What is Brick Cheese Used For? Exploring the Versatile Midwestern Favorite

Brick cheese, a semi-hard cheese hailing from Wisconsin, often gets overlooked in the crowded world of cheese. However, this creamy, slightly tangy cheese boasts remarkable versatility, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen. Its unique flavor profile and melting properties allow it to shine in a wide array of dishes. Let’s delve into the many uses of brick cheese and discover why it deserves a spot on your next shopping list.

Understanding Brick Cheese: A Midwestern Marvel

Before exploring its culinary applications, it’s essential to understand what brick cheese is. Named for the bricks used to press the cheese during production, brick cheese sits between cheddar and mozzarella in terms of texture and flavor. It offers a mild, slightly nutty taste when young, which intensifies and becomes more pungent with age.

The cheese is typically made from cow’s milk and boasts a smooth, creamy texture that melts beautifully. The aging process plays a crucial role in developing its distinctive characteristics, resulting in a more complex flavor profile over time. This adaptability makes it suitable for a wide range of cooking styles and flavor combinations.

Flavor Profile and Texture

The flavor of brick cheese is often described as mild and slightly sweet when young. As it ages, it develops a more assertive, tangy, and even pungent flavor. The texture is smooth and creamy, making it easy to slice, shred, and melt.

A Brief History of Brick Cheese

Brick cheese originated in Wisconsin in the late 19th century, thanks to Swiss cheesemakers seeking to replicate the flavors of European cheeses. It has since become a Midwestern staple, celebrated for its versatility and distinct character. Understanding its origins helps appreciate its role in American culinary history.

Brick Cheese on the Grill: Melty Perfection

One of the most popular uses for brick cheese is on the grill. Its excellent melting properties make it ideal for burgers, sandwiches, and even grilled vegetables. The creamy texture complements smoky flavors beautifully, adding richness and depth to your grilled creations.

Burgers: The Ultimate Topping

Imagine a juicy burger topped with perfectly melted brick cheese. The cheese’s mild flavor doesn’t overpower the burger’s other ingredients, allowing the beef and toppings to shine. Its smooth, creamy texture complements the savory flavors of the burger, creating a harmonious and satisfying bite.

Grilled Sandwiches: Elevated Comfort Food

Brick cheese elevates grilled sandwiches to a new level of comfort food. Whether paired with ham, turkey, or vegetables, its melting properties create a gooey and delicious center. Try it with rye bread and corned beef for a Wisconsin-inspired Reuben sandwich. The melted cheese will bind all the flavors together beautifully.

Grilled Vegetables: A Flavorful Twist

Don’t limit brick cheese to just burgers and sandwiches. It also adds a delightful flavor to grilled vegetables. Sprinkle shredded brick cheese over zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus before grilling for a creamy and savory topping. The cheese melts slightly, creating a delicious crust that enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

Brick Cheese in Baking: From Savory to Sweet

Beyond the grill, brick cheese also shines in baking. Its melting properties and subtle flavor make it a great addition to savory and even some sweet baked goods. It brings a creamy, cheesy element to various dishes, enhancing their overall texture and taste.

Pizza: A Midwestern Alternative

While mozzarella reigns supreme on pizza, brick cheese offers a unique and flavorful alternative. Its melting properties are comparable to mozzarella, but its distinct flavor adds a Midwestern twist to your pizza. Try it on a classic pepperoni pizza or experiment with different toppings to create your own signature pie. The slight tanginess of the brick cheese will complement the other flavors beautifully.

Casseroles: Creamy Comfort

Brick cheese elevates casseroles with its creamy texture and subtle flavor. Add it to mac and cheese, potato gratin, or vegetable casseroles for a richer and more satisfying dish. Its melting properties ensure a smooth and creamy sauce that coats all the ingredients evenly. It can be grated and mixed directly in the casserole or layered on top for a browned, cheesy crust.

Savory Breads and Biscuits: A Cheesy Enhancement

Incorporate brick cheese into savory breads and biscuits for a cheesy and flavorful twist. Add shredded brick cheese to the dough before baking for a subtle cheesy flavor throughout. The cheese melts during baking, creating pockets of creamy goodness within the bread or biscuits. This is particularly delicious with herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Even in some Sweet Bakes

Surprisingly, brick cheese can even find a place in certain sweet bakes. A small amount, finely grated, can add a subtle savory complexity to things like scones or quick breads, balancing the sweetness and creating a more nuanced flavour.

Brick Cheese in Dips and Spreads: Party Perfect

Brick cheese is an excellent ingredient for dips and spreads, offering a creamy texture and a mild, yet flavorful, base. Its versatility allows it to be paired with various ingredients to create unique and delicious appetizers.

Hot Dips: A Crowd-Pleaser

Create a warm and comforting dip by combining melted brick cheese with ingredients like spinach, artichokes, or jalapeños. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The creamy texture of the melted brick cheese binds all the ingredients together, creating a rich and flavorful dip.

