Whether you’re putting together a fancy charcuterie board or just snacking with your family, knowing how to cut gouda cheese is a must. That’s because how you slice it will affect both the look and the taste of your cheese.
Luckily, certified cheese professional and jill-of-all-curd-trades Janee’ Muha is here to help you with all your cutting needs. She’s put together a list of tools and techniques to get you started.
Wire Slicer
Using a wire slicer can help cut gouda cheese easily and neatly. The wire glides through the cheese without any slicking or tearing and can cut a thin slice that is perfect for putting on sandwiches, snacks, and charcuterie boards.
A wire slicer can be used to cut hard and semi-soft cheeses at a variety of thicknesses. It can also be used to cut a range of other foods such as sausages, peppers, and cucumbers.
It is important to use the right type of wire slicer when cutting cheese. This is especially true if you are trying to cut harder blue cheeses such as Stilton or some of the harder types of gouda cheeses.
A good wire slicer will be easy to clean and have a comfortable handle that prevents it from slipping in your hand. It should also be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the cheese without breaking.
Cheese Knife
A cheese knife is a specialty tool designed to help you cut your favorite kinds of cheese. It can make your charcuterie and cheese boards even more delicious and entertaining.
To cut Gouda, you need a cheese knife with a thin blade and an offset handle. This design minimizes contact between the knife and the cheese to prevent it from sticking when you pull away your portion.
The knife can also help you make small slices of cheese. These can be used as appetizers or served alongside a meal.
You should always choose a knife that’s made of stainless steel for durability and ease of cleaning. This is particularly important if you use your cheese knife for hard or semi-hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, aged Manchego or extra-aged Goudas with lots of crystals.
There are several different types of cheese knives, so you need to know which one is right for your needs. They vary in size, so it’s a good idea to have a few on hand for a wide range of cheeses.
Wooden Chopping Block
Using a wooden chopping block to cut gouda cheese is the best way to preserve the texture and flavor of this Dutch delicacy. It’s a simple process that requires only a sharp knife and a well-crafted chopping board.
A chopping block made of end grain wood (also called head wood) is particularly solid and hard-wearing. This is because it’s comprised of countless wood fibers, which are arranged in a checkerboard pattern.
As they’re exposed, these fibers form a self-healing surface that’s able to absorb and repair small cuts caused by knives. This also reduces the amount of scratches on the board.
If you’re a seasoned cook or an enthusiastic amateur, a wood chopping board is a must have in your kitchen. They’re thick, heavy and durable – making them great for chopping vegetables or meat.
Cutting Gloves
A good pair of cutting gloves is a must have for any home cheese maker. They make tasks such as loading warm curds into a cheese press, separating hot curds from brine or stretching hot mozzarella, safer and easier than handling them with unprotected hands.
A heavy duty pair of cut resistant gloves with a tight weave and enough stretch to allow for easy gripping are recommended. For example, the DEX FIT Level 5 Cut Resistant Gloves are nitrile and flock-lined, are touchscreen compatible and have a contoured fit to provide a secure fit for your hands.
When it comes to cutting a wedge of gouda, there are two approaches: First, you can trim off the wax rind and slice it into long, thin triangle-like wedges. Second, you can use a sharp knife to cut it into even slices from the center of the point to the rind or outer edge.