Your Guide to the Best Ways to Store Cheese

Ah, cheese. From sharp cheddar and creamy brie to tangy goat cheese and savory gouda, there’s no denying that cheese is one of the most delicious foods out there. But what happens when you bring home a block of your favorite variety, only to find it turning slimy or stale within a few days? Fear not, cheese lovers! In this post, we’ll take you through the best ways to store cheese so that you can enjoy it at peak freshness and flavor.

Keep It Cool: The first and most important rule of cheese storage is to keep it cool. Cheese is a perishable product that is best stored at temperatures between 35-45°F. This means that the most ideal place to store cheese is in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer or in a special cheese drawer, if your fridge has one. If you don’t have a cheese drawer, wrap your cheese tightly in wax paper or parchment paper and then place it in a resealable plastic bag – this will help to keep it from drying out and absorbing other odors in the fridge.

Avoid Air and Moisture: Two of the biggest enemies of cheese are air and moisture. When exposed to air, cheese can quickly dry out and develop a hard rind, while excess moisture can cause mold and bacteria to grow. To prevent this, wrap your cheese in wax paper or parchment paper before storing it. You can also store softer cheeses like goat cheese and brie in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.

Don’t Freeze It: While you may be tempted to freeze your cheese to make it last longer, this is actually not a good idea. Freezing can alter the texture and flavor of cheese, and in some cases even cause it to crumble or become rubbery when thawed. Instead, focus on buying smaller quantities of cheese more frequently so that you can enjoy it at its best.

Use Cheese Paper: If you’re a serious cheese lover, you may want to invest in some cheese paper. This specially designed paper is coated in a plastic layer that helps to regulate moisture and prevent the cheese from drying out. While it may be a bit more expensive than regular wax paper or parchment paper, cheese paper can help to extend the life of your cheese and keep it tasting fresh for longer.

Let It Breathe: Finally, it’s important to let your cheese breathe before enjoying it. This means taking it out of the fridge and letting it come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors and textures of the cheese to fully develop, resulting in a more enjoyable eating experience.

Cheese is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in countless ways. By following these simple tips for storing your cheese, you can ensure that it stays fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. Whether you’re a casual cheese snacker or a hardcore cheese enthusiast, taking proper care of your cheese will help you savor every bite. So, go forth and enjoy!

KALTBACH™ LE GRUYÈRE® AOP

Notes

Dried Stone Fruit, Black Tea, Hazelnuts

Pair With

Toasted Pecans Fig or Pear Mostarda Cherry Jam & Rustic Bread

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LE GRUYÈRE® AOP

Notes

Candied Walnuts, Dried Fruit, Spice

Pair With

Fresh Apples, Pears And Grapes Almonds Figs

Learn More WHERE TO BUY

Tête De Moine Rosettes

Pair With

Salad Garnish Soup Garnish Atop A Blueberry Tart

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Making the Perfect 4th of July Entertaining Spread

Easy & Delicious

The long 4th of July weekend is almost here and putting together a crowd-pleasing spread can be overwhelming. To take the stress out of your party planning, add our recipe ideas to your spread, or better yet, recreate our whole spread! We have enhanced some easy, classic summer dishes by adding Emmi cheese that will make both cooking a breeze and your guests happy!

Burgers with Shredded Gruyere

The staple of almost any summer party is a burger. By adding some shredded Gruyere, you can liven up this grill out favorite. Emmi Shredded Gruyere melts perfectly on burgers and gives them that extra flavor boost.

Fresh Vegetable Fondue

Emmi Original Fondu works great as a dip for fresh vegetables. All you need to do is heat up the fondue mix and serve with cut veggies for a healthy and summery snack.

Le Cremeux Cracker Bites

Kaltbach Le Crémeux is a tasty addition to these cracker bites which include Granny Smith apples, honey, and thyme. The apple and honey pair perfectly together to highlight the unassuming sweetness of the cheese and balance the taste of the bites.

Ingredients:

  • Emmi Kaltbach Le Crémeux cheese
  • Granny Smith Apples
  • Honey
  • Thyme
  • Crackers

Pimento Cheese Dip

We created a fun spin on this classic cheese dip by swapping cheddar cheese out for Emmi Le Gruyère. This unexpected twist will both elevate the dip and be a delicious surprise for your guests.

