Introduction to Ballard Cheese

Ballard Cheese is a family-owned artisan cheese producer known for its high-quality, hand-crafted cheeses made from the milk of local Jersey cows in Idaho. The cows are grass-fed, which gives the milk a rich, creamy texture that is perfect for producing flavorful, high-quality cheeses. The Ballard family has been crafting cheese for over 25 years, using traditional methods to ensure their products maintain a unique, fresh taste.

What sets Ballard Cheese apart is its variety of flavors and textures. Popular options include Idaho Golden Greek Grilling Cheese, known for its searing capabilities, Pepper & Garlic Cheese Curds for a savory snack, and Huckleberry Cheddar, which combines a sweet, tangy flavor with a crumbly texture. Whether you’re grilling, snacking, or cooking, Ballard Cheese offers something for every occasion.

These unique cheese varieties are crafted using time-honored traditions, bringing out rich flavors that make each bite memorable.

Key Varieties of Ballard Cheese

Ballard Cheese offers a wide range of handcrafted, artisan cheeses, each with its own distinct flavor and texture. Three standout varieties are the Idaho Golden Greek Grilling Cheese, Pepper & Garlic Cheese Curds, and Huckleberry Cheddar.

• Idaho Golden Greek Grilling Cheese: This cheese is perfect for grilling or pan-searing, much like halloumi. It has a firm texture that allows it to brown beautifully without melting, making it ideal for summer BBQs or appetizers.
• Pepper & Garlic Cheese Curds: Known for their vibrant flavor and smooth texture, these cheese curds are seasoned with black pepper and garlic, making them a savory snack or an addition to dishes like poutine. Their firm yet squeaky texture adds a fun bite to any recipe.
• Huckleberry Cheddar: This unique cheese combines the sweet-tangy taste of huckleberries with the rich, crumbly texture of cheddar. It’s perfect for pairing with crackers or fruit on a cheeseboard, offering a balance of flavors that’s both sweet and savory.

Each of these cheeses showcases the diversity and craftsmanship of Ballard Cheese, making them ideal for a variety of dishes and occasions.

How to Cook with Ballard Grilling Cheese

Ballard Grilling Cheese, specifically the Idaho Golden Greek Grilling Cheese, is perfect for grilling, searing, or frying. Its firm texture allows it to hold its shape, making it ideal for appetizers and side dishes. Below is a simple recipe for preparing a delicious Ballard Grilling Cheese Appetizer.

Recipe: Ballard Grilling Cheese Appetizer

1. Prepare the cheese: Slice Ballard’s Idaho Golden Greek Grilling Cheese into ¼-inch thick pieces.
2. Heat the skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook the cheese: Place the cheese slices in the pan in a single layer. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
4. Serve immediately: Transfer the seared cheese to a warm plate, keeping the slices hot until ready to serve.

Best Cooking Methods for Ballard Grilling Cheese

• Grilling: Place the cheese directly on the grill for a smoky flavor.
• Pan-searing: Heat in a skillet for crispy, browned edges without melting.
• Frying: Fry in olive oil for a more decadent, crispy result.

Pairing Options

Serve Ballard Grilling Cheese with:

• Tomatoes and Kalamata olives: Add a Mediterranean twist with fresh tomato slices and briny olives.
• Balsamic dressing: Drizzle with a balsamic reduction or dressing for a sweet, tangy contrast.
• Fresh herbs: Top with basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.

Ballard Cheese in Classic Dishes

Ballard cheese can easily elevate your everyday meals, adding richness and depth to familiar dishes like omelets, salads, and sandwiches. With its unique textures and bold flavors, it’s a versatile ingredient that complements a variety of meals.

• Omelets: Add Ballard’s Pepper & Garlic Cheese Curds to your morning omelet for a savory twist. The curds melt beautifully, infusing the eggs with a creamy, garlicky flavor. Pair with fresh vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for a well-balanced breakfast.
• Salads: Incorporate Ballard Huckleberry Cheddar into a spinach and berry salad for a sweet and tangy contrast. The cheddar crumbles nicely and pairs well with vinaigrettes, nuts, and fruit.
• Sandwiches: A great example of using Ballard cheese in sandwiches is the Ballard Idaho Golden Greek Cheese in a breadless cocktail sandwich. Fry slices of the cheese until golden brown, then layer with bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomatoes for a satisfying, low-carb option. This hearty sandwich is both flavorful and gluten-free.

By using Ballard cheese in these classic dishes, you can transform simple meals into gourmet experiences.

Artisan Cheese-Making at Home with Ballard Cheese

Making artisan cheese at home similar to Ballard Cheese is easier than you might think with just a few basic tools and ingredients. To start, you’ll need a stainless-steel pot, a cheesecloth, a thermometer, and a set of cheese molds. You can use high-quality milk from local dairy farms to replicate the rich texture of Ballard’s cheeses.

Begin by heating the milk to the right temperature (usually between 85°F and 90°F) and adding rennet and cultures to start the curdling process. Once the curds have formed, cut them, and gently heat again to encourage whey drainage. After pressing the curds into a mold, they are ready for the aging process.

The key to making artisan cheese is controlling the aging process. Aging cheese requires a cool environment, typically between 50°F and 55°F, with humidity levels around 85%-95% to prevent drying out. This balance creates the distinctive textures and flavors that cheeses like Ballard’s Huckleberry Cheddar and Pepper Jack are known for.

