrigerator.

What is Mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone cheese is a soft, slightly sweet and a tad bit tart, spreadable cheese often described as an Italian sweet cream cheese. Mascarpone is probably most well-known as the key ingredient in Italian desserts like tiramisu and cannoli.

If you think Mascarpone is just like cream cheese, you’ll be surprised and probably delighted to learn Mascarpone is richer and sweeter. Mascarpone has a more velvety texture, lending it to easier spreading and opening up possibilities as both a cream cheese substitute and the star of its unique set of dishes.

But before we explore all you can do with Mascarpone, let’s take a look at how this indulgent cheese is made.

How is Mascarpone cheese made?

This Italian cheese originated in the Lombardy region in the Northern part of Italy, bordering Switzerland. The landscape of this part of Italy boasts large lakes and rolling mountainsides that lend to rich alpine pastures, creating some of the richest cow’s milk in the country. Here, centuries of artisan cheesemakers have created their recipes for some of Italy’s best-known cheeses, like Mascarpone.

The process for making this cheese usually involves heating heavy cream and adding citric acid to the mixture, which combines to create that signature texture and taste. Staying true to our commitment to quality cheese-making, Cello uses only the finest quality Wisconsin dairy products in our artisan approach to make high quality, delicious Mascarpone.

What are simple ways to use Mascarpone?

Mascarpone has been recently discovered by a new following of creative bakers and aspiring dessert aficionados as the star ingredient behind no-bake cheesecake. If your family and friends have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to try making some other treats with Mascarpone. Below are a few simple yet crowd pleasing suggestions for ways to showcase this cheese.

1. Coffee topping: Keep some Mascarpone in your refrigerator for an easy and decadent addition to your morning coffee. Mascarpone topped coffee is also a great option to serve alongside dessert. If you love a routine stop at your favorite coffee spot but hate the long lines, try making this delicious Mascarpone espresso at home before you hit the road.
2. Waffle topping: Whether you whip up homemade waffles on the weekend, or prefer a quick toaster style waffle, try topping your next one with a layer of Mascarpone and a drizzle of maple syrup. If you have guests, sprinkle some cinnamon on top or garnish with a sprig of mint for some extra flair that’s sure to impress.
3. Peanut Butter and Mascarpone sandwich: Move over jelly, because peanut butter has met its match. Take two fresh or slightly toasted bread slices and spread one side with peanut butter and the other with Mascarpone. The result is added creamy sweetness that makes for a filling and tasty breakfast sandwich or a new take on a lunchtime classic.
4. Straight up: Spoon some Mascarpone into a small bowl, drizzle with honey, and scatter some fresh fruit on top. This creamy and buttery cheese also makes a great dip for strawberries, raspberries, or any other seasonal fruit.
5. Spread it on thick: Forget the butter. Scones, muffins, and cinnamon bread can all be elevated when spread with a little Mascarpone.

Take Mascarpone Up a Notch

Just because Mascarpone is known for its sweetness, doesn’t mean it should be relegated as a dessert only ingredient. You can incorporate this cheese into a variety of dishes.

Hors d’oeuvres: Simple dessert recipes can often also double as a sweet appetizer. The tang and texture of figs pair beautifully with velvety Mascarpone for a delicious hors d’oeuvres or a spotlight addition to your cheeseboard. For an easy display, serve some dried fruits and nuts with Mascarpone on the side.

Pasta and Potatoes: Carb lovers, rejoice! Just about every Italian cheese pairs well with pasta, but Mascarpone is often overlooked as a way to elevate and add creaminess to an everyday sauce. The creamy texture creates a velvety sauce for a variety of pasta types. Just add a couple spoonfuls of Mascarpone to your traditional tomato sauce next time and watch it transform to something far richer than basic spaghetti.

Mascarpone is so versatile it can be used in a number of potato dishes, too. Combine cream cheese with Mascarpone in twice baked potatoes or your family’s secret homemade mashed potato recipe to put your own twist on a classic dish.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out all the ways you can pair Mascarpone with food and drinks, and you’ll be cheesing confidently in no time.

Find Cello Cheese Mascarpone at your nearest store here, and download our guide below to learn how to incorporate it into a cheese board display that’s sure to be a hit with all of your fellow cheese lovers.

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You already know Parmesan is a must-have cheese, perfect solo for snacking, on a cheeseboard, and as an ingredient in numerous dishes from salads to entrees to desserts. While Parmesan alone is an unparalleled all-star, there’s always room to share the spotlight. That’s why we carefully crafted our signature Copper Kettle Parmesan cheese. This spin on Parmesan is so unique, many of you have asked us how you can do more than just snack on this sweet, complex cheese alone. You want to use it to create new masterpieces, so we’ve created a complete guide to Copper Kettle recipes, pairings, and all things featuring this one-of-a-kind cheese.

