Best Cheese for Cooking, Melting, Baking, and Beyond

Not all cheese behaves the same once it hits heat, and knowing which cheese to use makes all the difference.

Great melting cheeses include havarti, fontina, young cheddar, and mozzarella. These cheeses have the right balance of moisture and fat to become smooth and stretchy.

For baking and finishing, aged cheeses like parmesan or aged gouda add big flavor without turning greasy. Fresh cheeses like ricotta or chèvre shine in pastas, dips, and spreads.

Cooking with artisan cheese elevates everyday meals, whether it’s mac and cheese night or a cozy baked dish straight from the oven. Start with quality cheese, and let it do the heavy lifting.