What Are the Softest Cheeses and How to Enjoy Them?

When it comes to cheese, there's nothing quite like the luxurious texture and rich flavor of soft cheeses. Whether you're putting together a gourmet cheese board or looking for that perfect addition to your favorite recipe, understanding the nuances of these cheeses can elevate your culinary creations. Today, we'll dive into some of the softest cheeses you can find and how to best enjoy them, including a delightful recipe that incorporates one of these creamy wonders.

## Brie

No discussion of soft cheeses would be complete without mentioning Brie. Originating from France, Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a white, edible rind. It's known for its mild, buttery flavor and melting texture. Brie is often enjoyed at room temperature where it becomes even softer and more spreadable. It's a versatile cheese that pairs wonderfully with fruits like apples and pears, as well as with a crisp glass of Chardonnay.

### Recipe: Brie and Fig Crostini

**Ingredients:**
- 1 French baguette, sliced into rounds
- 1 wheel of Brie cheese
- Fresh figs, sliced
- 2 tbsp honey
- Fresh rosemary for garnish

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted.
3. Spread a generous slice of Brie on each toasted baguette slice.
4. Top with a slice of fresh fig.
5. Drizzle honey over each crostini.
6. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Camembert

Similar to Brie, Camembert comes from France and offers a slightly more intense flavor. It also has a creamy texture and is often baked in its rind, creating a gooey, indulgent treat. Camembert pairs beautifully with rustic bread and a fruity red wine.

### Recipe: Baked Camembert with Garlic and Thyme

**Ingredients:**
- 1 wheel of Camembert
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh bread for serving

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Score the top of the Camembert in a criss-cross pattern.
3. Insert the garlic slices into the scores.
4. Sprinkle with thyme leaves and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Place the cheese in a baking dish and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is soft and gooey.
6. Serve with fresh bread and enjoy!

## Burrata

Burrata takes creaminess to the next level. Originating from Italy, this cheese consists of an outer shell of mozzarella encasing a mixture of cream and small pieces of mozzarella. Burrata is best enjoyed fresh, making it a stunning addition to salads, pastas, or simply with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

### Recipe: Burrata and Heirloom Tomato Salad

**Ingredients:**
- 2 balls of fresh Burrata
- Various heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

**Instructions:**
1. Arrange the sliced heirloom tomatoes on a serving platter.
2. Tear the Burrata into pieces and place around the tomatoes.
3. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
5. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Serve and savor the creamy delight!

## Ricotta

Though traditionally used in both savory and sweet dishes, Ricotta is a fresh cheese with a light, fluffy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It's fantastic in lasagna, cannoli, or spread on toast with a drizzle of honey.

### Recipe: Ricotta Pancakes

**Ingredients:**
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter for cooking
- Maple syrup and berries for serving

**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine the ricotta, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter.
5. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Exploring the world of soft cheeses offers a delightful journey into rich textures and flavors. Whether it's the elegance of Brie, the indulgence of Camembert, the freshness of Burrata, or the versatility of Ricotta, these cheeses can transform simple dishes into gourmet experiences. Happy cooking, and enjoy these soft cheese delights!