About Our Hand-Crafted Copper Kettle

Copper Kettle Parmesan’s name is derived from how it’s made. This cheese is handcrafted in special copper vats using a unique recipe in the authentic Italian cheesemaking tradition, perfected over centuries with only all natural ingredients. The result is a parmesan cheese with a rich, creamy, and sweet taste you can’t find anywhere else.

Head Cheesemaker Christophe Megevand begins the recipe with the freshest milk from local dairy farms in Wisconsin’s Lake Country area. A recipe is then followed in the same authentic Italian Cheese making tradition of other hard cheeses like Grana Padano and Parmesan before aging the cheese for 16 months. The result is a cheese that offers an unmatched combination of fruity and sweet flavor with notes of crushed apple and cooked caramel.

Copper Kettle Pairings

Copper Kettle Parmesan can be paired with foods you may not regularly associate with Parmesan. Because of its inherent sweetness, Copper Kettle dances across your tastebuds perfectly with a piece of dark chocolate and a drizzle of honey. Sip a glass of Chardonnay alongside for a truly decadent treat.

Copper Kettle is also a great cheese to use when serving savory dishes. The mellow sweetness nicely balances out a savory salad or main entree. Try sprinkling it on an arugula salad to sweeten up the slightly tart greens and enjoy the added dimension it brings to a crisp salad.

Aside from Chardonnay, Copper Kettle pairs perfectly with most beers and ciders. This cheese has such complex flavors to highlight, it’s hard to go wrong.

Copper Kettle Recipes and Entertaining

If you’re known for creating an ideal cheese board or you just love having cheese on-hand for snacking and cooking, you can feel confident that adding Copper Kettle Parmesan to your offerings is a winning plan.

On a cheese board, consider serving Copper Kettle Parmesan with a dried fruit combination, like cranberries or blueberries, and a spicy honey or a fig jam. It’s also delicious when paired with more savory options like olives, salted nuts, and cured meats.

If you can’t get enough pumpkin in the Fall, here’s a nice option for a Pumpkin Parmesan Souffle that’s ideal for an autumn brunch or a holiday side dish! And if you love to impress with fun appetizers, this recipe for a Copper Kettle and Fontina Crostini is quick to prepare and unique enough that you know you’ll be bringing a true showstopper to the party. Save this recipe for a must-have on your entertaining list.

Another option perfect for berry season— this one can do double duty as an appetizer or a dessert— is this Fresh Berry Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze. If you want something quick, try Copper Kettle Chisels paired with dark chocolates, fresh seasonal fruit and a pound cake. The options are endless!

Copper Kettle in the Kitchen

When you have Copper Kettle Parmesan at the ready, you’ll always have something delicious to cook up. Whether it’s a quick appetizer, weeknight meal for the family, or a dish to take to a friend’s house, using Copper Kettle as an ingredient will definitely have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s up to you whether you want to keep that recipe a secret or share!

To improvise on adding this cheese into your normal recipe rotation, consider working in some grated Copper Kettle Parmesan in mashed potatoes or creamy risottos for an authentic Italian taste. It’s delicious shaved over top of roasted vegetables, especially earthy root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, and carrots.

A classic macaroni and cheese is always a favorite, and this Five Cheese Macaroni and Cheese can please both the kids and the adults when served alone or as a side dish. If you love to grill and want to take advantage of the summer weather, try Copper Kettle freshly grated on any food hot off the grill. Consider tossing grilled chicken wings with your favorite fresh herbs, olive oil and some grated Copper Kettle for a surprising smokey and sweet taste. Thinly sliced pieces add a gourmet taste to your burgers and chicken breasts, too!

When the temps cool down again, your instant pot or slow-cooker will be ready to get to work for you. Whether you like soup or you prefer heartier dishes like stews or chilis, the subtle sweet and creamy flavor of Copper Kettle Parmesan will complement one-dish wonders. If you love to get the slow cooker working on cool days or you like to host game day gatherings, we recommend this Three Bean chili recipe for its quick prep time and high score on taste.

No matter how you choose to explore Copper Kettle, the variety will leave you satisfied. Look for it in your grocer’s cheese case in all its delicious forms:

• Wedges
• Shredded
• Chisels

If you love cheese and love to find new recipes and ways to enjoy cheese, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. You’ll cheese confidently and deliciously every time.

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P.S. If you need some extra help putting together that crowd-pleasing cheese board we mentioned earlier, start by downloading our guide.