Recipe:

  • 6 ounces Emmi Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 (4 ounce) jar pimento peppers, drained and diced
  • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  •  1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced chives

Mix everything together well with a spatula, and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes prior to serving. 

Emmentaler Pasta Salad

Running short on time but need one more dish? Complete your spread using deli made pasta salad with added cubes of Emmi Emmentaler. All you have to do is cube the cheese and your 4th of July party food is ready!

Emmentaler® AOP

Notes

Nutty, Slight Acidity, Hint of Herbs

Pair With

Oaked Chardonnay Cabernet Sauvignon Gin & Tonic

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Original Fondue

Pair With

Crusty Bread Cubed Ham, Boiled Shrimp, Meatballs Red And Green Bell Peppers

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Shredded Le Gruyère AOP

Pair With

PASTA DISHES TOPPING SALADS ALSATIAN WHITE WINES SUCH AS RIESLING

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How to Make a Holiday Brunch Board

Want to enjoy a beautiful holiday brunch and still sleep in? Behold the Holiday Brunch Board. A combination of your favorite Emmi cheeses, store-bought nibbles and make-ahead bites mean you can serve a gorgeous brunch without spending your morning in the kitchen.

Follow these tips to create an unforgettable spread while making it look so easy. Because it really is so easy!

1. Make a Special Flavored Cream Cheese

Take a cue from your favorite bagel shop and make your own flavored cream cheese. Our recipe for Leek and Gruyère Cream Cheese is super simple and adds a special touch to your brunch board. Prep your cream cheese a day or two in advance and allow to soften a bit before serving.

2. Turn Your Bagels into Chips

Homemade bagel chips are a special treat, and they’re so easy to prepare. Slice your favorite flavor of bagel into thin strips and lay in a single layer on a sheet pan. Brush both sides with olive oil and bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through baking.

3. Dress Up Store Bought Mini Quiche

Can you think of anything more elegant than bite-sized quiche topped with rosettes of Tête De Moine cheese? Literally no one will care that you started with frozen store bought quiche. Look for Tête De Moine in your local cheese case. It can be curled into flower shapes with a traditional cheese tool called a girolle. As an alternative, you can use a vegetable peeler to shave pieces of Le Gruyère into freeform curls for topping.

4. Add More Cheese

Fill your board with slices of Emmi Le Gruyère or Emmi Emmentaler cheese. They pair well with all your favorite brunch bites and are sure to please adults and kids alike.

5. Fill with Flavorful Pairings

Try these savory brunch accompaniments to complete your board and let everyone make their perfect bites:

  • Medium boiled (aka jammy) eggs – boil for 8 minutes and cool in ice water before peeling
  • Smoked salmon
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Green olives
  • Capers
  • Dill
  • Sparkling wine – it is a holiday, after all!

Related Recipes: Leek and Gruyère Cream Cheese

LE GRUYÈRE® AOP

Notes

Candied Walnuts, Dried Fruit, Spice

Pair With

Fresh Apples, Pears And Grapes Almonds Figs

Learn More WHERE TO BUY
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Wrap and Store Cheese Like a Pro

Wrapping and storing cheese at home can be a little intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be! With a little know how, you can wrap and store cheese like a pro for maximum freshness. Aged cheeses like Emmi Le Gruyère AOP or KALTBACH cave-aged cheeses can be stored for weeks under the right conditions. Follow these three tips to keep your cheese fresh and delicious.

1. Don’t Overcut

For maximum freshness, keep cheese pieces as large as possible before wrapping. This will prevent the cheese from drying out too fast. Smaller pieces will dry out more quickly.

2. Give your cheese room to breathe

Professional cheese paper is designed to protect cheese while storing it in the refrigerator and regulate humidity. Cheese needs to “breathe” a little bit to prevent mold growth, but too much air and it will dry out. To mimic professional cheese paper at home, wrap the cheese first in parchment or wax paper. Follow with a layer of plastic wrap. This double layer allows the cheese to breathe and stay fresh.

3. Store in the Right Spot

Store wrapped cheese in a vegetable drawer or lower shelf of your refrigerator where the temperature is consistent and not too cold.

Now you are ready to wrap and store cheese like a pro!

