What is Truffle Cheese?
Truffle cheese is a luscious and extravagant delicacy that marries the tangy, nutty notes of premium cheese with the sumptuous, earthy essence of truffles. The cheese undergoes a process of infusion with truffle flavor, resulting in a versatile ingredient that can be deployed to enrich a range of dishes with its multifaceted character.
The intricate interplay of flavors offers a wealth of culinary opportunities, whether it be the perfect complement to a charcuterie board, a delightful addition to a pasta dish, or a scrumptious topping on a burger. With its depth and complexity, truffle cheese is a decadent indulgence that is sure to leave an impression on the most discerning palates.
origin
In the late 18th century in France, truffles were as abundant as cheese-making was an established tradition. It was here that the culinary world witnessed a match made in heaven: the union of truffles and cheese. This dynamic duo quickly became the talk of the town, and truffle cheese became the go-to delicacy for the French aristocracy.
Initially, truffle cheese was made by placing fresh truffles inside a cheese wheel and waiting for the flavors to meld together over time. A process so expensive and time-consuming, only the wealthiest members of society could afford to indulge in this divine delicacy.
Fast forward to the early 20th century, and a new technique arose allowing for the infusion of truffle flavor into cheese without the need for fresh truffles. This involved adding fresh shavings or infused oil to the cheese during the cheese-making process, resulting in an explosion of flavor.
Today, truffle cheese is enjoyed all around the world, with a wide variety of cheese types used as a base. From traditional French cheeses like Brie and Camembert to Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano, to Spanish Manchego, and even American cheddar.
types of truffle cheese
There are many different types of this cheese available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are some of the most popular types:
- truffle brie: soft and creamy; perfect for spreading on crackers or bread
- truffle cheddar: sharp and nutty; grate over pasta or grill in a sandwich
- truffle gouda: semi-hard with a rich, buttery flavor
- truffle pecorino: hard and salty; grate over pasta or use in a salad
how to cook with it
Truffle cheese can be used in a variety of dishes to add a rich, earthy flavor and aroma. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- grate it over a simple pasta dish for a decadent twist.
- serve on a charcuterie board alongside cured meats and olives
- use in a grilled cheese sandwich for an indulgent lunch
- grate on top of scrambled eggs or an omelet for a gourmet breakfast
- melt on top of a burger or a piece of grilled chicken for a restaurant-quality meal
where to buy truffle cheese
You can find high-quality cheeses infused with real truffles at your local cheesemonger, gourmet markets, or online retailers. Here are a few brands that are worth the price:
