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Cheese melting: these are the options and these cheeses you want to use
A well-melting cheese is often the tastiest part of any dish. But melting cheese is not done the same way everywhere and not every cheese produces an equally smooth result. Below, you will discover step-by-step how to achieve a perfect melting layer in pan, oven, microwave, BBQ and airfryer and which cheeses melt well, because there are also differences.
Why do some cheeses melt better than others?
The structure of cheese consists of protein networks (caseins) that loosen when heated, allowing fat and moisture to flow freely. With young, moisture-rich cheeses, this happens smoothly; with drier, long-aged varieties, the network is more likely to break and create oil run-off instead of a flowing mass.
Henri Willig cheeses that melt well
- Organic Young Gouda Cheese: creamy, mild and ideal for cheese sauce or on your sandwich.
- Organic Jersey Cheese: due to the higher fat and protein content of Jersey milk, you get an extra full, elastic melt.
- Ready-to-serve Fondue in pot (cow, goat or truffle): specially developed for quick, lump-free melts in pan or microwave.
Tip: if you want to vary, grate a combination of young Gouda and slightly mature cheese; that way you get both stretch and deep flavour, exactly the recipe Henri Willig uses in our creamy cheese sauce.
Melt cheese in the pan
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat; too hot will make the cheese separate and you want to avoid that.
- Add grated cheese in small portions and stir gently.
- If desired, add a splash of milk or beer to keep the sauce extra creamy.
Perfect pan-cheeses: Young Gouda or Jersey cheese; both give a silky smooth sauce without lumps.
Cheese melting in the oven
For large portions, think nacho dishes or grilled-cheese trays, the oven is your best friend.
- Heat to 200 °C and top your bread, nachos or casserole.
- Place in the middle of the oven for ± 10 minutes until everything is bubbling.
- Want a golden brown crust? Put the grill on high for another 1-2 minutes.
Cheese melting on the BBQ
Indirect heat and a closed lid ensure the cheese melts evenly without burning. Cover your burger for the last 30-60 seconds with a slice of Jersey or a thick slice of mature Gouda for a smokey touch. Find more BBQ tips in our separate blog Cheese on the BBQ.
Melting cheese in the microwave
- Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a ventilating lid to prevent splashing.
- Heat at 600-700 W in 20-second intervals; stir in between.
- Henri Willig's fondue pots have been tested for this and deliver smooth results quickly without additives.
Cheese in the airfryer
An airfryer blows hot air, which can cause unprotected cheese to melt or fly around. Therefore, place the cheese between bread, in an oven dish or in foil.
- Set to 180 - 190 °C and bake for 4-5 minutes for a crispy grilled cheese.
Note: Loose cheese directly in the basket often ends up as a fried lump on the heating element.
Henri Willig as your cheese partner
With the tips in this article, you have everything you need to melt cheese gently and evenly. Choose the melting method that suits your dish and use a young Gouda, creamy Jersey or the ready-made Henri Willig fondue pot. That way you always keep it simple and tasty.
Frequently asked questions
Stir a teaspoon of cornstarch and a dash of lemon juice into the sauce; the starch binds liquid and fat into one.
Cheese heats up from the inside out at lightning speed in the microwave; the moisture evaporates, the proteins contract and that's how you get that tough, rubbery result. Therefore, melt on low setting (600-700 W) in short intervals of 15-20 seconds, stirring or moving in between, and add a teaspoon of milk if necessary to maintain moisture.
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Is this article already making you hungry?
Check out Henri Willig's delicious recipes below.
Tuna cheese melt sandwich
Are you already craving a delicious lunch? Then try this simple recipe for a tuna melt sandwich. With tuna, melted cheese and a touch of paprika salsa, you will have a tasty sandwich on the table in no time. This classic is easy to make and perfect for a quick but filling lunch. Whether you're working from home or want to make something quick, our Henri Willig Cow Organic Young Cheese will make any tuna melt sandwich irresistible.
Organic cheese fondue
Fancy a cosy evening with a classic on the table? Try our organic cheese fondue, made with the finest Henri Willig cheeses. This recipe is simple, tasty and perfect for anyone who loves good food. With just 30 minutes of preparation time, you will put a delicious dish on the table that is guaranteed to please your guests. Whether you are a cheese lover or just looking for a warm, comforting dish, our organic cheese fondue promises a cosy experience.