LE GRUYÈRE® AOP

Notes

Candied Walnuts, Dried Fruit, Spice

Pair With

Fresh Apples, Pears And Grapes Almonds Figs

Learn More WHERE TO BUY
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Easy No-Cook Dinner Solution: A Cheese Board!

A cheese board is the perfect no-cook dinner. It’s great for those hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven, or for movie and game nights at home. Follow these three tips for an easy no-cook cheese board dinner that’s ready in a snap!

1. Choose cheeses that play well with others

Gruyère and Emmentaler are wonderfully versatile. They also pair nicely with a wide range of beverages – wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.

2. Create one composed bite

A perfectly paired bite adds a special touch to your cheese board. Try prosciutto-wrapped Emmentaler and apple slices for a special touch that’s packed with flavor. Experiment with your favorite accompaniments to create your own bite. Crackers and dried fruit slices make a great base for adding slices of cheese and preserves, chutneys, pickles or charcuterie.

3. Dress up your popcorn

Who doesn’t love snacking on a bowl, especially with a few flavorful add-ins. Toss the popcorn with a drizzle of olive oil and pinch of salt. Top with shredded Gruyère cheese and black pepper. Rosemary or thyme are a great addition if you have them.

IN THIS POST

Emmentaler® AOP

Notes

Nutty, Slight Acidity, Hint of Herbs

Pair With

Oaked Chardonnay Cabernet Sauvignon Gin & Tonic

Learn More WHERE TO BUY

LE GRUYÈRE® AOP

Notes

Candied Walnuts, Dried Fruit, Spice

Pair With

Fresh Apples, Pears And Grapes Almonds Figs

Learn More WHERE TO BUY
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Summer Grilling Secret Ingredient: Raclette

Raclette cheese is here to transform your grilling this summer. Made for melting, Raclette will make your burgers, sausages, chicken and veggies anything but ordinary.

Grilling with Raclette: 2 Ways

  1. Place sliced Raclette over your grilled creations in the last minute of cooking to melt directly onto the food. Can’t get any easier than that!
  2. Melt Raclette over indirect heat in a tray or small skillet on the grill. When the cheese is melted, scrape over your dish as a finishing touch.

Recipes to Try

Try a new recipe or simply melt Raclette over your favorite summer classics. Either way, melted cheesy deliciousness is in your future!

Our raclette is available cut & wrapped at your grocer’s deli counter or cheese shop or in convenient pre-sliced packages. Find Emmi Raclette Slices near you

IN THIS POST

Classic Raclette Slices

Notes

Sweet, Creamy, Milky

Pair With

RIESLING, DRY OR SWEET FRUIT-FLAVORED AMERICAN ALES LAMBIC OR BELGIAN-STYLE ALES

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Classic Swiss Raclette

Pair With

RIESLING, DRY OR SWEET FRUIT-FLAVORED AMERICAN ALES LAMBIC OR BELGIAN-STYLE ALES

Learn More WHERE TO BUY
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DIY Polenta Party with Emmi Fondü

Emmi signature ready-to-serve Fondü is now creamier than ever. It heats up in minutes and is wonderful for dipping all sorts of accompaniments. Fondü is also one of our favorite secret weapons in the kitchen. Ready in minutes, it’s the low-key star of this DIY polenta party for a crowd with quick sautéed greens, roasted mushrooms and beets, and an oven polenta recipe so easy you’ll never make it any other way. As you may have guessed, it all gets topped with creamy, cheesy Fondü.

The best part of this DIY polenta bar is how quickly it all comes together to feed a crowd. The polenta method is key to keeping your party prep stress free. We’re big fans of the set-it-and-forget-it ease of baked polenta. No need for constant stirring and the texture is just right. We’re honestly not sure why we ever made polenta any other way.

You’ll need a casserole dish or Dutch oven (should hold at least 8 cups). In your baking dish, combine 4 cups water with 1 cup coarse ground cornmeal and a big pinch of salt. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour, stirring in a couple tablespoons of butter or olive oil in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. That’s it! Perfect polenta is served.

The toppings for this laid back party should be equally unfussy. We opted for quick sautéed greens (with lots of garlic), and roasted mushrooms and golden beets. Practically any roasted vegetable would be fantastic. A slow-cooked meat – chicken, beef or pork – would make an excellent addition, as well.

