Muenster Cheese Fondue: A Delicious Melty Treat?

Muenster cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a mild flavour and a creamy texture. It is made from cow's milk and is known for its excellent melting qualities, making it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and pizza. But is it a good choice for fondue?

Fondue is a Swiss dish traditionally made with Alpine cheeses, white wine, kirsch, cornstarch, garlic, black pepper, and nutmeg. However, it lends itself well to experimentation, and many different types of cheese can be used. Muenster cheese, with its mild flavour and excellent melting properties, can be an excellent choice for fondue. Its smooth texture and mild taste make it a good base for stronger flavours, and it can be easily found in grocery stores. When melted, Muenster cheese becomes ultra-creamy, adding a rich and elegant touch to your fondue.

How does Muenster cheese taste?

Muenster cheese is a mild, semi-soft cheese with a smooth, creamy texture and a pale yellow or white colour. It has a distinctive orange rind, which is usually cut off before eating. The cheese is known for its excellent melting qualities, making it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, casseroles, and fondue.

Taste

Muenster cheese has a mild, slightly tangy, and buttery flavour. Some people may also detect a subtle sweetness or nuttiness, especially in aged versions of the cheese. The taste can vary depending on the brand and the ageing process, with younger cheeses having a milder flavour and older cheeses developing a stronger, more pungent aroma and taste.

Pairings

Muenster cheese pairs well with a variety of foods and drinks. It is often served with fruits like apples and grapes, and it goes well with beers and wines, especially those with fruity or crisp characteristics. The cheese's mild flavour and melting properties make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes or enjoyed on its own.

History

Muenster cheese has its origins in the Alsace region of France, where it was first created by Benedictine monks. The name "munster" comes from the word "monastery". The American version of Muenster cheese, which is milder and softer than its French counterpart, was introduced by German immigrants.

What is the history of Muenster cheese?

Muenster cheese, a mild-flavoured, semi-soft cheese with a pale yellow colour and orange rind, has a long and fascinating history. It is thought to have originated in the Alsace region of France, in the 7th century AD, when monks arrived in the Munster Valley in the Vosges mountains to spread their religion. These monks brought with them knowledge of cheese production, and the abundant milk supply from local cows grazing on the mountains' greenery provided the perfect opportunity to create a new variety of cheese.

The cheese was originally called "munster", derived from the word "monastery", and was developed as a way to store dairy and feed the local inhabitants. The firm rind of the cheese protected the softer inside, making it a long-lasting food source. Over time, the production and consumption of Muenster cheese likely helped to generate goodwill for the monks and their religious mission in the area.

Fast forward to the present day, and Muenster cheese is now made not just in France but also in other parts of the world, including the United States, Germany, and Scandinavia. The American version, "Muenster", is named after an Alsatian abbey in the Vosgian Mountains of France and is a milder imitation of the original French Munster cheese, which is made from unpasteurised cow's milk. The American variety is also softer, while the French Munster is known for its stronger, more assertive flavour.

In 1969, Muenster earned a protected designation of origin in France, ensuring that it continues to be made using traditional methods in and around the Munster region. This ancient cheese has truly stood the test of time and remains a beloved food item in both its native France and its adopted home, America.

How is Muenster cheese made?

Muenster cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a mild flavour and a smooth, creamy texture. It is made from cow's milk or goat's milk and is known for its excellent melting qualities. The cheese originated in the Alsace region of France but is now also produced in the United States and Germany.

To make Muenster cheese, start by warming the milk to 32 degrees Celsius if using cow's milk or 31 degrees Celsius if using goat's milk. If using store-bought milk, dissolve calcium chloride in water and stir it into the milk. Next, dissolve the starter culture in water and add it to the milk, stirring gently before setting it aside to ripen for 15 minutes. You can add colouring at this stage if desired.

The next step is to dissolve or dilute the rennet in water, add it to the milk, and stir gently but thoroughly. Set this aside for 45 minutes or until you achieve a good curd break. Once you have a clean break, cut the curd into diamonds and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Gently heat the curds to 38 degrees Celsius for cow's milk or 37 degrees Celsius for goat's milk, raising the temperature by 1 degree Celsius every five minutes. This process will take around 25 minutes, and you should stir the mixture occasionally with a ladle to prevent the curds from matting. Maintain this temperature for about 30 minutes, continuing to stir gently every few minutes.

