Hey there! If you’ve got a cheese knife set at home, you might be wondering what each knife is actually meant for. Well, just like chefs use different types of knives to work more efficiently, each cheese knife has a specific purpose to enhance your experience.
We’ve put together a handy guide on how to use cheese knives and help you choose the right one for the cheeses you plan to serve. So, let’s dive in and make those cheese-slicing tasks a piece of cake!
Contents
Types of Cheese Knives
Before you know how to use cheese knives, it’s important to differentiate the types of cheese knives. It’s important to remember that each cheese knife on your board has a specific purpose and works best with a particular type of cheese. Using the right knife for the job ensures a great cheese experience.
So, let’s take a look at some common cheese knives, categorized from soft cheese knives to hard cheese knives. We’ll explore their uses and suggest some cheeses that pair well with them. Get ready for some delicious cheese and the perfect knives to match!
Gorgonzola Knife
Gorgonzola cheese knife is perfect for spreading creamy cheeses like Gorgonzola or Bleu Cheese. Its rounded blade provides just the right shape and flexibility for this purpose. Gorgonzola knife is equipped with a sharp edge, specifically meant for cutting through cheese rinds. This feature allows you to effortlessly slice through the outer layer of softer, semi-soft, and crumbly cheeses. So, whether you’re spreading delectable cheese or neatly cutting through rinds, the Gorgonzola cheese knife has got you covered!
Soft Cheese Knife
Soft cheese knife, also known as the open work blade knife is best for handling soft to semi-soft cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Fresh Mozzarella. What makes it unique is the presence of holes in the blade. So, with its sharp edge and ingenious hole design, the soft cheese knife makes handling and enjoying those delicate, creamy cheeses a breeze!
Cheese Spreader
Cheese spreader, also known as the spatula knife is best for applying cheese spreads and creamy, spreadable cheeses onto bread and crackers. Its features include a dull edge and a rounded blade. The dull edge ensures that you can easily spread the cheese without tearing delicate bread or crackers. The rounded blade provides a smooth and even application of the cheese. When it comes to cheese hardness, the cheese spreader is ideal for soft cheeses.
How To Use Cheese Knives
Let’s begin with the ‘how’ part. How, indeed, does one use the myriad of cheese knives, each of which seems to have a personality of its own?
Cutting Soft Cheese
When it comes to soft cheese, the knife’s architecture matters. A flat cheese knife typically features holes in the blade to prevent cheese from sticking. To use it, slice it into the cheese with a smooth, even pressure. You’d be surprised at the satisfaction of a perfect cut.
Spreading Soft Cheese
Cheese spreaders, like the reliable friends you turn to when comfort is needed, are ideal for soft, spreadable cheeses like Brie. Their wide, rounded blade allows for a seamless spread. Just scoop and smear, and your cracker is ready for its delicious mantle.
Slicing Semi-Soft And Hard Cheese
For semi-soft to hard cheeses, a cheese plane or a narrow, straight-edged hard cheese knife will do the trick. Akin to the cut of a surgeon, draw the knife through the cheese in a single, steady motion.
Chopping Hard And Crumbly Cheese
Crumbly cheese, such as Parmesan, can be a challenge. Fear not, for there’s a tool designed just for this task! The spade knife, with its sturdy, thick blade, is perfect for chipping away at hard cheeses. Remember, chop, don’t saw.
Serving Blue Cheese
And then we have blue cheese – the tantalizingly pungent character on the cheese board. A narrow, pronged cheese knife is perfect for such a role, allowing you to slice and serve without crushing the delicate veining.
Best Practices In Using Cheese Knives
Now that we’ve got the basics down let’s dive into some best practices. After all, the technique can make all the difference between an amateur cutting cheese slicer and a connoisseur.
Knife Safety
As with all sharp objects, safety comes first. It doesn’t matter you have experience to use cheese knives or not, safety is always important.
