Move over fondue pot and make way for the cheese baker. It’s a versatile piece of bakeware, easier to use than a fondue pot, and yields gooey cheese for dipping or spreading on bread or crackers. Perfect for entertaining, it can also be used to make a quick meal or late-night snack.
What is a cheese baker?
A cheese baker is a round stoneware or ceramic casserole that comes with a lid. Designed to fit a whole round of cheese such as brie or Camembert, it also works with other cheeses such as feta, mozzarella, goat cheese, ricotta, blue cheeses, and more. A cheese baker allows you to conveniently store, transport, bake and serve cheese. It is dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and oven safe, however, it is not designed to be used on the stovetop.
The Emile Henry Cheese Baker has two side handles, is available in a variety of attractive colors and can go straight from the freezer to the oven. Chef Belinda Smith-Sullivan has the Emile Henry cheese baker and uses it with Camembert, she says, “My favorite toppings to use on Camembert are honey, chopped rosemary and walnuts. Very simple and yet the rosemary stands up to the pungent flavor of Camembert.” She also uses it for making single servings of macaroni and cheese. Another advantage to the Emile Henry baker is because it doesn’t have a knob, the lid can double as a warm serving container for heated or toasted baguette slices.
Cheese bakers come in smaller and larger sizes to accommodate different size cheese wheels. They vary somewhat from maker to maker, the Boska model is available in two sizes and includes a base with a tea light similar to a fondue pot, and the Staub Brie Baker has a knob top. While beautiful handmade versions are easily found online, they typically don’t include a lid.
Benefits of a Cheese Baker
The lid of the baker allows steam to gently heat the cheese, and the ceramic or stoneware holds the heat for a long time. While many recipes call for baking cheese in a ramekin or baking dish, a cheese baker is intended for serving as well as baking. Cheese bakers are easy to use and clean, relatively inexpensive, and versatile. In addition to being used for their primary purpose, they can also be used for making savory dips, small casseroles, gratins, or even for serving dessert-style dips. They make a nice gift for a bridal shower, housewarming, or a hostess gift. Most cheese bakers range in price from $40-70, depending upon the size and maker. They could also be paired with cheese and topping ingredients for a more extravagant gift.
How to Use Cheese Bakers
The beauty of the cheese baker is simplicity. Place the cheese in the baker, then add sweet ingredients such as sliced fresh fruit, chutney, marmalade or honey or savory ingredients such as pesto, caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms and sausage. A topping of chopped nuts or bacon crumbles adds terrific crunch and textural contrast to melted cheese. The possibilities are really endless.
Most recipes call for baking in a moderate oven, about 350 degrees for 10-20 minutes or until the cheese is soft, gooey and irresistible. Baking the cheese plain and adding toppings once it comes out of the oven is also an option. The cheese baker invites improvisation and creativity and doesn’t require any special skills, just the love of melted cheese.
Cheese baker recipes:
