What is bread cheese called? The answer depends on where you are! In Finland and Sweden, it is traditionally called Leipäjuusto (pronounced LAY-pah-YOO-stoh), which translates to “bread cheese” in Finnish. This unique cheese is famous for its mild, creamy taste and firm, slightly squeaky texture when eaten fresh.
Unlike most cheeses, bread cheese does not melt completely when heated. Instead, it softens while maintaining its shape, making it ideal for grilling, pan-frying, or baking. If you’re curious about its history and production, you can learn more from this Wisconsin Cheese guide on bread cheese.
Bread cheese is particularly popular in Scandinavian cuisine and has gained recognition in the United States, especially in Wisconsin. In Finnish tradition, it is often served with coffee, where small pieces are soaked in the cup before being eaten. Want to see how to cook and serve bread cheese in modern ways? Check out this guide from Allrecipes.
The Origins of Bread Cheese: A Look at Its History
1. Where Did Bread Cheese Originate?
- Leipäjuusto has been a part of Finnish cuisine for over 200 years.
- It was traditionally made from reindeer milk, though modern versions use cow’s or goat’s milk.
- The cheese is baked or seared after production, creating its signature golden, crispy crust.
2. How Bread Cheese Became Popular in the U.S.
- Finnish immigrants introduced bread cheese to Wisconsin and Minnesota in the early 20th century.
- American cheesemakers adapted the recipe using cow’s milk, making it more accessible.
- It became a favorite appetizer and snack, often served with honey, jam, or fresh fruit.
What Does Bread Cheese Taste Like?
If you’ve never tried bread cheese, imagine a mild, creamy, and slightly salty cheese with a firm yet soft texture. The lightly caramelized outer crust adds a hint of toasted flavor, making it slightly smoky.
✔ Mild & creamy – Similar to fresh mozzarella.
✔ Slightly salty – But not as briny as halloumi.
✔ Squeaky when fresh – Like cheese curds.
✔ Toasty, golden crust – Adds a subtle caramelized sweetness.
Bread Cheese vs. Other Cheeses
| Cheese | Texture | Flavor | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread Cheese | Firm, slightly chewy | Mild, creamy, slightly toasty | Grilled, fried, eaten with coffee |
| Halloumi | Firm, high in salt | Tangy & briny | Grilled, fried, used in salads |
| Paneer | Soft but firm | Mild & milky | Indian curries, grilled, fried |
How is Bread Cheese Made?
The process of making bread cheese is different from most cheeses, as it is baked or seared after curdling.
✔ Step 1: Fresh milk (cow, goat, or reindeer) is heated and rennet is added to form curds.
✔ Step 2: The curds are pressed into round molds and drained.
✔ Step 3: The cheese is baked or seared to create a golden, slightly crispy crust.
✔ Step 4: It is aged for a short period before being sold and eaten fresh or grilled.
In Finland, the cheese was historically dried and stored for winter, then reheated or soaked in warm coffee before eating.
How to Enjoy Bread Cheese the Traditional Way
One of the best things about bread cheese is that it can be eaten hot or cold, making it extremely versatile.
Traditional Finnish Ways to Eat Bread Cheese
- With coffee (Kahvi Leipäjuusto) – Small cheese pieces are soaked in a cup of hot coffee before being eaten.
- With cloudberry jam – The sweet, slightly tart jam balances the mild cheese flavor.
- Warm with butter – Melts slightly when grilled or pan-fried.
Modern Ways to Serve Bread Cheese
- Bread cheese sticks – Cut into strips and serve with marinara sauce.
- Grilled cheese sandwich alternative – Use it instead of bread.
- Topped with honey & nuts – A delicious appetizer or dessert.
- On a charcuterie board – Pair with fresh fruit, nuts, and meats.
For more cheese-based recipes and ideas, check out this cheese selection guide.
Final Thoughts on the Cultural Importance of Bread Cheese
Bread cheese is not just a food—it’s a part of Scandinavian tradition and heritage. Whether eaten with coffee in Finland, served on a cheese board, or grilled and drizzled with honey, bread cheese offers a unique flavor and texture unlike any other cheese.
How to Cook Bread Cheese: The Best Methods & Recipes
Now that you know what bread cheese is and where it comes from, let’s explore how to cook it, the best ways to serve it, and some delicious recipes.
Unlike most cheeses, bread cheese does not melt when heated. Instead, it becomes soft and slightly gooey while retaining its shape, making it perfect for grilling, baking, frying, or even air frying.
If you want to try different ways to prepare bread cheese, check out this Allrecipes guide on how to cook bread cheese.
Best Ways to Cook Bread Cheese
Bread cheese is incredibly versatile, and you can prepare it in many ways depending on your preference.
1. Pan-Frying (Most Popular Method)
✔ Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
✔ Cut bread cheese into thick slices.
✔ Place the slices in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
✔ Serve hot with jam, honey, or fruit.
2. Baking (For a Softer Texture)
✔ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
✔ Place bread cheese on a baking sheet.
✔ Bake for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through.
✔ Serve immediately with maple syrup or nuts.
3. Air Frying (Crispy on the Outside, Soft Inside)
✔ Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
✔ Cut cheese into thick cubes or slices.
