Where to buy bread cheese?

Where to Buy Bread Cheese?

Bread cheese, also known as Stracchino or Crescenza, is a type of soft, creamy cheese originating from Italy. It’s a popular ingredient in many Italian recipes, particularly in sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. If you’re having trouble finding bread cheese in your local stores, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to buy bread cheese, including online retailers, specialty stores, and even DIY options.

Direct Answer: Where to Buy Bread Cheese?

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick answer to the question: Where to buy bread cheese?

• Online Retailers: Amazon, Walmart, and specialty cheese shops like Murray’s Cheese and Zingerman’s.
• Specialty Stores: Italian markets, gourmet food stores, and gourmet cheese shops.
• DIY: Make your own bread cheese at home using recipes and ingredients from local stores.

Online Retailers

If you’re having trouble finding bread cheese in local stores, online retailers are a great option. Here are some popular online stores that carry bread cheese:

• Amazon: Amazon offers a variety of bread cheese brands, including BelGioioso, Kraft, and Giancarlo. You can search for "bread cheese" on the Amazon website and filter results by price, brand, and customer reviews.
• Walmart: Walmart carries a limited selection of bread cheese, including BelGioioso and Kraft. You can find it in the dairy or specialty cheese section of their website.
• Murray’s Cheese: Murray’s Cheese is a well-known specialty cheese shop with a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, including bread cheese. They offer Crescenza and Stracchino varieties.
• Zingerman’s: Zingerman’s is another popular specialty cheese shop that carries a variety of bread cheese, including Crescenza and Stracchino.

Specialty Stores

If you prefer to shop in-person, specialty stores are a great option. Here are some types of stores that typically carry bread cheese:

• Italian Markets: Italian markets often carry a variety of bread cheese, including Crescenza and Stracchino.
• Gourmet Food Stores: Gourmet food stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Costco may carry bread cheese in their dairy or specialty cheese section.
• Gourmet Cheese Shops: Specialty cheese shops like Murray’s Cheese and Zingerman’s carry a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, including bread cheese.

DIY: Make Your Own Bread Cheese

If you can’t find bread cheese in stores or prefer to make your own, you can try making it at home. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon whole milk
• 1/4 cup cheese cultures
• 1/4 cup cheese salt
• 1/2 tsp rennet

Instructions:

1. Heat the milk to 86°F (30°C).
2. Add the cheese cultures and let it sit for 45 minutes.
3. Add the cheese salt and rennet. Let it sit for another 30 minutes.
4. Cut the curd into small pieces and let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Strain the curd through a cheesecloth and shape into a ball or log.
6. Age the cheese in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to keep in mind when making your own bread cheese:

• Temperature: Keep the milk between 70°F (21°C) and 86°F (30°C) for optimal cheese production.
• Cultures: Use a mesophilic cheese culture for a milder flavor or a thermophilic cheese culture for a stronger flavor.
• Rennet: Use animal rennet for a stronger flavor or microbial rennet for a milder flavor.
• Aging: Age the cheese for at least 24 hours for a stronger flavor or up to 2 weeks for a creamier texture.

Conclusion

Bread cheese, also known as Stracchino or Crescenza, is a popular Italian cheese that’s easy to find in stores or make at home. With online retailers, specialty stores, and DIY options available, you can enjoy this delicious cheese in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking for a mild and creamy cheese or a stronger and more pungent flavor, bread cheese is a great addition to any meal.