Cold Spreads: Versatile and Easy

Brick cheese can also be used in cold spreads. Combine it with cream cheese, herbs, and spices for a simple and delicious spread for crackers or sandwiches. The mild flavor of the brick cheese allows other ingredients to shine through, creating a balanced and flavorful spread.

Cheese Boards: A Midwestern Touch

Add brick cheese to your cheese board for a Midwestern touch. Pair it with other Wisconsin cheeses, such as cheddar and Colby, along with crackers, fruits, and nuts. Its mild flavor makes it a versatile cheese that complements a variety of accompaniments. This provides guests a chance to experience a quintessential Wisconsin cheese.

Pairing Brick Cheese: Finding the Perfect Match

Brick cheese’s versatility extends to pairing with various foods and beverages. Its mild flavor allows it to complement a wide range of flavors, making it a great addition to any meal or snack.

Food Pairings: Enhancing the Flavor

Brick cheese pairs well with a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and breads. Its mild flavor doesn’t overpower other ingredients, allowing them to shine. Try it with apples, pears, grapes, ham, turkey, or rye bread. The creaminess of the cheese balances the flavors and textures of the other ingredients.

Beverage Pairings: A Harmonious Blend

When it comes to beverage pairings, brick cheese pairs well with light-bodied beers, such as lagers and pilsners. Its mild flavor also complements crisp white wines, such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. These beverages enhance the flavors of the cheese without overpowering it. The light effervescence of the beer or wine cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and refreshing pairing.

Spice Pairings: Complementary Flavors

Brick cheese’s subtle taste means that it can be elevated with the right spice pairings. Caraway seeds are an excellent choice, often found traditionally. But other herbs and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and even a touch of cayenne can add depth and complexity.

Brick Cheese Recipes to Try: Unleash Your Culinary Creativity

Now that you understand the versatility of brick cheese, it’s time to explore some specific recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Brick Cheese Burger

Ingredients: Ground beef, brick cheese, burger buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, your favorite burger toppings.

Instructions: Form ground beef into patties. Grill or pan-fry until cooked through. Top with slices of brick cheese and allow to melt. Serve on burger buns with lettuce, tomato, onion, and your favorite toppings.

Brick Cheese Mac and Cheese

Ingredients: Macaroni pasta, butter, flour, milk, brick cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper.

Instructions: Cook macaroni according to package directions. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Add shredded brick cheese and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Combine cheese sauce with macaroni and serve.

Brick Cheese and Ham Grilled Cheese

Ingredients: Bread, butter, brick cheese, ham.

Instructions: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet. Top with slices of brick cheese and ham. Place the other slice of bread on top, butter-side up. Grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Brick Cheese and Vegetable Casserole

Ingredients: Assorted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, cauliflower), cream of mushroom soup, milk, brick cheese, bread crumbs, butter.

Instructions: Steam or blanch vegetables until tender-crisp. In a bowl, combine vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Pour into a casserole dish. Top with shredded brick cheese and bread crumbs. Dot with butter. Bake until golden brown and bubbly.

Where to Buy Brick Cheese: Finding Your Source

Brick cheese is most commonly found in Wisconsin and the Midwestern United States. However, it is increasingly available in specialty cheese shops and some larger grocery stores nationwide. You can also find it online from various cheese retailers. When purchasing, check the expiration date and look for cheese that is firm and creamy in texture.

Local Cheese Shops

Your local cheese shop is an excellent place to find high-quality brick cheese. Cheese shops often carry a wider variety of cheeses than grocery stores and can offer expert advice on pairings and recipes.

Grocery Stores

Some larger grocery stores carry brick cheese, particularly those with a well-stocked cheese section. Look for it near other semi-hard cheeses, such as cheddar and Colby.

Online Retailers

If you cannot find brick cheese locally, consider purchasing it online. Many online retailers specialize in cheese and offer a wide selection of brick cheese from different producers. This is a great option for those who live outside the Midwest.

Storing Brick Cheese: Keeping it Fresh

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and flavor of brick cheese. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or beeswax wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within one to two weeks of opening. Avoid freezing brick cheese, as this can alter its texture.

Refrigeration

Store brick cheese in the refrigerator at a temperature of 35-40°F (2-4°C). This will help to slow down the aging process and prevent it from spoiling.

Wrapping

Wrap brick cheese tightly in plastic wrap or beeswax wrap to prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.

Shelf Life

Brick cheese is best consumed within one to two weeks of opening. After this time, it may start to dry out and develop a stronger flavor.

Brick cheese offers a delightful and adaptable addition to any culinary repertoire. From its excellent melting properties on the grill to its creamy texture in baked dishes and dips, this Midwestern favorite provides countless opportunities for culinary exploration. Understanding its flavor profile, history, and best pairings will unlock its full potential and elevate your cooking to new heights. So, next time you’re seeking a versatile and flavorful cheese, reach for brick cheese and experience the magic of this Midwestern marvel.

