There’s the pre-shredded stuff you buy in a bag at your local grocery store, and then there is the other stuff: glorious blocks of cheese in just about every consistency, color, and flavor you can imagine. If you’re used to Kraft singles, it’s time to up your cheese game and try something new. But if you’re new to the world of fancy cheeses, you may not know what you’re getting yourself into. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular cheeses you may come across when you’re browsing the dairy section. That way, you can choose whatever cheese will work best with your dish. Here’s what you need to know.
Feta
If you’ve ever ordered a salad from a Greek restaurant before, there’s a good chance that it was sprinkled with feta. In fact, a lot of people like to put this kind of cheese in salads and other light dishes. It’s a cheese that’s lower in fat, so the consistency is less velvety and crumbly. While it can be suitable to use melted, it shines when it’s straight out of the fridge. Add it to just about any fresh veggie (and maybe even some fruit if you’re feeling experimental), and you’ll see why so many people love feta.
Mozzarella
You’ve undoubtedly had mozzarella before, whether you knew it or not. This is often the kind of cheese you’ll find on a pizza, especially if you order the Margherita. It’s a nice, soft cheese that still has quite a bit of texture. It’s great to eat both raw and melted so that you can go wild with experimenting. One of the most popular dishes that utilize this cheese is a Caprese salad, which couldn’t be easier to make. Of course, it also goes well with pizza, and truthfully, if you buy a good mozzarella, you can eat it totally on its own.
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Camembert
Stinky cheese lovers, this one’s for you. Camembert may have a strong smell, but that means it’s going to taste even more delicious when you finally take a bite. It has a mushroom-y flavor that you’ll love if you’re partial to savory flavors. But the best part of this cheese? It’s super soft and spreadable, making it ideal for knifing onto a cracker or a piece of bread. If you’ve never tried camembert before, it’s time to give it a whirl.
There are so many other types of cheeses to try, so don’t be afraid to opt for something new the next time you run to the deli!
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