✔ Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway through.
✔ Serve with a dipping sauce like marinara or berry compote.
4. Grilling (Perfect for BBQs & Smoky Flavor)
✔ Preheat grill to medium heat.
✔ Place whole bread cheese or thick slices directly on the grill.
✔ Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until slightly charred.
✔ Serve on a cheese board or in a salad.
Looking for a complete cheese bread recipe guide? Check out this step-by-step cheese bread recipe.
Best Recipes Using Bread Cheese
1. Grilled Bread Cheese with Honey & Nuts
Ingredients:
- 6 oz bread cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup chopped almonds or walnuts
Instructions:
- Grill bread cheese over medium heat for 2 minutes per side.
- Place on a plate, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
- Serve warm as a savory-sweet appetizer.
2. Bread Cheese & Berry Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed greens
- ½ cup sliced strawberries & blueberries
- 4 oz grilled bread cheese, cubed
- 2 tbsp balsamic dressing
Instructions:
- Grill bread cheese and cut into cubes.
- Toss with greens, berries, and balsamic dressing.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing salad.
3. Bread Cheese Pizza Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 small pizza crust
- ½ cup bread cheese, sliced
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread tomato sauce on pizza crust.
- Arrange bread cheese slices on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
For more cheese-based recipe ideas, explore this cheese pairing guide.
Pairing Bread Cheese with Other Foods
Bread cheese pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory flavors.
Sweet Pairings:
✔ Berry jam or fruit preserves – The tartness complements the mild cheese.
✔ Honey or maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness.
✔ Dark chocolate – A unique and delicious contrast.
Savory Pairings:
✔ Grilled meats – Adds a smoky, cheesy side dish.
✔ Fresh herbs (rosemary, basil) – Enhances the flavor.
✔ Charcuterie board items – Nuts, olives, cured meats.
Want more pairing ideas? Check out this cheese pairing guide.
Why Bread Cheese is a Must-Try Food
If you haven’t tried bread cheese yet, here’s why you should:
✔ It’s versatile – You can eat it cold, warm, grilled, or fried.
✔ It pairs well with almost anything – Sweet or savory.
✔ It’s high in protein & low in carbs – Great for keto and low-carb diets.
✔ It’s unique – A cheese that doesn’t melt, but softens beautifully.
With so many ways to prepare it, bread cheese is a must-try for cheese lovers!
How to Store, Reheat, and Serve Bread Cheese
Now that you know how to cook and serve bread cheese, let’s discuss the best ways to store, reheat, and enjoy it later. Proper storage ensures that bread cheese maintains its unique texture and rich flavor, whether you’re keeping it in the fridge for a few days or freezing it for longer storage.
If you’re looking for serving suggestions and cheese pairing ideas, check out this cheese pairing guide.
How to Store Bread Cheese Properly
1. Storing Fresh Bread Cheese (Refrigeration Method)
- Keep fresh bread cheese in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator at 34°F – 40°F (1°C – 4°C).
- It stays fresh for up to 7 days.
2. Freezing Bread Cheese (Long-Term Storage)
✔ Unopened bread cheese can be frozen for up to 3 months.
✔ Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a ziplock freezer bag.
✔ When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
How to Reheat Bread Cheese
Bread cheese is best enjoyed warm, and proper reheating helps maintain its crispy outer crust and soft, chewy interior.
1. Reheating in the Oven (Best for Large Portions)
✔ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
✔ Place bread cheese on a baking sheet.
✔ Heat for 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly soft.
2. Reheating in an Air Fryer (Crispy & Quick)
✔ Set air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
✔ Place bread cheese inside and heat for 3-5 minutes.
✔ Perfect for restoring crispiness while keeping it soft inside.
3. Reheating in a Pan (Quick & Easy)
✔ Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
✔ Place slices of bread cheese in the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes per side.
✔ Serve warm with honey, jam, or fruit.
Want more cheese-based recipes? Check out this step-by-step cheese bread recipe.
FAQs About Bread Cheese
1. What is another name for bread cheese?
✔ Leipäjuusto (Finnish name)
✔ Sometimes called “baked cheese” or “Finnish squeaky cheese”.
2. Does bread cheese melt?
✔ No, it softens but retains its shape, similar to halloumi.
3. How do you reheat bread cheese?
✔ Grill, pan-fry, or bake it for the best texture.
4. How long does bread cheese last in the fridge?
✔ Up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container.
5. Can you eat bread cheese cold?
✔ Yes! It has a chewy, mild flavor when eaten fresh.
6. Is bread cheese healthy?
✔ High in protein, low in carbs, but moderate in fat—great for keto diets.
7. Can I freeze cooked bread cheese?
✔ Yes, but it’s best when eaten fresh.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try Bread Cheese
If you’re looking for a unique cheese experience, bread cheese is a must-try. Whether grilled, baked, or served with coffee, it offers a delicious combination of crispy, creamy, and slightly salty flavors.
✔ Naturally gluten-free
✔ Perfect for sweet & savory dishes
✔ Popular in Finland, Sweden, and Wisconsin
Next time someone asks, “What is bread cheese called?”, you’ll know it’s Leipäjuusto—the cheese that eats like bread!