The best cheeses for snacking and cooking, according to chefs and cheesemongers

Taylor TobinAug 6, 2020, 21:52 IST

Raclette is sometimes melted over pasta dishes.Andia / Contributor/Getty

Insider spoke to chefs and cheesemongers about some of the best cheeses to snack on and cook with.
When prepared correctly, a raclette can make for a showstopping, warm appetizer.
Some chefs have said Parmigiano-Reggiano is as delicious on a cheese plate as it is in a cooked dish.

Whether you're an ardent lover of cheese or someone who's still trying to figure out which flavors you enjoy, buying cheese can be intimidating.

And when choosing between so many different textures, regions of origin, and flavor profiles, it can be tough to decide which cheeses are best for satisfying your snacking and cooking needs.

So Insider asked US-based chefs and cheesemongers what they think are the best cheeses to include on a charcuterie board and to use while cooking.

Here are the cheeses they recommended:

One chef said the sharp and funky Beemster Gouda is great for cheese boards.

Beemster Gouda is known for being sharp. Pixabay

A versatile blue goat cheese, Humboldt Fog is a favorite of some chefs thanks to its acidity and fudge-like texture.

Humboldt Fog is known for having a creamy texture. Royalty-free / Getty Images

Some chefs said they like to combine Époisses, a famously-pungent French cheese, with bread.

Époisses is known for its very soft texture. iStock

One chef said Prairie Breeze's cheddar is "super approachable" for anyone looking to try a new cheese.

Prairie Breeze's cheddar is made in Iowa. Courtesy of Milton Creamery LLC

According to some chefs, classic cheddar is great for cooking, snacking, and melting.

Cheddar is known for being a pretty versatile cheese. iStock

One chef said halloumi has a great salty taste and it's great for grilling.

Some people put halloumi right on the grill. iStock

Some chefs said scamorza is a smoky alternative to mozzarella.

One chef described it as a "firm mozzarella." iStock

One chefs said that, when prepared correctly, a raclette can make for a showstopping appetizer.

Raclette is typically melted onto sandwiches, pasta, and bread. INSIDER

Some chefs said Parmigiano-Reggiano is as delicious on a cheese plate as it is in a cooked dish.

It's oftentimes sprinkled on top of pasta dishes. iStock

One chef said pecorino can be great for snacking.

Pecorino is an Italian cheese. Royalty-Free / Getty Images

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