By mastering the balance of temperature and humidity, you can craft your own versions of artisan cheeses at home.

Top Ballard Cheese Recipes to Try at Home

Ballard Cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to any dish, and it’s incredibly versatile for home cooking. Here are two creative and easy recipes that make the most of Ballard’s artisan cheeses.

Ballard’s Breakfast Omelet Pizza

Combine the best of both worlds—an omelet and pizza—with Ballard’s Idaho Golden Greek Cheese. This savory breakfast pizza is perfect for a hearty morning meal.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the base: Whisk together eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a heated, greased skillet.
2. Cook the omelet: Once the edges begin to set, add your favorite toppings like spinach, tomatoes, and onions.
3. Add the cheese: Top the omelet with slices of Ballard’s Idaho Golden Greek Cheese for a rich, salty bite.
4. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Ballard Cheese Wedge Snack

For a quick and simple snack, pair Ballard Cheese with your favorite toppings like jams or jellies.

Instructions:

1. Cut the cheese: Slice Ballard’s Huckleberry Cheddar or Pepper & Garlic Cheese Curds into bite-sized wedges.
2. Add toppings: Top each wedge with a small spoonful of your favorite jam, jelly, or honey for a delightful sweet-and-savory combination.
3. Serve: Arrange the wedges on a platter for a quick snack or appetizer.

Seasonal Ballard Cheese Recipes

Ballard Cheese shines throughout the year, with its rich flavors making seasonal dishes even more delicious. Below are two seasonal recipes that make the most of Ballard’s artisan cheeses for summer and fall.

Summer Recipe: Ballard Grilled Cheese Tacos

Grilled cheese tacos are a fun, fresh take on classic tacos, using Ballard’s Idaho Golden Greek Grilling Cheese for a crispy, salty bite.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cheese: Slice Idaho Golden Greek Grilling Cheese into ¼-inch pieces.
2. Grill the cheese: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and grill the cheese slices until golden brown on both sides.
3. Assemble the tacos: Fill soft tortillas with grilled cheese slices, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite taco toppings like avocado and salsa.
4. Serve: Top with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of lime juice.

Fall Recipe: Ballard Mac & Cheese

For cooler fall days, nothing beats a comforting bowl of mac and cheese made with Ballard’s White Cheddar.

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Boil your choice of pasta until al dente and drain.
2. Make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk, stirring until smooth.
3. Add the cheese: Stir in grated Ballard White Cheddar and continue mixing until the sauce is creamy and thick.
4. Combine: Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

This creamy, cheesy dish is the ultimate fall comfort food, providing warmth and flavor.

Seasonal Ballard Cheese Recipes

Ballard Cheese is the perfect complement to seasonal dishes, offering versatile flavors for both summer and fall. Here are two seasonal recipes that make the most of Ballard’s artisan cheeses.

Summer Recipe: Ballard Grilled Cheese Tacos

A fresh twist on traditional tacos, Ballard’s Idaho Golden Greek Grilling Cheese adds a crispy, salty element to this summer favorite.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cheese: Slice Idaho Golden Greek Grilling Cheese into ¼-inch thick pieces.
2. Grill the cheese: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and grill the cheese slices until golden on both sides.
3. Assemble the tacos: Fill soft tortillas with the grilled cheese slices, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and other toppings like avocado or salsa.
4. Garnish: Add fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty finish.

Fall Recipe: Ballard Mac & Cheese

As the weather cools, indulge in a comforting mac and cheese made with Ballard White Cheddar for a rich, creamy texture.

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Boil your favorite pasta until al dente and drain.
2. Create the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux, and slowly add milk, stirring until thickened.
3. Add the cheese: Stir in shredded Ballard White Cheddar until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
4. Combine and bake: Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make Ballard cheese at home?

While you can’t replicate Ballard Cheese exactly at home, you can make similar artisan cheeses with basic tools like a stainless-steel pot, cheesecloth, and cheese molds. Using high-quality milk and following proper steps such as curdling, pressing, and aging, you can create your own version of delicious artisan cheese.

What are the ideal conditions for aging cheese?

The ideal environment for aging cheese is a cool room with a temperature between 50°F and 55°F and high humidity of 85%-95%. This balance helps the cheese develop its texture and flavor without drying out. Proper ventilation is also key to ensuring the cheese ages well without developing off-flavors.

What pairs best with Ballard cheese?

Ballard Cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of foods and drinks. For a balanced cheese board, pair Huckleberry Cheddar with sweet fruits like apples and pears or nuts such as almonds. For drinks, wines like Riesling or Pinot Noir complement the cheese’s richness and flavor complexity.

How should Ballard cheese be stored to maintain freshness?

To keep Ballard cheese fresh, store it in the fridge wrapped in parchment paper or cheese paper, which allows the cheese to breathe. Avoid plastic wrap, as it can trap moisture and lead to spoilage. Keep it in the cheese drawer or an airtight container to preserve its flavor and texture.

Conclusion and Final Tips for Cooking with Ballard Cheese

When cooking with Ballard Cheese, don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties like Idaho Golden Greek Grilling Cheese, Huckleberry Cheddar, and Pepper & Garlic Cheese Curds. Each type offers unique flavors and textures that can elevate any dish. For best results, pair Ballard Cheese with local and seasonal ingredients such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts.