Bread Cheese: The Delicious Cheese You Haven't Discovered Yet

What Is Bread Cheese?

Inspired by the Finnish cheese juustolepä, bread cheese is naturally grain and gluten-free. It features a bread-like texture with a crispy, toasted outside and a smooth, creamy center.

Though bread cheese is best enjoyed warm, don't expect it to melt like other semi-soft cheeses. It retains its firm texture, much like halloumi or paneer. Its flavor is mild with a salty edge, making it a versatile pairing for various dishes.

Traditionally made from raw reindeer milk and cooked in a wood-fired oven, Finnish bread cheese is hard to find in the U.S. To bring this treat stateside, Wisconsin's Sid Cook, a Master Cheesemaker at Carr Valley, created a cow's milk version using a modern production method.

Experience the Craft

Cook's method involves pasteurizing the milk, followed by heating the cheese itself. The surface develops a crisp, golden-brown pattern, similar to well-baked pizza cheese. This effect is achieved in an impinger oven, a conveyor-belt toaster typically used for pizzas or toasted sandwiches.

"We expose it to high heat for a brief period to brown the cheese, but maintain an internal temperature of 170 degrees," Cook explains. Afterward, the cheese is cooled and packaged.

While there are other cheeses that resemble it, Carr Valley holds the trademark for "bread cheese," distinguishing its unique process and distinctive flavor.

Bread cheese is incredibly versatile, pairing well with both sweet and savory dishes. In Finland, it's even enjoyed with coffee for breakfast! For an elegant snack or charcuterie board addition, try it with honey, jam, tapenade, or chutney.

Carr Valley offers a variety of bread cheese flavors, including jalapeno, bacon, garlic, and pizza—something to suit every taste.

How to Prepare Bread Cheese

Bread cheese can be cooked in several ways, from microwaving to deep-frying. Here are the methods recommended by Cook:

Microwave: The quickest way to enjoy bread cheese—perfect for a fast snack. Simply heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds and enjoy.

Skillet: Cut the bread cheese into small cubes and sauté until each side is golden and crispy. Serve as is or with a side of pesto for dipping.

Grill: Place a piece of bread cheese on lightly oiled grill grates for a few minutes per side to achieve a rich, smoky flavor.

Deep fryer: Bread cheese crisps up perfectly without the need for batter, making it an excellent choice for those following Keto or low-carb diets.

Ideal Pairings

Once your bread cheese is warm, you can enjoy it on its own or use it as a dipper. Garlic bread cheese pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce, while a drizzle of maple syrup on bacon bread cheese creates a savory-sweet breakfast treat. Its firm texture also makes bread cheese perfect for kabobs or as a topping for sandwiches. Toss it into a watermelon salad, add it to your next charcuterie board, or cube it up for tacos.

Pair bread cheese with a glass of white wine, a cold beer, or follow the Finnish tradition and enjoy it with coffee.