How To Melt Gouda Cheese

Melt Gouda Cheese

Gouda cheese is well known for its aromatic and caramel like taste. This type of cheese is made from cow’s milk. Gouda cheese is believed to have originated in the Netherlands. This type of cheese can come as pasteurized or unpasteurized. Unlike other types of cheeses, Gouda cheese is fairly easy to melt. This semi hard cheese requires mild heat to melt and a little bit of patience. You can melt gouda cheese in the microwave oven, using the double boiler, over the stove or in the oven.

Contents

The Double Boiler Method of Melting Gouda Cheese

What you will need

  • A double boiler
  • Spatula
  • Gouda cheese

The double boiler method is one effective way to melt Gouda cheese. All you need is some water, the double boiler and your cheese. Heat up some water in the bottom pan of the double boiler. Slice your cheese and place it in the top pan of the double boiler. The hot water inside the bottom part will warm up your Gouda cheese. Make sure to stir the Gouda cheese as it melts to prevent sticking on the bottom of your pot. You can melt the cheese for 15 to 20 minutes depending on the quantity of cheese you are melting. When you get your desired results use the cheese as soon as possible before it hardens. It is important to set your stove to medium to low heat especially if you are warming up a small portion of Gouda cheese. High heat may cause the cheese to stick to the sides of your pan or pot. If you would like to add some flavor to your Gouda cheese you can add some white wine, lemon juice or any other flavored liquid inside the bottom pan of the double boiler for taste. You can pair Gouda cheese with Dutch beer, white or red wines. It is important to note that Gouda cheese will not taste like fondue since the traditional Gouda usually contains lemon juice, brandy or some white wine.

Using the double boiler will help you prevent the Gouda cheese from sticking or burning plus you can warm up a significant amount of cheese. The downside with a double boiler is that it takes a bit of time but the method is effective.

The Stove Top Method of Melting Gouda Cheese

If you do not have a double boiler you can still melt your gouda cheese in a similar fashion. What you need to do is to imitate the setup of a double boiler by making use of a smaller pan or a glass jar. The process is just the same as using a double boiler. Simply slice your cheese and put it in the smaller pan or glass jar. Heat up your water in the bigger pot and place the glass jar or small pan, with the cheese inside it, into the bigger pot. Let your pot warm up for 15 to 20 minutes. Ensure that you stir the cheese during the melting process for best results.

The Microwave Method

Another effective way to melt Gouda cheese is using the microwave. What you will need;

  • The Microwave Oven
  • Microwave safe bowl
  • Gouda Cheese
  • Some Butter

First, slice your Gouda cheese and place it in the microwave safe dish and cover it with a lid. Covering the microwave safe dish with a lid will help you prevent the cheese from splattering. As the cheese melts it can release oils and fats that can cause the cheese to spatter. A lid will also protect you from staining your clothes and in worse situations burn you. Apart from that, a lid will keep the heat in and help your cheese melt evenly. This is important especially when melting Gouda cheese since it can be a bit difficult to melt over the other types of cheese. Another option would be to use a vented cover if you do not have a lid. A vented cover will make it possible for air to circulate. This is necessary for the cheese to melt evenly. Also, the vented cover will help prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. You may want to add some butter to your cheese before putting your Gouda cheese in the microwave. You can place your Gouda cheese in the microwave at medium to low heat. Start by melting the cheese for half a minute and check to see if it has melted. Make sure you melt it every 10 to 20 seconds to prevent bubbling. The moment you notice any bubbles or sounds of bubbling take out the cheese to prevent it from getting tough or rubbery. Whenever you take out the cheese, make sure that you rotate it or mix it to prevent hot spots. When done melting your Gouda cheese you can let it cool for a bit before you use it for your meal.

The Oven Method of Melting Gouda Cheese

Another effective way to melt Gouda cheese is in the oven. You will need;

  • Oven safe bowl
  • Gouda cheese
  • Oven

When using the oven, always start by preheating it. You can leave your Gouda cheese to cool on the counter especially if it was frozen. Preheating the oven will prevent the cheese from melting unevenly. A cold oven will dry out the cheese before it melts properly. For effective results, consider slicing the cheese into thin slices. That way it is much easier to melt the cheese and to spread it over as a topping. After defrosting the cheese and slicing it, you can then put it in the pre heated oven and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes on low heat. Make sure that you keep an eye on your cheese. Once the moisture in the cheese has completely evaporated it will burn the cheese and turn it brown fairly quickly so you must keep an eye on your cheese.

The oven method although effective is not always best for melting Gouda cheese unless you are baking a dish that includes the cheese in the recipe. Consider melting Gouda cheese in the microwave or over the stove top with a double boiler because the risk of burning is much lower compared to the oven.

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