Soft cheeses are not only some of the easiest cheeses to make at home, they are also super versatile cultured foods. Just a few minutes of prep and a few hours of setting and draining can produce some pretty amazing soft cheeses that can be used with virtually any meal. And the added bonus of probiotics makes soft cheese hard to resist!
Here are just a few ways that soft cheese can spruce up mealtimes...
USE SOFT CHEESE AT BREAKFAST
- Use soft cheese and fresh herbs to top scrambled eggs.
- Top waffles or pancakes with soft cheese and fresh fruit. Or try this Gluten-free Pancake Recipe using cottage cheese in the pancake batter!
- Reduce draining time to make a cheese that is slightly thicker than yogurt and stir in fresh fruit, jam, or juice. Use it as a delicious bagel or toast spread.
ADD SOFT CHEESE TO LUNCH
- Use soft cheese in place of sliced cheese in sandwiches, or, if it is soft enough, even in place of mayonnaise!
- Toss in basil, oregano, thyme, or herbs de Provence, sea saltand black pepper, and serve with warm French bread, for a great addition to pasta.
- Press for a few hours, making a firmer round cheese, then slice it up and serve it with crackers, sliced fermented sausages, cultured vegetables, and hummus for a completely cultured finger-food meal.
- Cut up fresh vegetables or even ham pieces and stir them in or dip them into soft or semi-soft cheese to make a delicious, probiotic-filled lunch.
- Use it as a cracker spread, like in this recipe for Herbed Chèvre Spread, adding any herbs or seasonings you like.
ENJOY SOFT CHEESE AT DINNER
- Drain an extra hour or two, and use soft cheese to cover or fill a casserole or lasagna, or try these recipes: Southwest Lasagna with Queso Blanco or Turkey and Queso Blanco Enchiladas.
- Use it as a filling for tostadas, egg rolls, or even ravioli!
Homemade soft cheese goes well with so many flavors. Choose your favorite Soft Cheese Recipe from our extensive list, and browse our Recipes Using Cheese for menu ideas today!