What culinary applications best showcase Brick cheese?

Brick cheese truly shines when melted, making it a fantastic choice for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, where its mild flavor doesn’t overpower other ingredients but adds a pleasant creaminess. It’s also a staple in many Midwestern dishes, such as Detroit-style pizza and Wisconsin beer cheese soup, thanks to its ability to melt smoothly and contribute a subtle tang that complements other flavors.

Beyond melting, Brick cheese can also be enjoyed sliced or cubed in charcuterie boards and cheese platters. Its semi-hard texture allows it to hold its shape well, and its mild, slightly tangy flavor pairs well with fruits, crackers, and cured meats. The versatility of Brick cheese allows it to be both a star ingredient and a supporting player in a wide range of culinary creations.

How does Brick cheese compare to other cheeses in terms of flavor and texture?

Compared to cheddar, Brick cheese is generally milder and less sharp, with a slightly higher moisture content contributing to a softer texture. Unlike the crumbly texture of many cheddars, Brick cheese boasts a semi-hard yet pliable texture that melts more readily. This distinction in texture and flavor profile makes Brick cheese a suitable alternative for those seeking a less assertive cheese.

In comparison to mozzarella, Brick cheese possesses a more distinct flavor and a firmer texture. Mozzarella is known for its mild, milky flavor and stringy melt, whereas Brick cheese offers a subtle tang and a smoother, creamier melt. While both are excellent melting cheeses, Brick cheese adds a depth of flavor that mozzarella sometimes lacks, making it a superior choice for dishes where a touch of complexity is desired.

Can Brick cheese be substituted for other cheeses in recipes? If so, which ones?

Yes, Brick cheese can often be substituted for other cheeses, particularly those with similar mild and melting qualities. Good substitutes include Monterey Jack and mild cheddar cheese. These cheeses share a comparable flavor profile and melting behavior, making them suitable replacements in dishes like quesadillas, macaroni and cheese, or casseroles.

For a slightly bolder flavor, consider using a mild Havarti or even a young Gouda as a substitute. While these cheeses have a more pronounced flavor than Brick cheese, they still possess excellent melting capabilities and can add a pleasant dimension to your dish. Experimenting with these alternatives can introduce subtle variations to your favorite recipes while maintaining the desired texture and overall outcome.

What makes Brick cheese a popular choice for Detroit-style pizza?

Brick cheese’s low moisture content is crucial for achieving the crispy, caramelized crust that defines Detroit-style pizza. Unlike high-moisture mozzarella, Brick cheese doesn’t release excessive water during baking, preventing the crust from becoming soggy. This allows the edges to develop a deep, golden-brown crisp that is a hallmark of this regional pizza style.

Furthermore, Brick cheese’s mild, slightly tangy flavor profile complements the robust tomato sauce and other toppings typically found on Detroit-style pizza. Its smooth melt and subtle tang contribute a balanced flavor that enhances the overall experience without overpowering the other ingredients. The combination of texture and flavor makes Brick cheese an essential component of authentic Detroit-style pizza.

What are some creative ways to use Brick cheese beyond traditional dishes?

Beyond pizzas and sandwiches, Brick cheese can be incorporated into savory pastries like cheese straws or scones, adding a subtle tang and a pleasant texture. Its melting capabilities also make it a great addition to creamy dips and sauces, where it can contribute a smooth and flavorful base. Consider incorporating it into a baked pasta dish for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Another creative application is to use Brick cheese in stuffed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Its mild flavor complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables, and its ability to melt adds a satisfying creaminess to the filling. You can also shred Brick cheese and use it as a topping for baked potatoes or roasted vegetables, adding a touch of richness and flavor to these simple dishes.

How should Brick cheese be stored to maintain its quality and freshness?

To maintain its quality, Brick cheese should be stored properly in the refrigerator. The best approach is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or beeswax wrap after each use. This helps prevent the cheese from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.

Alternatively, you can store Brick cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is clean and dry to prevent mold growth. Storing the cheese properly will help it retain its flavor and texture for a longer period. Aim to consume the cheese within a week or two of opening for optimal freshness.

Is Brick cheese suitable for people with lactose intolerance?

Brick cheese typically contains less lactose than some other cheeses, particularly fresh cheeses, but it’s not entirely lactose-free. Individuals with mild lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate small servings of Brick cheese without experiencing significant discomfort. The aging process naturally reduces lactose content, making it easier for some people to digest.

However, individuals with severe lactose intolerance may still experience symptoms when consuming Brick cheese. It’s crucial to understand your individual tolerance level and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. There are also lactose-free cheese alternatives available that may be more suitable for those with lactose intolerance.