Even though our favorite way to enjoy cheese is on a platter with simple accompaniments, we know that nearly any composed dish is better with some hot, gooey cheese. Cooking with cheese as the star ingredient takes a little skill, and since quality cheese gets expensive, you want to approach your stove or oven well-prepared. The last thing you want is to end up with a pile of coagulated cheese in a pool of its own oil. 

Here are our top 5 tips for cooking with cheese. 

1. Use a cheese that's made to melt.

The best melting cheeses have  the perfect ratio of moisture content, age, and acidity. Look for semi-firm wedges like Gruyère, Raclette, Fontina, low-moisture mozzarella, and a 3-month gouda. 

2. Bring it to room temperature.

Cold cheese won't melt as evenly and can even leak out oil when heated. Be sure to temper for at least 20 minutes, and even longer if you're cooking with a particularly large wedge.

3. Grate it fresh.

Pre-shredded cheese has preservatives and additives like powdered cellulose, which can affect the texture when melted. Grating it fresh from the block ensures the best flavors and a silky ooze.

4. Don't cook it too high or for too long.

Cooking cheese at too high a temperature will cause it to separate. If you cook it too longer, it will dry out and lose its velvet-y richness. If your dish requires a long bake-time, experiment with adding a splash of cream to maintain moisture.

5. Store your cheese right! 

Poor storage can ruin the flavor and the texture of a cheese, so make sure it's tucked into cheese storage paper or bags to maintain proper airflow and humidity levels. Even when you're cooking with it, you want to make sure you're enjoying the cheese just as the cheesemaker intended. 

The year is coming to a close and many of us are setting resolutions and making goals to get 2020 off to a healthier start. If this sounds like you, then we have some great news to share: cheese is a health food. Even though it has a reputation for being an indulgence, cheese is actually rich with essential vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats. A recent study even suggests that enjoying three servings of dairy a day is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease.  

Before you start packing in the pizza and fondue, take note: a healthy, cheese-filled diet is all about balance. A serving of cheese is 1 oz, which is about the size of 2 dice. Try to incorporate 3-4 oz of cheese into your daily diet and pair it with plenty of fruits and veggies.

Here are 7 of our favorite healthy and delicious pairings ideas to work into your resolutions.

1. Goat Cheese + Arugula

Fresh, tangy goat cheese is delicious sprinkled atop a bed of peppery arugula. Just add a little balsamic vinaigrette and some crunchy nuts for a perfect salad you can even bring to work.

2. Brie + Sautéed Mushrooms

The soft, pillowy rind on brie has notes of earthy mushrooms, so this pairing is a no-brainer. We especially like it melted down into an omelet or grilled cheese.

3. Cheddar + Apples

The perfect addition to any lunchbox! Cheddar is so toothsome and satisfying, some juicy apple slices are the perfect complement to that rich tangy flavor.

4. Gruyère + Caramelized Onions

Alpines like Gruyère naturally boast deep caramelized flavors and savory, brothy notes that go spectacularly well with onion jam. Try this combo in a sweet potato gratin or frittata.

5. Manchego + Marcona almonds

Sheep’s milk cheeses like Manchego are rich with notes of roasted nuts that shine when paired with Marcona almonds, which have a more delicate, slightly sweeter flavor than their California cousins.

6. Washed Rinds + Pickled Veggies

Zippy pickles have the right amount of acidity to cut through the rich, buttery texture and beefy flavors for which stinky washed rinds are famous. Try Taleggio with pickled peppers, preferably melted over pasta.

7. Blue Cheese + Dried figs

Salty, funky blue cheese crave something sweet to balance them out. We love pairing them with dried mission figs, which had a deep, complex sweetness that pairs well with creamy blues.

Autumn is fast approaching, so we'd like to take a moment to discuss one of our favorite beverages to enjoy with cheese: cider. Artisan ciders have come a long way from their cloyingly sweet ancestors. Today's offerings include a wide range of dry, tart, and even funky ciders. 

The palate-cleansing effervescence and acidity make them an ideal companion to cheese. Here are 5 of our favorite cheeses to enjoy with cider. 

1. Le Pommier Camembert

This classic Camembert has a little bit of earthy funk and a luscious, creamy texture. It comes from Normandy, a region as famous for its cheese as it is for its cider orchards. It's a match made in heaven, a pairing that proves that what grows together goes together.

2. Harbison from Jasper Hill Farm

One of our favorite cheeses year-round, we especially love this bark-wrapped cheese in the autumn. The rich mouthfeel and woodsy flavor profile make for an exceptional pairing with craft cider. Look for one that's unfiltered, which will tease out the complex notes in this Vermont cheese.

3. Bandaged Cheddar from Bleu Mont Dairy

Cheddar and apples are a fool-proof pairing, and this coupling takes it to the next level. A dry, crumbly cheddar like this clothbound Wisconsin classic is a perfect counterpoint to a fruity cider with a creamy mouthfeel. We love how they match with the earthy notes in bandaged cheddars.

4. Lamb Chopper from Cypress Grove

We love the nutty sweetness of an aged sheep's milk cheese. Lamb Chopper is especially creamy, which works well with the effervescence in cider. Try it with a funky cider from the Basque region, which creates a long, savory finish when paired with sheep's milk cheeses.

5. Rogue River Blue from Rogue Creamery

Wrapped in pear brandy-soaked Syrah leaves, this ephemeral blue is made for pairing with festive beverages. It only comes out in the winter months, but it's worth the wait. With a luxurious texture and gentle boozy flavors, Rogue River Blue is exceptionally delicious alongside pear cider.