Teleme Cheese is a creamy, tangy cheese that is popular in many dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. However, it can be challenging to find Teleme Cheese in many areas, which can make it frustrating for those who want to cook with it. Luckily, there are many great substitutes for Teleme Cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. In this article, we will discuss the 7 best substitutes for Teleme Cheese and provide recipe ideas for each one.
What is Teleme Cheese?
Teleme Cheese originated in the San Francisco Bay Area of California and is a semi-soft cheese that was first produced by Greek immigrants in the early 1900s. This Stracchino-style cheese is made from whole cow’s milk and aged for at least 10 days up to 2 months. There are different variations of Teleme Cheese, including the Rice Flour Teleme which is dusted with rice flour and forms a crust when left exposed to air. It is typically produced in 6-pound squares and wrapped in wax paper. The other type of Teleme is aged in a plastic bag to prevent exposure to air. The flavor of Teleme Cheese intensifies as it ages, with fresh Teleme being 10 days old and runnier in texture compared to the aged variety.
Best Teleme Cheese Substitutes
1. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a popular substitute for Teleme Cheese, especially in Mediterranean dishes. Feta cheese is known for its salty taste and crumbly texture, which makes it an excellent option for dishes that require a bit of tanginess. Feta cheese can be used in salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. It also works well as a topping for pizza.
One great recipe that uses Feta Cheese as a substitute for Teleme Cheese is a Greek salad. To make a Greek salad, start with a bed of lettuce, and then add sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled Feta cheese. Dress the salad with olive oil and lemon juice, and you have a delicious and healthy meal.
2. Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi cheese is a semi-hard, salty cheese that is perfect for grilling or frying. It has a distinctive taste and texture that is similar to Teleme Cheese, which makes it an excellent substitute. Halloumi cheese is great for dishes that require a bit of crunch and texture, such as sandwiches or wraps.
One great recipe that uses Halloumi Cheese as a substitute for Teleme Cheese is a grilled cheese sandwich. To make a Halloumi grilled cheese sandwich, start by heating a frying pan over medium heat. Then, slice a few pieces of Halloumi cheese and place them between two slices of bread. Butter the outside of the bread and place the sandwich in the frying pan. Cook the sandwich until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted, and you have a delicious and unique take on the classic grilled cheese sandwich.
3. Queso Blanco Cheese
Queso Blanco cheese is a creamy, mild cheese that is perfect for dishes that require a bit of creaminess. Queso Blanco cheese is often used in Mexican dishes, such as quesadillas, tacos, and enchiladas. It has a smooth texture and a mild taste, which makes it an excellent substitute for Teleme Cheese.
One great recipe that uses Queso Blanco Cheese as a substitute for Teleme Cheese is a Queso Blanco dip. To make a Queso Blanco dip, start by melting some Queso Blanco cheese in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the cheese is melted, add some diced tomatoes, green chilies, and chopped cilantro. Serve the dip with tortilla chips, and you have a delicious and easy appetizer.
4. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a creamy, smooth cheese that is often used in Italian dishes. It has a mild taste and a smooth texture, which makes it an excellent substitute for Teleme Cheese in dishes that require a bit of creaminess. Ricotta cheese can be used in pasta dishes, such as lasagna or stuffed shells. It also works well as a topping for pizza.
One great recipe that uses Ricotta Cheese as a substitute for Teleme Cheese is a spinach and ricotta stuffed chicken breast. To make this dish, start by mixing some cooked spinach and Ricotta Cheese together in a bowl. Then, slice a chicken breast in half and stuff the mixture inside. Place the chicken breast in a baking dish and bake it in the oven until the chicken is cooked through. Serve the chicken breast with a side of roasted vegetables for a delicious and healthy meal.
5. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a popular cheese that is often used in desserts and dips. It has a creamy texture and a mild taste, which makes it an excellent substitute for Teleme Cheese in dishes that require a bit of creaminess. Cream cheese can be used in dips, such as buffalo chicken dip or spinach and artichoke dip. It also works well as a topping for bagels or toast.
One great recipe that uses Cream Cheese as a substitute for Teleme Cheese is a creamy pesto pasta. To make this dish, start by cooking your favorite pasta according to the package instructions. Then, in a separate pan, melt some cream cheese over medium heat. Once the cream cheese is melted, add some pesto sauce and stir until the sauce is heated through. Toss the pasta with the sauce, and you have a delicious and easy meal.
6. Gouda Cheese
Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cheese that is known for its smoky flavor and creamy texture. It is often used in sandwiches and melts, making it an excellent substitute for Teleme Cheese. Gouda cheese can be used in sandwiches, such as grilled cheese or turkey and avocado sandwiches. It also works well as a topping for burgers or as a filling for quesadillas.
One great recipe that uses Gouda Cheese as a substitute for Teleme Cheese is a smoked Gouda and ham panini. To make this panini, start by slicing some ham and smoked Gouda cheese. Then, place the ham and cheese between two slices of bread and brush the outside of the bread with olive oil. Place the sandwich in a panini press and cook until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. Serve the panini with a side of soup for a delicious and comforting meal.
7. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is a creamy, tangy cheese that is often used in salads and pasta dishes. It has a unique taste and texture that is similar to Teleme Cheese, making it an excellent substitute. Goat cheese can be used in salads, such as beet and goat cheese salad or arugula and goat cheese salad. It also works well as a topping for pizzas or as a filling for stuffed mushrooms.
One great recipe that uses Goat Cheese as a substitute for Teleme Cheese is a roasted vegetable and goat cheese tart. To make this tart, start by roasting your favorite vegetables, such as tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. Then, roll out some puff pastry and place it on a baking sheet. Spread some goat cheese over the pastry, leaving a border around the edges. Arrange the roasted vegetables on top of the goat cheese and bake in the oven until the pastry is golden brown. Slice the tart into squares and serve as a tasty appetizer or light lunch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Teleme Cheese is a unique and delicious cheese that can be hard to find in some areas. However, there are several substitutes that can be used in recipes that call for Teleme Cheese.
From feta to goat cheese, these substitutes are readily available and can add a similar taste and texture to your dishes. So, next time you’re in the kitchen and realize you’re out of Teleme Cheese, try using one of these substitutes instead. You might just discover a new favorite ingredient!