Next, sterilise a small Camembert-type cheese mould, drain, and place the mould on a mat. Allow the curds to settle for 5 minutes, then drain off the whey and ladle the curds into the mould. Place a second mat on top of the curds to create a "sandwich". Let this drain for 30 minutes, then flip the "sandwich" and place it back down. Repeat this step five more times at 20-minute intervals.

Let the cheese rest at room temperature for 12 hours, then make a saturated salt brine and cool it in the fridge. Float the cheese in the brine for 12 hours, turning it every 2 hours to ensure even rind development. Remove the cheese, pat it dry, and place it on a clean mat.

Dilute B Linens in cool, sterile water and place it in an atomizer or mister. Lightly spray the surface of the cheese, then flip and spray the other side. The cheese ripening process then begins, and it is divided into two phases. For the first phase, ripen the cheese at 16 degrees Celsius and 90-95% humidity for 1-2 weeks, wiping it down with a brine solution every second day.

For the second phase, you have three options. You can seal the cheese with wax or place it in a vacuum bag and age it for a minimum of 45 days at 10 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, you can continue ageing the cheese at the same temperature and humidity as phase 1, wiping it down with a brine-soaked cloth every third day. Your third option is to wipe the cheese down with sweetish German white wine every third day during ageing.

Muenster cheese is a versatile and delicious addition to many dishes, and its mild flavour and excellent melting properties make it a popular choice for sandwiches, grilled cheese, casseroles, and fondue.

How long does Muenster cheese last?

Muenster cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a mild flavour and a creamy texture. It is made from cow's milk and is commonly produced in Germany, France and the United States.

The length of time that Muenster cheese lasts depends on how it is stored. To maximise its shelf life, wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil. For even better results, first wrap the cheese in wax or parchment paper and then cover it with plastic wrap before refrigerating.

Muenster cheese will last for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. To further extend its shelf life, you can freeze it. To freeze Muenster cheese, cut the cheese into portions no larger than half a pound each, and wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place them inside a heavy-duty freezer bag.

Properly stored, Muenster cheese will maintain its best quality for about 2 months in the freezer, but it will remain safe to consume beyond that time. Frozen cheese may become crumbly and lose some of its flavour, so it is best suited for cooked dishes, such as sauces, soups and casseroles.

Muenster cheese is known for its excellent melting properties, making it a great choice for fondue. Its mild flavour and smooth, creamy texture also make it a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or with fruits and crackers.

What are some recipes that use Muenster cheese?

Muenster cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Its mild flavour and excellent melting properties make it a popular choice for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, tuna melts, quesadillas, cheeseburgers, macaroni and cheese, and pizza. It can also be served as an appetizer or used in a fondue.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Muenster cheese is an excellent choice for a grilled cheese sandwich due to its melting properties. Simply place a slice of Muenster cheese on your favourite bread, grill it until the cheese is melted, and enjoy!

Macaroni and Cheese

Muenster cheese can be a great addition to macaroni and cheese. Its mild flavour and melting properties will create a creamy and delicious dish.

Pizza

Muenster cheese can be used as a topping for pizza. Its mild flavour and melting properties will complement the other ingredients without overpowering them.

Fondue

Muenster cheese is perfect for fondue due to its excellent melting properties. It can be combined with other cheeses, such as Swiss cheese, cheddar, or Alpine cheeses, to create a delicious and creamy fondue.

Baked Potato

For a delicious baked potato, cut open a baked potato and grate some Muenster cheese into it. Let it melt slightly before enjoying. The creaminess of the cheese will pair perfectly with the potato.

Scalloped Potatoes

Add some Muenster cheese to your scalloped potatoes for an extra creamy and flavourful dish. The mild flavour of the cheese will complement the potatoes without overpowering them.

Sandwiches

Muenster cheese is a great choice for sandwiches, as its slightly salty nature adds both texture and seasoning. Try it with ham or turkey and your favourite salad ingredients.

Burgers

Add a slice of Muenster cheese to your burger while it's still on the grill. The cheese will melt and add a creamy, tangy flavour to your burger.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuff some glorious mushrooms with Muenster cheese for a delicious appetizer or side dish. The cheese will melt and blend perfectly with the mushrooms.

Tuna Melts

Muenster cheese is a great choice for tuna melts. Its mild flavour and melting properties will create a delicious and creamy sandwich.

In conclusion, Muenster cheese is a versatile and popular ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Its mild flavour, creamy texture, and excellent melting properties make it a great choice for dishes that require cheese.

Frequently asked questions