Jarlsberg Cheese Fondue: A Vegetarian Delight?

Jarlsberg is a mild, semi-soft cheese made from cow's milk. It is famous for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste and large, round holes. It is a versatile cheese, used in everything from sandwiches to salads to grilled cheese. But is it vegetarian?

Cheese is often included in vegetarian diets because it is an animal product that can be harvested without harming the animal. However, some cheeses contain rennet, an animal enzyme derived from the stomach of cows and goats, which is not vegetarian. Rennet is traditionally used to coagulate and solidify cheese, and many popular cheeses, including Parmesan and Cheddar, are made with it.

So, is Jarlsberg cheese fondue vegetarian?

How to make Jarlsberg cheese fondue

Fondue is a quintessential Swiss dish that is perfect for dinner parties or as an appetizer. It's easy to make, with just a few essential ingredients, and is a fun and interactive way to enjoy food with family and friends. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious Jarlsberg cheese fondue.

Ingredients:

• 600g of Jarlsberg cheese, grated
• 1 loaf of French bread, unsliced
• White wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• Milk
• Shaved truffles (optional)
• Vegetables, meat, fish, or seafood for dipping

Utensils:

• Small bowl or large plastic bag
• Fondue pot (optional)
• Saucepan
• Grater
• Whisk

Instructions:

• Cut the top off the loaf of French bread and scoop out the insides to create a bowl.
• Roast the bread bowl at 150°C in the oven until it is crunchy, turning it occasionally to ensure even roasting.
• Grate the Jarlsberg cheese into a small bowl and toss it with cornstarch (optional but helps prevent the cheese from separating).
• In a saucepan, boil the white wine and milk together.
• Slowly whisk in the grated cheese to create a smooth sauce.
• Pour the cheese fondue into the bread bowl or a fondue pot.
• Dip your chosen foods into the fondue and enjoy!

Tips:

• Keep the fondue warm to maintain its creamy consistency.
• If not using a fondue pot, serve the fondue in any bowl and enjoy immediately as it will re-solidify at room temperature.
• For a more intense flavour, try adding garlic powder, ground mustard, or a hint of nutmeg to the fondue.
• Experiment with different dippers such as bread, apples, vegetables, or boiled baby potatoes.

What to serve with Jarlsberg cheese fondue

Jarlsberg cheese fondue is a delicious, creamy treat, and there are many options for what to serve with it. The most common pairing is bread—typically French bread, sourdough, rye, or pumpernickel—cut into cubes for dipping. However, there are many other options to consider, from the savoury to the sweet.

Savoury options

For a savoury spin on this dish, you can dip veggies of your choice. You can also serve the fondue in a bread bowl: cut the top off a loaf of French bread, scoop out the insides, roast it in the oven, and pour the fondue into the bread bowl. You can also add meat, fish, or seafood to dip into the fondue.

Sweet options

If you have more of a sweet tooth, you can dip fruit of your choice into the fondue. Sliced pears are a popular option, but you can also try apples or any other fruit you think would pair well with the fondue.

The history of Jarlsberg cheese

Under the supervision of Professor Ystgaard, his students conducted cheesemaking experiments, adding bacterial culture to cheese milk. Initially, they attempted to use the cheese-making technique for producing Emmental cheese, but this was not successful. Eventually, they were able to produce good-quality cheese using the Research Dairy's cheese vats. These experiments led to the creation of the famous Jarlsberg holes, as the bacteria metabolism caused large holes to form when added to Gouda cheese.

The studies at the Dairy Institute also led to the development of adding bacterial culture and making it work on a larger scale, which became possible after the completion of the trial cheesemaking facility in 1956. The cheese was first sold at the Research Dairy's shop as "Research cheese" and then as "Extra cheese". The name "Jarlsberg" was sanctioned by the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture in 1957, though the exact origins of the name remain a mystery.

The recipe for Jarlsberg cheese is based on a secret Norwegian recipe from 1956, and only a handful of people know the full details of its creation. The cheese is produced in Norway, as well as in Ireland and the US state of Ohio, by licensed dairy producers. It is classified as a Swiss-type cheese and is known for its mild, nutty flavour and characteristic holes or "eyes".

The nutritional value of Jarlsberg cheese

Jarlsberg cheese is a semi-soft, semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It is naturally lactose-free and suitable for vegetarians. The cheese is aged for at least three months, and it is also possible to find older varieties of Jarlsberg with an ageing process of 12 months or more. The cheese has a mild, sweet, and nutty flavour and is known for its large round holes.

Jarlsberg is an excellent source of calcium and protein. It also contains significant amounts of vitamin K2, which is thought to play a protective role in bone and cardiovascular health. In addition, Jarlsberg provides a broad range of other nutrients, including various B vitamins.

The original variety of Jarlsberg has a fat content of 27%, while the Lite variety has a lower fat content of 16%. The Reserve (premium) variety of Jarlsberg has a longer ageing time and a stronger, more tangy flavour. A hickory-smoked version of Jarlsberg is also available, offering the same mild and tasty flavour with an added smoky taste.

Jarlsberg is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways. It can be eaten on its own as a snack, used in sandwiches, salads, or on a cheese platter. It is also a good choice for making dips, fondues, quiches, and gratin-style dishes due to its mild flavour and melting properties.

Other vegetarian dishes with Jarlsberg cheese

Yes, you can definitely make a vegetarian fondue with Jarlsberg cheese. The cheese is suitable for vegetarians and is a great option for those who don't like the classic bite of fondue as it is a bit milder. Here are some other vegetarian dishes you can make with Jarlsberg cheese:

Fettucine with Spinach and Jarlsberg®

A delicious and healthy option, this dish combines the cheese with iron-rich spinach and fettuccine pasta.

Vegetarian Pizza Bianca with Jarlsberg®

A tasty and simple vegetarian pizza option, where the cheese takes centre stage.

Chili sin Carne with Jarlsberg®

A vegetarian take on the classic chili con carne, this dish is sure to be a comforting and satisfying meal.

Lasagna with Jarlsberg®

A comforting, hearty dish, this lasagna uses Jarlsberg® for a unique flavour.

Grilled Zucchini and Jarlsberg® Salad

A refreshing salad with grilled zucchini and Jarlsberg cheese, this dish is perfect for a summer day.

Jarlsberg® Spring Vegetable Risotto

A creamy and flavourful risotto with spring vegetables and Jarlsberg cheese.

Mac 'n' Cheese with Jarlsberg®

A classic comfort food with a twist, this mac 'n' cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Bruschetta with Jarlsberg® and Strawberries

A unique combination of sweet and savoury, this bruschetta makes for a delicious appetiser or light meal.

Cheesy Crêpes with Jarlsberg®

These savoury crêpes are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and are sure to satisfy any cheese lover.

Grilled Cheese with Jarlsberg®

The ultimate comfort food, this grilled cheese sandwich is made even better with the addition of Jarlsberg cheese.

Sourdough Bread Filled with Jarlsberg®

A simple yet satisfying dish, this sourdough bread filled with melted Jarlsberg cheese is perfect for dipping into soups or enjoying as a snack.

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