Baked Driftwood Cheese Recipe

Baked cheese in the box recipe

Our September Cheese Subscription Box features Long Paddock Driftwood for those in the southern states we thought you might like to try something different and make this into a baked cheese in a box. For these in the warmer parts of Australia we have not forgotten about you below are tips for make a little non-cook fondue.

Baked cheese has been enjoyed by people living in colder climates for hundreds of years and we think they’re onto something. As the cheese heats through, its texture softens and rich flavour amplifies. Woody herbs, some garlic and a local wine would be traditional flavourings but feel free to mix it up as you like.

Serves: 2-3 people

Prep time: 2-5 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

Ingredients

clove garlic – peeled and blanched in boiling water for a 2-3 minutes
2 – 3 sprigs fresh thyme, rosemary or oregano
Splash of wine, cider or verjus

Method

Preheat oven to 180° C.
Remove any plastic packaging, keeping the cheese in the wooden box
Place the cheese a ceramic cheese baker if you have one
Plan B…. Wrap the base of the wooden box in foil or place in a ovenproof dish/ramekin
Use a paring knife to make small slits in the top rind then stud with herb sprigs and garlic. These holes also allow any steam to escape.
Splash the surface lightly with a few slurps of wine, cider or verjus
Bake for approx. 15 minutes or until top is lightly golden and the centre has melted

Serving ideas

Crusty bread or grissini
Vegetable crudités
Steamed baby potatoes
Pickled vegetables
Cured meats such from our friends at Goose on the Loose or Salumi Australia
Make a real Friday night feast and also add on some City Larder Pate or Terrine
More cheese……

Tips

Sturdy herbs work best in this recipe, be light hand so they don’t overwhelm
The wood box or cheese baker works not only to help the cheese in its shape but also insulates the cheese so it heats through more evenly.
Place this on a baking sheet to make it easier to handle.

This sound great but it’s not baked cheese weather where I live

Make you own little cheese fondue but cutting the top off the cheese and scooping out the creamy insides.