Brick cheese is a semi-soft cheese that is popular in the Midwest region of the United States. It is a mild cheese with a slightly nutty flavor and a creamy texture. Although it is delicious on its own, brick cheese is also a popular ingredient in many recipes. However, it can be challenging to find brick cheese in some parts of the country, and it may not be suitable for people with certain dietary restrictions. In this article, we will explore the seven best substitutes for brick cheese that you can use in your favorite recipes.
What is Brick Cheese?
Brick cheese in its original form is a bold and distinctive cheese that falls somewhere between cheddar and limburger in terms of taste. The cheese is typically ivory to pale yellow in color and has a rind with a hint of orange. Its texture is semi-hard, and it has an open texture with occasional small holes. Younger brick cheese has a sweet and earthy flavor that is mild and melts and slices easily. More aged varieties have a nutty and tangy taste with a strong aroma. Unfortunately, brick cheese can be challenging to come by outside of the Midwest region.
Best Brick Cheese Substitutes
1. Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery flavor. It is similar to brick cheese in texture and melts well, making it an excellent substitute for brick cheese in recipes. Monterey Jack is also widely available in most grocery stores and is suitable for vegetarians.
One great recipe to try with Monterey Jack is a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Simply layer the cheese between two slices of bread and grill until the cheese is melted and gooey. You can also use Monterey Jack in quesadillas or as a topping for nachos.
2. Havarti
Havarti is a semi-soft cheese that has a buttery, slightly sweet flavor. It is similar to brick cheese in texture and melts well, making it a suitable substitute for brick cheese. Havarti is widely available in most grocery stores and is suitable for vegetarians.
One recipe to try with Havarti is macaroni and cheese. Simply substitute Havarti for the brick cheese in your favorite mac and cheese recipe. You can also use Havarti in grilled cheese sandwiches or as a topping for pizza.
3. Muenster
Muenster is a semi-soft cheese that has a mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is similar to brick cheese in texture and melts well, making it an excellent substitute for brick cheese. Muenster is widely available in most grocery stores and is suitable for vegetarians.
One recipe to try with Muenster is French onion soup. Simply substitute Muenster for the brick cheese in your favorite French onion soup recipe. You can also use Muenster in grilled cheese sandwiches or as a topping for burgers.
4. Gouda
Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. It is similar to brick cheese in texture and melts well, making it a suitable substitute for brick cheese. Gouda is widely available in most grocery stores and is suitable for vegetarians.
One recipe to try with Gouda is stuffed mushrooms. Simply stuff mushrooms with Gouda cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also use Gouda in grilled cheese sandwiches or as a topping for baked potatoes.
5. Cheddar
Cheddar is a semi-hard cheese that has a sharp, slightly tangy flavor. It is similar to brick cheese in texture and melts well, making it an excellent substitute for brick cheese. Cheddar is widely available in most grocery stores and is suitable for vegetarians.
One recipe to try with Cheddar is chili. Simply top your favorite chili recipe with shredded Cheddar cheese and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also use Cheddar in grilled cheese sandwiches or as a topping for tacos.
6. Provolone
Provolone is a semi-hard cheese that has a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It is similar to brick cheese in texture and melts well, making it a suitable substitute for brick cheese. Provolone is widely available in most grocery stores and is suitable for vegetarians.
One recipe to try with Provolone is Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Simply top your cooked steak and onions with slices of Provolone cheese and let it melt over the top. You can also use Provolone in grilled cheese sandwiches or as a topping for burgers.
7. Colby
Colby is a semi-hard cheese that has a mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is similar to brick cheese in texture and melts well, making it an excellent substitute for brick cheese. Colby is widely available in most grocery stores and is suitable for vegetarians.
One recipe to try with Colby is cheesy potatoes. Simply slice potatoes and layer them in a baking dish with shredded Colby cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also use Colby in grilled cheese sandwiches or as a topping for tacos.
Conclusion
Brick cheese is a delicious cheese that is popular in the Midwest region of the United States. However, it can be challenging to find brick cheese in some parts of the country, and it may not be suitable for people with certain dietary restrictions.
The good news is that there are many substitutes for brick cheese that you can use in your favorite recipes. Monterey Jack, Havarti, Muenster, Gouda, Cheddar, Provolone, and Colby are all excellent substitutes for brick cheese.
They have similar textures, tastes, and melting abilities, making them perfect for a wide range of recipes. So the next time you can’t find brick cheese, don’t worry – try one of these substitutes instead!