What To Know
- A creamy, buttery cheese with a mild flavor, perfect for pairing with fruit and crackers.
- A mild, processed cheese with a smooth, creamy texture, ideal for sandwiches and grilled cheese.
- Serve cheese on a cheese board with a variety of crackers, fruit, and nuts.
When it comes to stocking your snack bar with the perfect cheeses, the options can seem endless. From classic cheddar to creamy brie, each variety offers its own unique flavor and texture. To help you navigate the world of cheese and find the best options for your customers, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide.
Types of Cheese for Snack Bars
Hard Cheeses
- Cheddar: A versatile cheese with a nutty, sharp flavor, perfect for sandwiches and crackers.
- Swiss: A mild, nutty cheese with holes, ideal for salads and sandwiches.
- Parmesan: A hard, aged cheese with a salty, tangy flavor, great for grating over pasta and salads.
Soft Cheeses
- Brie: A creamy, buttery cheese with a mild flavor, perfect for pairing with fruit and crackers.
- Camembert: Similar to brie, but with a slightly stronger flavor and a bloomy rind.
- Feta: A crumbly, salty cheese made from sheep’s or goat’s milk, often used in salads and Mediterranean dishes.
Processed Cheeses
- American: A mild, processed cheese with a smooth, creamy texture, ideal for sandwiches and grilled cheese.
- Mozzarella: A soft, stretchy cheese made from cow’s milk, perfect for pizzas and salads.
- Cheddar Jack: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, offering a balance of sharp and mild flavors.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Cheese
- Flavor: Consider the flavors your customers prefer. Some cheeses are mild and versatile, while others have strong, distinctive flavors.
- Texture: Cheeses can range from soft and creamy to hard and crumbly. Choose a texture that complements the other snacks you offer.
- Pairing: Think about what other foods your cheese will be paired with. Some cheeses go well with fruit, while others are better suited for crackers or sandwiches.
- Price: Cheese can vary in price. Determine how much you’re willing to spend and choose cheeses that fit within your budget.
Best Cheese Options for Snack Bars
For Sandwiches
- Cheddar
- Swiss
- American
- Cheddar Jack
For Salads
- Feta
- Swiss
- Parmesan
- Mozzarella
For Crackers
- Brie
- Camembert
- Cheddar
- Parmesan
For Grilled Cheese
- American
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
- Provolone
Storing and Handling Cheese
- Store cheese in the refrigerator at 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wrap cheese tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
- Avoid storing cheese in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and cause mold.
- Let cheese come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance its flavor and texture.
Tips for Serving Cheese
- Serve cheese on a cheese board with a variety of crackers, fruit, and nuts.
- Pair different cheeses with complementary flavors, such as brie with fruit and cheddar with crackers.
- Cut cheese into small, bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: How long can I store cheese in the refrigerator?
A: Most cheeses can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks. However, some soft cheeses, such as brie and camembert, have a shorter shelf life of 1-2 weeks.
Q: Can I freeze cheese?
A: Yes, you can freeze cheese, but it will change the texture and flavor slightly. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and parmesan, freeze better than soft cheeses.
Q: How do I know if cheese is bad?
A: Signs of spoiled cheese include mold, discoloration, and an off smell. If you’re unsure, it’s best to discard the cheese.
