Smoked Gouda

Smoked Gouda is special among all cheese produced in Holland. Though it is produced just like all other types of cheese in computerized dairy plants, this cheese is still smoked over smoldering hickory chip embers in brick ovens. For many, the best part of the cheese is the smoky, brown rind.

Gouda is produced from cow, goat, and sheep’s milk. Milk is obtained from cows that are purely grass fed, to make un-smoked or smoked Gouda. As the taste of Gouda cheese is mild, it is flavored with mustard, herbs, chipotles, nuts and spices like cumin and black pepper.

Smoked Gouda, with its unique taste, is ideal for many mouthwatering recipes.

Smoked Gouda and caramelized onion Quesadillas

These delicious Quesadillas are sure to impress your guests. You can pre-assemble Gouda, prosciutto and caramelized onions and bake the dish when you are ready to serve. To make this appetizing dish, you need the following:

• 1 thinly sliced onion
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ tsp white vinegar
• 1 tbsp golden brown sugar
• 1-1/2 cups grated smoked Gouda cheese
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 ounces of chopped prosciutto
• 4 flour tortillas measuring 10 inches in diameter

Preparation method –

Take a heavy medium skillet and melt two tablespoons of butter in it over medium heat. Add onion, vinegar and brown sugar and sauté for a while. When the onion turns golden brown, remove and cool to room temperature.

Set the oven to 350ºF and preheat it. Divide the tortillas equally and sprinkle cheese on one half. On top of the cheese, sprinkle sautéed onions and prosciutto and season with pepper. Over this cheese mixture, fold the other half of the tortilla. Brush the tortillas and a large skillet with melted butter and place over medium heat. Tortillas must be cooked carefully until you find the brown dots appearing on them. When they are done, transfer to a baking sheet and bake till the cheese melts and the tortillas are golden. When they are done, transfer the quesadillas to a working surface and cut them into six triangles before arranging and serving from a platter.

Other exciting recipes you can enjoy using smoked Gouda include smoked Gouda and Arugula pasta salad, grilled pumpernickel and Gouda sandwich, creamy spinach with smoked Gouda au gratin, pork chops stuffed with smoked bacon and smoked Gouda, spinach and mushroom frittata with smoked Gouda and smoked Gouda mashed potatoes.

Prepare any of these recipes using smoked Gouda for your family and you will find them asking for more.

What recipes do you think Smoked Gouda would add flavor to?