An idea I’ve been keeping to myself: having cheese in your fridge means you’re already partway to dinner. Pair cheese with two other items for a complete meal. For a quick pasta dish, add noodles and peas or your favorite frozen green vegetable. Enjoy a grilled cheese with a side of soup by pairing bread with a can of soup. A generous serving of cheese, apples, and crackers can make a satisfying snack dinner. And having good cheese in your fridge means you can entertain guests at a moment’s notice. Quality cheese can make guests forget about any other missing essentials.
Though I always want cheese on hand, I struggle with choices in the cheese section at the store. To make informed decisions and enhance my meals, I sought the help of an expert. Madelyn Varela, a full-time cheesemonger and former cheesemaker known for her detailed insights on cheese, offers recommendations for cheese varieties and how to pair them with unexpected snacks.
Varela, at just 24 years old, shares her top three essential cheeses that she always keeps in her fridge.
Parmigiano Reggiano, a hard, aged cow’s milk cheese from Italy, is known for its nutty, umami-rich, salty, and sharp flavor. It is considered one of the most recognizable cheeses globally and is a staple in Italian cuisine. True Parmigiano Reggiano is aged for at least 12 months and must meet strict quality standards. It can be used for various dishes and adds a kick of flavor to any meal.
Drunken Goat is another cheese recommended by Varela. While less known than Parmigiano Reggiano, it offers a unique taste experience.
“Drunken Goat is a goat cheese from Spain that has been aged and soaked in Spanish red wine. If you enjoy hosting impromptu girls’ nights like me, it’s a great option to have on hand as a pretty and delicious snack to serve. Check out Varela’s Instagram or TikTok for more content featuring Drunken Goat, as she often showcases it in her videos. This semi-firm cheese has a mild, milky, and slightly herbaceous flavor, as described by Varela. Its vibrant red outer coating reflects its unique preparation method, and it pairs well with hard-aged chorizo and a fruity Spanish red wine.
Gruyère is a must-have cheese known for its melting qualities, distinct from the usual cheddar choice. This hard Alpine cheese is made from cow’s milk and aged for at least six months, boasting a nutty profile with grassy notes in its younger form and more complex earthy flavors as it matures. Often used in dishes like French onion soup and croque monsieur, Gruyère is praised by Varela for its versatility in cooking, enhancing dishes like mac and cheese, quiches, mashed potatoes, grilled cheese, and more. Additionally, its low-moisture content allows it to last longer in the fridge, remaining fresh for up to a month after opening.”
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