Cheese stands as one of the most popular and versatile foods worldwide. Whether you use it for cooking, snacking, or pairing with other dishes, cheese adds rich flavors and textures that instantly enhance the dining experience. However, with so many types of cheese available, it can be challenging to answer the question: What are 7 types of cheese? Therefore, in this article, we will explore what are 7 types of cheese along with their origins, uses, and characteristics, so that you can better understand these varieties.
Let’s now dive into what are 7 types of cheese and discover what makes each one unique.
Introduction to Cheese Varieties
To begin with, when asking what are 7 types of cheese, it is important to understand what makes cheese so diverse. Cheese comes from milk, produced by coagulating the milk protein casein. As a result of different processes, the variety in cheese depends on the type of milk used (cow, goat, or sheep), the aging process, and production methods. Consequently, cheese types range from soft to hard, mild to sharp, and even sweet to salty.
For a deeper understanding of basic cheese, you can also check out this article on what is plain cheese.
Therefore, understanding what are 7 types of cheese allows you to choose the right type for your dish or occasion. Whether you are assembling a cheese platter or preparing a meal, knowing the distinct qualities of each type of cheese will surely elevate your culinary creations.
The 7 Types of Cheese Explained
1. Cheddar Cheese – A Classic Favorite
Cheddar is one of the most well-known types of cheese worldwide. Originating from the English village of Cheddar, this semi-hard cheese delivers a sharp, tangy flavor that becomes more pronounced with age. Moreover, cheddar is known for its versatility in various dishes.
- Flavor profile: Sharp, tangy, varies based on the aging process (from mild to extra sharp)
- Texture: Semi-hard, firm but crumbles when aged
- Common uses:
- Sandwiches
- Cheese sauces
- Baked dishes like macaroni and cheese
- Grating over soups and salads
If you’re interested in pairing your cheddar cheese with the perfect bread, you may want to explore this guide on what type of bread is best for sandwiches.
2. Mozzarella Cheese – The Perfect Melting Cheese
In contrast to cheddar, mozzarella is known for its stretchy texture and originates from Italy. It is primarily used in pizza and pasta dishes. Unlike other cheeses, mozzarella is typically consumed fresh, and it has a mild flavor that pairs well with many ingredients.
- Flavor profile: Mild, slightly tangy, fresh
- Texture: Soft, creamy, and stretchy when melted
- Common uses:
- Pizza (especially Neapolitan pizza)
- Caprese salad (paired with tomatoes and basil)
- Pasta dishes
- Melting on sandwiches
Because mozzarella melts so well, it is frequently chosen for dishes that need a creamy, gooey texture.
3. Blue Cheese – Bold and Tangy
Blue cheese stands out due to its distinctive blue or green veins created by Penicillium mold. While its bold flavor may be an acquired taste for some, many people appreciate it for its sharp, tangy notes and creamy texture.
- Flavor profile: Tangy, salty, sharp
- Texture: Soft, creamy, crumbly
- Common uses:
- Crumbled on salads (e.g., wedge salad)
- Used in dressings and dips
- Paired with fruits like pears and apples
- Spread on crackers or bread
For instance, popular varieties of blue cheese include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton. Therefore, people who enjoy stronger, more complex flavors often choose blue cheese.
4. Brie Cheese – The Creamy Delight
Brie is a soft, ripened cheese that originated in France. Brie, often called the ‘King of Cheeses’ for its creamy and luxurious texture, is one of the most iconic cheeses. Its white, bloomy rind adds an earthy flavor, and you can enjoy it along with the cheese.
- Flavor profile: Mild, slightly tangy, buttery
- Texture: Soft, creamy, spreadable
- Common uses:
- Paired with crackers and fruits
- Spread on baguettes or bread
- Melted in baked dishes or sandwiches
For this reason, Brie pairs well with sweet fruits, nuts, and fresh bread, making it ideal for serving on a cheese platter or as part of an appetizer.
5. Gouda Cheese – Sweet and Smooth
Gouda, originating from the Netherlands, offers a rich and creamy flavor. As Gouda ages, it transitions from mild to sharp, with older varieties offering a more intense, caramelized flavor.
- Flavor profile: Sweet, creamy, mild when young, more complex when aged
- Texture: Semi-hard, smooth, becomes crumbly when aged
- Common uses:
- Sliced in sandwiches
- Melted in casseroles and fondue
- Served on a cheese board
As a result, Gouda is a popular cheese for both casual snacking and sophisticated cooking.
6. Parmesan Cheese – The Hard Grating Cheese
Parmesan, also known as Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard cheese that originates from Italy. People commonly grate it over pasta dishes. Parmesan is aged for at least 12 months, which allows it to develop a granular texture and deep, nutty flavor.