Handling Tips
Always grip the cheese fork by the handle, not the blade, keeping your fingers clear of the cutting edge. When passing a knife, offer the handle first. It sounds basic, but a friendly reminder never hurts.
Cutting Techniques
Each cheese has its own personality, so the cutting technique differs. Hard cheeses should be sliced from the edge, soft ones cut in half, and so forth. Remember, slow and steady wins the race, ensuring clean cuts and minimal wastage.
Cheese Preservation
Now, let’s talk about preserving that delectable wheel of joy. Preserving cheese is always important when it comes to use cheese knives to cut the cheese.
Cutting Method Impacts
The way you cut your cheese can impact its shelf life. Cut cheese into small pieces only as needed, and try to minimize the cheese’s exposure to air to prevent drying out. A cheese wire can be especially useful for this purpose.
After-cut Care
After cutting, wrap the cheese in wax paper or specialty cheese paper, and store it in the vegetable compartment of your refrigerator. This allows the cheese to breathe, maintaining its flavor and texture.
Serving Etiquette
Finally, let’s delve into the dos and don’ts of serving cheese.
Placement of Knives
Each cheese should have its own knife to prevent flavors from mixing. You should use cheese knives on the right place. The knives should be placed on the cheese board with the handles pointing towards the edge for easy access.
Serving Order
Serve cheese in a specific order – from the mildest to the most robust. This allows the palate to appreciate the complexity of each cheese without being overwhelmed by stronger flavors first.
How do you use a cheese cutter?
Using a cheese cutter is a simple process that involves slicing through blocks of cheese to create even and manageable portions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a cheese cutter:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Cheese cutter (wire-style or roller-style)
- Block of cheese
- Cutting board or clean surface
Steps:
- Select the Cheese Cutter:
Choose between a wire-style or roller-style cheese cutter. Wire-style cutters have a tensioned wire that you use to slice through the cheese, while roller-style cutters have a wheel or roller that you roll over the cheese to cut it. - Prepare the Cheese:
Place the block of cheese on a cutting board or a clean, stable surface. Make sure the cheese is at room temperature or slightly chilled for easier cutting. - Adjust the Cheese Cutter (if needed):
If you’re using a wire-style cutter, ensure that the wire is properly tightened and positioned. For roller-style cutters, make sure the cutting wheel is clean and ready to use. - Position the Cutter:
Place the cheese cutter at the edge of the cheese block where you want to start slicing. Make sure the wire or roller is aligned with where you want to make the cut. - Apply Even Pressure:
With a wire-style cutter, gently press down on the handle while pulling it across the cheese. The wire should slice through the cheese smoothly. If using a roller-style cutter, press down and roll the cutter along the cheese to create a slice. - Continue Slicing:
Keep slicing by either moving the wire-style cutter across the cheese or rolling the roller-style cutter along the surface. Maintain a steady and even pressure to create consistent slices. - Adjust Thickness (Optional):
If your cheese cutter allows for adjustable thickness, you can modify the setting to get thinner or thicker slices, depending on your preference. - Repeat as Needed:
Continue using the cheese cutter to create as many slices as you need for your purpose. - Clean the Cheese Cutter:
After using the cutter, make sure to clean it thoroughly to remove any cheese residue. This will help maintain the cutter’s effectiveness and prevent any transfer of flavors between different types of cheese. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once you have your desired slices, transfer them to a serving platter, sandwich, or dish. Your sliced cheese is now ready to be enjoyed!
Remember, the specific steps might vary slightly depending on the type of cheese cutter you have, so it’s a good idea to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re unsure.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a comprehensive guide on how to use cheese knives. Armed with this knowledge, you are well-equipped to create a cheese-tasting experience that’s a cut above the rest. So, go forth, dear reader, and let your cheese adventure begin!
From handling the right knife to serving with flair, remember that the journey is as delightful as the cheese itself. After all, isn’t that what savoring good cheese is all about?