Emmi Fondü serves as a decadent cheese sauce with party-worthy flavor appeal. Heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently, until smooth. Reduce heat to the lowest setting to keep warm, stirring often. For this casual polenta party, we’re happy to let everyone serve themselves in the kitchen, keeping everything warm on the stove. If you’re setting up a buffet elsewhere, a fondue pot will come in handy.

The best part is that this casually elegant spread requires very little prep, letting you spend as much quality time as possible with your guests. Cheers to that!

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Incorporating Emmi Cheese Into Holiday Treats

When the holidays roll around, I’m always excited for all the extra baking. The most exciting part for me is to be able to share special recipes with family and friends — I love to indulge with truly decadent recipes at this time of year. I’m always looking to wow with a few special dishes: a holiday breakfast, a decadent dessert that’s full of surprises, and of course — something delicious to gift to others. This year, I turned to Emmi cheeses for all three of these needs.

First up, a breakfast dish. Since I spend most of the year away from my immediate family, I love to prepare a leisurely breakfast for them when I visit for the holidays. This year, I opted for a totally over-the-top stuffed French toast: thick layers of brioche stuffed with sautéed spiced pears and thick slices of one of my favorite cheeses of all time: gooey, melty Raclette. After stuffing the slices of bread to the brim with filling, I dip them in a classic custard, sweetened with maple syrup, and cook them until golden brown on a hot griddle. You can hold them in a 300 degree oven, tented with foil, to keep them warm if you’re cooking for a crowd. The finished dish is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, fruity and creamy, rich and filling. It’s a perfect and impressive way to start off a holiday morning!

While I’m on the subject of how much I love Raclette, let’s talk about all the amazing things it can do. It’s so buttery and creamy, it can actually almost serve as a substitute for them in some recipes, like caramel sauce. Yes, you heard me right — you can melt Raclette into a golden caramel sauce and it adds an incredible depth of flavor: a slight nuttiness, and a deeply delicious taste I’ve become obsessed with! It’s good on everything from ice cream to cakes, but I especially love it drizzled over fruity pastries, such as my Citrus Skillet Danish. Start by par-baking a layer of puff pastry in a cast iron skillet. Then, a layer of delicious almond cream is spread on top, and finally an assortment of sliced citrus — I used mandarin oranges, oranges, and grapefruit — but really any citrus will work beautifully! The finished pastry has a crisp crust, a creamy filling, and bright citrus flavors, all of which are amplified with a drizzle of the gooey cheese caramel. A wonderful, surprising dessert to bring to any holiday soirée.

But most of the baking I’ll do this holiday season is meant for gifting, and this year I wanted to do a twist on a classic. I took my favorite Panettone recipe — traditionally a sweet holiday bread from Italy, loaded with inclusions like dried fruit, chocolate, and nuts — and made it savory instead. The soft, buttery dough is studded with chunks of dried sausage, toasty pecans, chewy dried apples, and chunks of Kaltbach Gruyére. The result is a beautiful loaf worthy of gifting, but the smell it infuses your kitchen with while it’s baked is like a bonus gift for the baker!

No matter what your holiday baking needs are this year, be they sweet or savory (or a combo of both!), there are so many fun and creative ways to incorporate one of my favorite ingredients of all time: cheese! I especially love the versatility, flavor, and meltability of the flavorful Alpine cheeses from Emmi, and can’t wait to whip up these recipes for my hungry family this season.

Interested in making some of these delicious holiday treats? See below for recipes.

Skillet Citrus Almond Danish with Gooey Raclette Caramel

Savory Cheese and Sausage Panettone

Pear and Raclette Stuffed French Toast

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Holiday Pairings with Kaltbach Le Gruyère AOP

Good things do indeed come to those who wait. After at least one year aging under the watchful café of the Kaltbach Master Affineur in the legendary caves, Kaltbach Le Gruyère AOP makes its way onto tables around the world. With its flavors of dried stone fruit, spice, black tea and hazelnuts, it’s the perfect cheese to feature on a holiday cheese board.

Kaltbach Le Gruyère AOP lends itself beautifully to both sweet and savory pairings, as well as a festive holiday punch (read on for the recipe).

