The possibilities are endless—comfort food, healthy salads and even breakfast. Cheese can play a role in a variety of ways, and savvy retailers continue to expand their offerings.
Tim Tesch, a research and development chef at Lund Food Holdings, Inc., says his company sees strong growth opportunity in prepared foods that include specialty cheese. “We have had some of our greatest success with dishes including cheese such as our Signature Dijon Parmesan Chicken Breast and Asiago & Sage Potato Gratin,” he notes. “We are also developing a new line of pizzas that use specialty cheeses like Smoked Gouda, Goat Cheese and Cheese Curds.”
Tesch sees three primary ways to use specialty cheese in prepared foods:
- Garnish—Top a casserole with Aged Cheddar or Parmesan
- Main ingredient—Make cheese the star in side dishes like scalloped potatoes
- Sub ingredient—Enhance quiches with Wisconsin Swiss or Fresh Mozzarella
Here are a few more ways to incorporate specialty cheese into prepared dishes:
Pizza. Many customers are opting for take-and-bake pies, a happy medium between takeout and frozen. Retailers preparing these pizzas in-house can take advantage of deli and produce offerings to create appealing topping combinations. Or, you can create a build-your-own pizza station by adding a selection of cheeses and meats to standard salad bar fare.
Healthy Grain Salads. Retailers are going way beyond potato salad and coleslaw to offer healthy, hearty whole-grain salads that consumers crave. Cheese adds a savory, satisfying note to these vegetarian-friendly salads. Start with whole grains—such as quinoa, bulgur, faro or fregola—and mix in seasonal vegetables, beans or lentils, cheese and a simple vinaigrette. It’s a balanced option sure to please.
Mac & Cheese. This classic comfort food pairs well with popular roasted and fried chicken items, but with endless varieties and add-ins, it can easily stand on its own. Make it a meal with recipes such as Crab Bisque Macaroni and Wisconsin Cheese or Wisconsin Pepato Cheese and Artichoke Bake.
Gourmet Sandwiches. With a variety of deli meat on hand, this is a no-brainer, and many retailers are already offering customized sandwiches. Up the ante with specialty cheese and interesting additions, such as gourmet mustards, chutneys and pickled vegetables.
Ready to Grill. Make the meat counter a little more enticing by stuffing burger patties with cubed Smoked Gouda or crumbled Blue Cheese.
Breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day. Are you leveraging its full potential? Breakfast sandwiches are easy to grab and go, whether it’s the classic bacon, egg and cheese or an omelet with fresh veggies and Feta.
For more information about Wisconsin Cheese, visit the website.
SOURCE Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
