A piece of Gouda is useful for more than a cheese plate. It can turn bread into a quick lunch or give a familiar pasta dish a different finish. You do not need to make a complicated recipe to enjoy it in a warm meal.
Start with the cheese you have and taste a small piece before cooking. That helps you decide whether you want it to be a gentle background flavour or the main feature of the dish.
A straightforward toasted sandwich
Slice or grate the cheese so it spreads evenly between the bread. If you are adding ham, keep the filling fairly thin. A sandwich with too much inside can brown on the outside before the centre warms through.
Use your usual sandwich maker or pan method and keep an eye on the bread. Serve it as soon as it is ready, with pickles or a small salad if you want something alongside. This is an easy way to use a modest piece of cheese without opening several other ingredients.
Gouda in baked pasta
For a pasta bake, grate the cheese before you start assembling the dish. Mix some into your usual sauce and reserve a little for the top. Distributing it through the dish gives you cheese flavour in each portion rather than only on the surface.
Choose a baking dish that suits the amount of pasta you are making. A very deep dish and a shallow one cook differently, so follow the timing and method of the recipe you normally use. The cheese is an ingredient change, not a reason to guess at cooking times.
A vegetable dish with a cheese finish
Gouda can also work as a topping for vegetables. Prepare the vegetables according to your chosen recipe, then add the cheese at the appropriate stage. Avoid relying on the topping to disguise vegetables that still need cooking.
If the cheese has a strong flavour, start with less than you think you need. You can always offer a little more at the table. Taste before adding extra salt, since the cheese already contributes seasoning.
Which Gouda should you choose?
A milder cheese gives a gentler result, while a mature cheese brings a more noticeable flavour. Texture also varies between cheeses and ages. Try a small amount in a familiar dish first, then adjust the next time you cook it.
Find your next kitchen favourite
Explore the current cheese selection at Dutch Cheese 4 You. If you are choosing between ages, our young and mature Gouda guide is a useful place to start.