It’s hard to go wrong sweet pairings to accentuate this versatile cheese that delights a wide range of palates. Choose a selection of accompaniments that add color as well as complementary flavors to your cheese board. For the holidays, we reach for deeply colored black grapes, fresh persimmons whenever they’re available, dried figs and a beautifully made jam. Cherry jam is a wonderful complement to the cheese, and if golden plum jam is available in your market, it makes for an extra special holiday treat. Finish your sweet pairings with a cookie – it is the holidays, after all! Ginger snaps, almond cookies or cranberry biscotti are all great choices.

On the savory side, there are many great options, as well. Hearty, rustic bread is a must, as are briny, buttery olives. Charcuterie is another wonderful pair with many possibilities. For our holiday board, we chose double smoked Canadian bacon (ham works wonderfully, too) and peppery soppressata.

It wouldn’t be the holidays without a cup of cheer, so don’t forget to include a festive beverage pairing or two. If you’re serving wine, choose a Cabernet Franc, red or white Burgundy, Grenache or Syrah to complement the Kaltbach Le Gruyère AOP cheese. Single malt Scotch also highlights the flavors of the cheese quite nicely. If a holiday punch is more your style, we have just the recipe to accentuate your beautiful cheese board, made with sparkling pear cider, ginger kombucha, port wine and club soda. Get the recipe below.

For something non-alcoholic, ginger kombucha and non-alcoholic pear cider are both great options. Whatever your beverage of choice, raise a glass to friends, family and good food, and have a wonderful holiday season!

Ginger Pear & Port Punch

1 bottle (750 ml) ruby port wine
1 bottle (16 ounces) ginger kombucha
1 bottle (750 ml) pear cider
1 pear, sliced
1 liter club soda
1 cup frozen cranberries (optional)

In punch bowl, combine port wine, kombucha and pear cider; mix. Top with ice and club soda to taste. Garnish with sliced pears and frozen cranberries.

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Five Tips for an Unforgettable Dinner Party

It will come as no surprise that our dinner parties are usually centered around cheese. Whether we’re warming up pots of Fondü for dipping, firing up the Raclette grill or setting out bountiful cheese boards for nibbling, the cheese is always center stage. That’s enough to ensure plenty of prompt “yes” RSVPs, but once the party arrives, we want to make it an extra special experience for our guests. A few small touches help keep good energy and leave a lasting impression long after the last piece of cheese has been devoured.

1. Change Your Perspective
As long as the weather possibly allows, we’re throwing parties al fresco — bundling up in sweaters and blankets, and cozying up by the fire. Whether you’re indoors or out, you can create a totally new environment simply by changing your table height. And no, we don’t mean making permanent changes to your furniture. You can create a custom low “table” with a piece of wood or tabletop surface, and cinder blocks. Layer a few tablecloths or throws over top for a more boho feel (or to hide a less-than-charming surface). For seating, think pillows and cushions. Get creative and cozy!

2. Stretch Your Flowers
A couple pots of mums are easy to find and inexpensive throughout the fall season. Snip off a few bunches to fill small jars and tabletop vases. Place a flower on each place setting. Wrap up small bundles with parchment paper, and secure with twine for sweet little takeaway bouquets. Use whatever is leftover to fill your prettiest pots around the table.

3. Go Monotone
Pick a neutral color palette for your table to ensure the food and florals really pop. Here, we’ve chosen warm tones of brown and gold to complement the dark wood table.

4. Raid the Olive Bar
A plethora of cheese-friendly accompaniments can be found on the olive bar at nearly every grocery store these days. Take full advantage to create bountiful cheese boards with minimal effort. Be sure to look for items in a variety of colors to add visual interest.

5. Get Everyone Involved
A dinner party centered around cheese is enough to make your guests giddy with excitement, but keep them involved throughout the night. A wheel of Tête de Moine adds extra excitement to the table. We love watching guests’ faces light up as they spin the girolle, a tool that curls the cheese into petal-shaped pieces. With other cheeses, keep large wedges on-hand for cutting throughout the night, so guests can see and feel the rinds as they slice off a piece. Of course, fondue and Raclette are wonderfully interactive as well, and our Emmi Fondü is easy to heat and serve.

 

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