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Do rainy days put you in the mood for a grilled cheese sandwich? Does looking at a casserole dish of macaroni and cheese take you back to your grandmother’s kitchen? If the smell of a fresh-baked pizza reminds you of board game nights when you were a kid, you aren’t alone.

Cooking with cheese often sparks nostalgia with us, because it makes us reminisce about our favorite foods from childhood. These dishes are classic because they stand the test of time. Many of us spent more time cooking during the pandemic and we found ourselves returning to some of these classic dishes for comfort.

As we continued to rediscover grandma’s macaroni and cheese and mom’s grilled cheese recipes, we began to think about how we can add a modern, grown-up twist to these classics and still get the same delicious results. While looking back invokes a sense of safety and satisfaction, this feels like the right time to begin to build new food memories we can look back on. Here are a few of our favorite updated recipes.

Cooking With Cheese: How to Update Your Favorite Childhood Recipes

Rainy Day Grilled Cheese

There’s something about rainy weather that results in a grilled cheese craving every time. It’s the warm gooey goodness of melted cheese and crisp grilled bread that feels like a warm blanket wrapped around you. Chances are, the grilled cheese of your childhood was made with a processed cheese (you know, the kind that comes sliced and in plastic wrap) and white bread. Maybe you have adapted that recipe since, but there are a variety of ways to make this classic more modern — and delicious —with some of our specialty cheeses.

The easiest way to switch up a grilled cheese is to try different combinations of cheeses. Your grown-up taste buds will revel at the union of Fontal and a grated cheese like, Grana Padano, on a toasted baguette. Or, try incorporating veggies in your sandwich like in this Three Italian Grilled Cheese. Another easy option is to add some sprinkled cheese to the buttered side of the bread before it hits the pan. The result will be a lightly cheese crusted grilled cheese, plus we all know that more cheese means even more cozy comfort on that rainy day.

Even though drizzly weather is usually what sparks the craving for a grilled cheese, expanding the occasions for when you reach for those two pieces of bread can open up a whole new, cheesy world. A lazy Sunday brunch featuring grilled cheese with a delightful Mayan Cocoa and Coffee cheese pairs perfectly with scrambled eggs and mimosas. Another sweet option is to pair a flavored bread, like cinnamon raisin bread, with creamy Mascarpone and Copper Kettle.

Grilled cheese for dessert? The child and the grown-up in you will say yes to this Parmesan and Chocolate Grilled Cheese.

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

If you have a macaroni and cheese dish that’s a crowd favorite, you may think you don’t want to mess with the classic, secret recipe — whether it’s grandma’s or your own creation. In either case, adding a new cheese to the dish can result in a layered taste guaranteed to surprise and delight.

Most macaroni and cheese recipes use cheddar as the main cheese ingredient, so substituting a portion of the cheese with another cheese is an easy way to explore a new taste. Consider substituting Fontal for a portion of the cheddar cheese. You may already love this buttery cheese on a cheese board or sliced thinly on a sandwich, but Fontal is a cheese that melts flawlessly and can complement a variety of dishes.

Looking for something bolder? Flavored cheeses that melt well are a great option to add to your macaroni and cheese. If this is your main dish, you can be adventurous and try a bold cheese like Dijon and Herb. If the macaroni and cheese is a side for smoky ribs or barbecue chicken, try adding a milder taste, like Creamy Dill. If the main dish is an Italian entree, consider adding a cheese with an Italian inspired taste, like Fontal Tuscan flavored cheese.

If you don’t want to adjust your cheese ratio and are looking for a more subtle switch-up, consider sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese upon serving the dish and adding a garnish or fresh parsley, dill, or chopped basil.

Pizza Time

Pizza from the local pizza shop is a delicious treat, and many trips to the pizza shop also double as a fun family outing. But, making homemade pizza with your family or having friends over for a make-your-own pizza party takes this favorite food to the next level. The standard mozzarella cheese pizza is an all around hit, but substituting mozzarella with a completely different cheese can result in a gourmet pizza sensation.

If you want to keep mozzarella as your main star, use a vegetable peeler and shave some Parmesan on the crust and bake for just a few minutes. Then remove the pizza crust and complete by adding sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Romano cheese before returning to the hot oven to finish your gourmet pizza creation.

As with any dish, the easiest way to add a touch of flavor is to sprinkle with grated cheese upon serving. Try a sprinkle of Romano cheese, Grana Padano or the standard Italian Blend on a hot pizza and you will be more than happy with the results.

Discovering new taste combinations can be a fun way to spend time preparing meals your friends and family can enjoy. Knowing when and how to substitute cheese will mean you can cheese confidently while putting a grown-up twist on your favorite childhood classics.

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