- Flavor profile: Nutty, salty, slightly sweet
- Texture: Hard, granular, crumbly
- Common uses:
- Grated over pasta, soups, and risotto
- Eaten as shavings on salads
- Used as a topping for roasted vegetables
Additionally, you can explore different recipes using cheese, like the creative ways to enjoy cottage cheese. Learn more in this cottage cheese recipes guide.
7. Swiss Cheese – The Iconic Cheese with Holes
Swiss cheese offers a mild, nutty flavor and is famous for its distinctive holes, or “eyes.” Originating from Switzerland, it includes varieties like Emmental and Gruyère.
- Flavor profile: Mild, slightly sweet, nutty
- Texture: Semi-hard, elastic, and holey
- Common uses:
- Sandwiches (e.g., grilled cheese or Reuben sandwiches)
- Melting in fondue
- Added to casseroles or baked dishes
Since it melts so beautifully, Swiss cheese is perfect for various culinary applications.
How Different Cheese Varieties Stand Out
Although there are countless varieties of cheese, they differ based on a few key factors. For example:
- Aging process: Fresh cheeses like mozzarella and brie are soft and consumed within days or weeks. In contrast, aged cheeses like parmesan and gouda offer firmer and more complex textures.
- Milk used: Cheese can be made from different types of milk, such as cow’s milk (cheddar, gouda), sheep’s milk (Roquefort), and goat’s milk (chèvre).
- Texture: Cheese varieties can be soft, semi-soft, semi-hard, or hard, depending on their moisture content and aging process.
You may also find it fascinating to compare cheese to other versatile foods like chocolate. Discover the four types of chocolate and how each one brings its unique qualities to the table.
Popular Dishes Featuring Different Types of Cheese
Cheese plays an essential role in many global dishes. For example, here’s how people commonly use these seven types of cheese in popular recipes:
- Cheddar: Frequently used in macaroni and cheese, burgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Mozzarella: A staple in pizzas, lasagnas, and Caprese salads.
- Blue cheese: Commonly featured in salads, dips, and as a topping for steaks.
- Brie: Often served on cheese platters or baked into pastries.
- Gouda: Frequently included in sandwiches, fondues, and melted in casseroles.
- Parmesan: A favorite for grating over pasta, soups, and risotto.
- Swiss cheese: Known for melting beautifully in sandwiches, fondue, and gratins.
FAQs About Different Types of Cheese
What Are the Most Popular Types of Cheese?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan rank as some of the most widely consumed cheeses globally. Their versatility and flavor make them staples in many households.
Which Cheeses Are the Healthiest to Eat?
Cheeses like mozzarella and Swiss cheese are considered healthier due to their lower fat and sodium content. They provide good amounts of protein and calcium without adding excessive calories.
How Do I Properly Store Cheese?
To keep cheese fresh, wrap it in wax paper or cheese paper and store it in the refrigerator. Soft cheeses like brie and mozzarella should be kept in an airtight container to prevent drying out. On the other hand, hard cheeses like parmesan can be wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
Can I Substitute One Cheese for Another in Recipes?
Yes, many cheeses work as substitutes depending on the recipe. For instance, cheddar can often be replaced with Gouda or mozzarella, depending on the texture and flavor desired.
How Is Cheese Made?
Cheese production involves coagulating milk proteins, separating the curds from the whey, and shaping and aging the curds. The process varies depending on the type of cheese being produced. Additionally, aging and added ingredients (like molds or bacteria) contribute to the final flavor.
Is Cheese Vegan-Friendly?
Traditional cheese comes from dairy milk and is not vegan. However, many plant-based alternatives, made from nuts, soy, or other ingredients, are available for those following a vegan diet.
Can I Freeze Cheese Without Ruining Its Texture?
Yes, many hard and semi-hard cheeses like cheddar and Swiss can be frozen. However, they may become more crumbly after thawing. On the other hand, soft cheeses like brie or mozzarella typically don’t freeze well, as they may lose their creamy texture.
For more versatility in the kitchen, you might also want to discover different ways to incorporate cheese into your meals. Learn about the best ways to use cottage cheese in this guide on what to do with cottage cheese.
Conclusion
Cheese offers a beloved food option that comes in various textures, flavors, and uses. From the sharp tang of cheddar to the soft creaminess of brie, you can find a cheese to suit every palate and culinary need. Whether you’re looking to add richness to a dish or serve a gourmet cheese board, understanding the differences between these seven types of cheese will help you make the perfect choice for any occasion.
By learning the distinct characteristics of these cheeses, you can elevate your cooking and cheese experiences to a whole new level.