What is Soft Cheese? A Comprehensive Guide
Soft cheese is a high-moisture cheese with a soft, creamy or spreadable texture. It may be fresh or briefly ripened and includes styles such as Brie, cream cheese, ricotta, feta and washed-rind cheese. This guide explains the main types, how they are made, and how to serve and store them.
Unlike firm, long-aged hard cheeses, many soft cheeses retain more moisture and are sold fresh or after a shorter ripening period. Their textures can range from light and crumbly to silky and spoonable, making them useful on cheeseboards, in sauces and in both savoury and sweet recipes.
Types of Soft Cheese
- Cream Cheese: Creamy and mild, cream cheese is a beloved spread for bagels, a key ingredient in cheesecakes, and a versatile addition to both savoury and sweet dishes. We love a crowdie!
- Triple Cream Cheese: For those seeking ultimate indulgence, triple cream varieties like Délice de Bourgogne take richness to another level. With their velvety texture and luxurious mouthfeel, these are the soft cheeses for special occasions.
- Brie or similar: Brie cheese is renowned for its edible white rind and creamy interior. It’s perfect for pairing with fruits, nuts, or crusty bread. Our Brie de Meaux is a classic French example, whilst Baron Bigod showcases British cheesemaking at its finest!
- British Soft Cheeses: British cheesemakers have perfected their own takes on continental classics. Waterloo offers a gorgeously buttery, creamy experience with its distinctive character from Guernsey cows.
- Washed Rind: Similar to Brie, boasting a soft, creamy interior with additional funk from brining or alcohol washing. Our favourites are Langres or Maida Vale!
- Ricotta: Ricotta cheese is a fresh, Italian cheese with a delicate flavour. It’s commonly used in lasagna, stuffed pasta, and desserts like cannoli.
- Feta: Feta cheese has a crumbly texture and tangy taste, making it an excellent choice for salads, Mediterranean dishes, and bruschettas.
How Soft Cheese Is Made
Soft cheese is made using a relatively straightforward process. The basic steps include:
- Acidification: The milk is heated and inoculated with starter cultures to promote acidification.
- Coagulation: Rennet is added to the milk, causing it to curdle and form curds.
- Draining: The curds are separated from the whey, and the curds are left to drain, which helps create the desired creamy texture.
- Salting: Salt may be added for flavour and to aid in preservation.
The time required for making soft cheese can vary depending on the specific type, but it typically takes a few hours to a few days…
Ways to Use Soft Cheese
Soft cheese’s versatility shines through in its culinary applications:
- Cheeseboards: Soft cheeses are perfect for cheese boards, served with fruits, nuts, and crackers. Creamy cheese spreads are also delightful when paired with fresh vegetables.
- Main Courses: Soft cheese can be used in pasta dishes, such as stuffed ravioli or creamy Alfredo sauces. It’s also a great addition to sandwiches and wraps.
- Desserts: Soft cheese like cream cheese and ricotta are essential for desserts like cheesecake, tiramisu, and blintzes.
Soft Cheese Nutrition and Safety
Soft cheeses can be a good source of essential nutrients like calcium and protein. However, they are also relatively high in fat and calories, so moderation is key. Some health benefits include:
- Calcium-rich: Soft cheeses can contribute to bone health.
- Protein source: They provide a protein boost.
- Probiotics: Some soft cheeses contain beneficial bacteria that support gut health.
As well as health benefits, you should also consider the risks:
- High fat content: Excessive consumption can contribute to weight gain.
- Sodium: Some soft cheeses are high in salt, which can be a concern for those with hypertension.
- Listeria risk: Pregnant individuals and those with compromised immune systems should be cautious due to the risk of Listeria contamination.
Soft Cheese FAQs
Is soft cheese safe during pregnancy?
Some pasteurised soft cheeses, including cream cheese, mozzarella, feta and ricotta, can be eaten during pregnancy. Mould-ripened soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert, soft blue cheeses and unpasteurised soft cheeses should only be eaten when cooked until steaming hot. Check the current NHS pregnancy guidance or speak to your midwife if you are unsure.
How should you store soft cheese?
Store soft cheese in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other odours in the fridge.
Can you freeze soft cheese?
While you can freeze soft cheese for later use – we certainly wouldn’t recommend it. Be prepared for some changes in consistency when you thaw it and a much shorter shelf life.
In summary, soft cheese brings creamy texture and rich flavour to cheeseboards, savoury dishes and desserts. Enjoy it in moderation, follow current food-safety guidance where relevant, and ask your cheesemonger if you are unsure. Browse our soft cheese collection, explore our blue cheese range, or try a broader selection in our Best British Cheese Hamper.
Exploring the Creamy World of Soft Cheese
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