How Does Your Cheese Melt?

We love the ooey-gooey – that melty delight that is fondue, grilled cheese, and everything in-between. But in your own cheesy experimentation you’ve probably noticed how some cheeses just aren’t as up to turning melty as others. It doesn’t mean we love them any less (I mean, who doesn’t love that crispy crust of Parmesan on a Chicken Parm?) but we know they’re just different. Have you ever wondered why? Don’t worry, we’re here to break it down for you, Cheesers.

First things first, it’s all about the fat! The fat and water ration in cheese determines how it is going to melt. So something that is higher in moisture is usually going to be a better melter than a drier alternative. That’s because the protein structure (which is what keeps the water and fat separated) is looser in high moisture cheeses, and very rigid in dry ones. 

So when heat is applied to most cheeses, the fat globules change from solid to liquid, which is when it starts getting that ooey gooey consistency. The protein structure loosens its grip under the heat, and the cheese begins to flow like a thick liquid rather than a solid – think of dripping, delightful fondue, and you’ll have the right idea in your head!

This is why age isn’t just a number when it comes to melting cheese – the age actually means a lot! Freshly made cheeses don’t have that maturity level yet, with their proteins tightly wound up. As they gain a little bit more time, the proteins loosen up, and create a more open matrix (think of it as a net that holds all the water and fat). That matrix is flexible, which is why they melt smoothly and don’t break. But if it ages too much, those proteins tighten up into tough clumps – that’s where that crispy cheese comes in.

So the best melters are a combo of age and moisture – Emmentaler, Gruyere, Comte, they are all well aged, with a flexible protein net. Their high moisture helps separate the proteins without breaking them completely, which allows them to flow into stringy, ooey-gooey meltiness. It totally makes your mouth water just thinking about it, right? Science is so much funner when it’s delicious.

You can hit up some of our favorite melters and get started on your own grilled cheese, fondue, and other cheesy experiments! 

Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish: Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed squash is a classic Fall dish that beautifully highlights the flavors of the season. The sweet and nutty qualities of Acorn squash mesh perfectly with the nuttiness found in Gruyère. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a Thanksgiving feast, or simply looking for an easy fall dinner, this recipe will make you fall in love with Fall!squash_blog

No meat? No problem! Vegetarians will be thankful to learn that this dish is also super tasty without the sausage.

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Ingredients: 

• 1 acorn squash, halved and de-seeded
• ¼ pound ground Italian sausage or diced cured sausage
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon sage, minced
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ½ cup Gruyère, grated
olive oil
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[ezcol_2third_end]Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350ËšF.
2. Rub squash halves with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place squash cut side down on an oven-safe baking sheet and roast for 20 to 30 minutes or until tender.
3. While squash is cooking, add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a sauté pan and brown onions over med-low heat. Add sausage and brown.
4. Drain fat from the onion-sausage mixture. Mix sage, breadcrumbs, and egg into the mixture.
5. Remove cooked squash from oven and fill with sausage mixture. Top with grated Gruyère cheese and bake for 10 mins until cheese is browned.
6. Have the best Thanksgiving ever! [/ezcol_2third_end]