What exactly is brick cheese? Well, it’s not made of bricks, but it’s a cheese with a unique story and a flavor that’s captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. Let’s explore this American original, from its humble origins to its modern-day versatility.
Brick Cheese: A Brief History
It is a true American creation, born and bred in Wisconsin. Its story begins in 1877, thanks to the ingenuity of John Jossi, a Swiss-born cheesemaker. Legend has it that he used actual bricks to press the curds, hence the name.
Over time, this cheese gained popularity throughout the Midwest, eventually earning a place on menus and in kitchens across the nation.
Flavor Profile: From Mild to Wild
It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk. Its flavor profile evolves as it ages.
Young Brick Cheese
Offers a mild, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor, reminiscent of a young cheddar. It’s perfect for melting on sandwiches, burgers, or pizzas.
Aged Brick Cheese
Develops a sharper, more pungent, and tangy flavor, similar to Limburger. This bolder taste is ideal for cheese boards, paired with crackers, fruit, and beer.
Making Brick Cheese: A Unique Process
The production of cheese involves several key steps:
- Curd Formation: Milk is heated and rennet is added to form curds.
- Brick Pressing: The curds are then pressed into rectangular blocks, originally using bricks (nowadays, molds are more common).
- Brining: The blocks are soaked in a brine solution to enhance flavor and develop the rind.
- Aging: Cheese is typically aged for a few weeks to several months, depending on the desired flavor intensity.
Why Choose Brick Cheese?
It offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for both home cooks and professional chefs:
- Versatility: Its mild to sharp flavors make it suitable for a wide range of dishes, from grilled cheese to salads to gourmet appetizers.
- Melting Ability: Young brick cheese melts beautifully, making it perfect for mac and cheese, quesadillas, or fondue.
- American Heritage: Brick cheese is a part of American culinary history, adding a unique touch to any meal.
Pairing Brick Cheese: A Flavorful Journey
Cheese complements various flavors:
- Fruits: Apples, pears, grapes, and dried fruits
- Breads: Crusty bread, crackers, pretzels
- Beverages: Beer, especially amber ales and lagers; white wine, like Riesling or Gewürztraminer
- Other Cheeses: Mild cheddar, Havarti, or Swiss cheese
Cheese is readily available in most grocery stores in the Midwest. If you’re outside this region, look for it at specialty cheese shops or online retailers.
Brick Cheese Today: A Culinary Staple
It has become a staple ingredient in many regional dishes, particularly in the Midwest:
- Beer Cheese Soup: A creamy soup made with beer, cheese, and often spices.
- Detroit-Style Pizza: This pizza features cheese along the edges of the crust, creating a caramelized, crispy edge.
- Grilled Cheese: A classic comfort food elevated with the unique flavor of cheese.
It offers a delicious taste of American culinary history. Whether you prefer the mild sweetness of young brick or the pungent tang of aged brick, there’s a flavor to suit your palate. Explore its versatility in various recipes, or simply enjoy it on its own. Either way, you’re sure to appreciate the distinctive charm of this Wisconsin original.
Brick Cheese Varieties: A Spectrum of Flavor
While the basic process remains consistent, variations in aging and production techniques lead to a delightful range of cheeses:
- Mild Brick: This young cheese boasts a creamy texture and a gentle, buttery flavor with hints of sweetness. It’s a fantastic option for those new to brick cheese or for those who prefer a milder taste.
- Medium Brick: With a few more weeks of aging, medium brick cheese develops a slightly more pronounced flavor. It retains its creaminess but gains a touch of nuttiness and tang.
- Aged Brick: This variety is where brick cheese truly shines. Aged for several months, it boasts a robust, pungent aroma and a complex flavor profile. It’s simultaneously creamy, salty, and tangy, with notes of earthiness and even a hint of mushroom.
- Smoked Brick: Some cheese makers smoke brick cheese, infusing it with a smoky aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with meats and hearty dishes.
Brick Cheese in the Kitchen: Culinary Applications
Its’ versatility makes it a welcome addition to various dishes:
- Melting Magic: Mild or medium brick cheese melts beautifully, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, nachos, and mac and cheese.
- Cheese Boards and Appetizers: Aged brick shines on cheese boards, accompanied by crusty bread, fruits, nuts, and cured meats. Its bold flavor adds depth and complexity.
- Salads: Crumbled cheese adds a salty, tangy dimension to salads, particularly those with bolder greens like arugula or spinach.
- Soups and Stews: A dollop of brick cheese enriches creamy soups and hearty stews, adding a creamy texture and a touch of tang.
- Baking: Brick cheese can be incorporated into savory pastries, bread, and even cheesecake for a unique twist.
Brick Cheese Beyond Wisconsin: National Recognition
While Wisconsin remains the heart of brick cheese production, its popularity has spread beyond state lines. It can now be found in specialty cheese shops and even some supermarkets across the country.
Several artisan cheesemakers have embraced cheese, experimenting with different aging techniques and milk sources to create unique variations. This growing interest highlights the enduring appeal of this American original.
Brick cheese represents a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. Its roots lie in the ingenuity of a 19th-century cheesemaker, but its future is shaped by modern techniques and evolving tastes.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, cheese offers a culinary adventure. Explore its various forms, experiment with pairings, and discover why this Wisconsin-born cheese continues to capture the hearts and palates of cheese lovers everywhere.
Cheese and Health: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Beyond its delicious taste and versatility, cheese offers several nutritional benefits:
- Protein: A good source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Calcium: Rich in calcium, crucial for strong bones and teeth.
- Vitamin B12: Contains vitamin B12, important for nerve function and red blood cell production.
- Probiotics: Depending on the aging process, cheese may contain beneficial probiotics, supporting gut health.
However, like most cheeses, cheese is also high in fat and sodium, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Cheese for Special Diets
- Lactose Intolerance: Aged cheese may be easier to digest for those with lactose intolerance, as the aging process breaks down lactose.
- Vegetarian: Cheese is typically made with animal rennet, so it’s not suitable for strict vegetarians. However, some cheesemakers use vegetarian rennet, so look for those options if you follow a vegetarian diet.
Cheese in Pop Culture: A Cult Following
It has even made its mark in popular culture:
- The “Brick Burger”: Some restaurants have created burgers featuring cheese as a key ingredient, highlighting its meltability and unique flavor.
- Wisconsin Pride: It is often featured in Wisconsin-themed cookbooks and culinary events, showcasing its local heritage.
- Social Media: Cheese enthusiasts share their favorite recipes and pairings on social media, contributing to its growing popularity.
Conclusion: Cheese: A Taste of America’s Dairyland
Cheese is more than just a cheese; it’s a culinary treasure with a rich history, a diverse flavor profile, and a growing fan base. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or a curious foodie, exploring the world of cheese is a delicious adventure.
From its humble beginnings in a Wisconsin creamery to its current status as a beloved ingredient in kitchens across the country, cheese continues to surprise and delight. So, next time you’re looking for a cheese with character, reach for a brick – you won’t be disappointed.