Where Can I Buy High Temp Cheese for Cooking?
When it comes to cooking or baking dishes that require cheese to withstand high temperatures without melting into a gooey mess, selecting the right type of high temp cheese is essential. Whether you’re crafting a gourmet pizza, preparing a grilled sandwich, or experimenting with innovative culinary creations, understanding where to buy high temp cheese can make all the difference in achieving perfect texture and flavor. This specialized cheese category offers unique properties that hold up under intense heat, providing both taste and structure to your recipes.
Finding high temp cheese isn’t always straightforward, as not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to heat resistance. From artisanal shops to online specialty retailers, the options vary widely, and knowing where to look can save you time and ensure quality. Moreover, the availability of these cheeses often depends on your cooking needs and the specific characteristics you’re seeking, such as meltability, browning, or stretch.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the best sources for purchasing high temp cheese, what to consider before buying, and tips for selecting the perfect variety for your culinary projects. Whether you’re a professional chef or a passionate home cook, this guide will help you navigate the market and elevate your dishes with cheese that performs under fire.
Specialty Food Stores and Gourmet Markets
Specialty food stores and gourmet markets are excellent places to find high temp cheese varieties. These establishments often stock cheeses designed for cooking at higher temperatures, such as mozzarella for baking or cheeses intended for grilling and frying. Because these stores focus on quality and unique food items, their cheese selections tend to include artisanal and imported options with specific melting points suitable for various culinary techniques.
When visiting a specialty store, consider asking the staff for recommendations on cheeses that maintain texture and flavor under heat. Some common high temp cheeses available in such markets include:
- Low-moisture mozzarella
- Halloumi
- Queso blanco
- Paneer
These cheeses are prized for their ability to withstand higher cooking temperatures without melting into a liquid, making them ideal for frying, grilling, or baking.
Online Retailers and Specialty E-commerce Sites
Online shopping offers a broad range of options for purchasing high temp cheese, especially for consumers in areas without access to specialty food stores. Numerous e-commerce sites specialize in gourmet and artisanal cheese, providing detailed product descriptions, including melting points and ideal culinary uses.
Advantages of buying high temp cheese online include:
- Access to rare and imported varieties
- Customer reviews and ratings to guide purchases
- Convenient home delivery
- Detailed product information and storage advice
Popular online platforms for high temp cheese include:
| Retailer | Specialty | Price Range | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murray’s Cheese | Artisanal & Imported Cheeses | $$$ | Nationwide |
| Cheese.com | Extensive Cheese Database & Sales | $$ | Varies by Seller |
| Amazon Fresh | Wide Range Including High Temp Options | $-$$$ | Nationwide |
| La Fromagerie | European Imported Cheeses | $$$ | Limited Regions |
Before purchasing, verify the cheese description to ensure it suits high temperature applications, and check for storage instructions to maintain quality.
Wholesale Distributors and Foodservice Suppliers
For businesses or frequent users, wholesale distributors and foodservice suppliers offer bulk purchasing options for high temp cheeses. These suppliers cater to restaurants, caterers, and food manufacturers, providing large quantities at competitive prices. Many offer specialized products designed for commercial cooking environments, including cheeses with enhanced melting characteristics for pizza, sandwiches, and hot dishes.
Key benefits of sourcing from wholesalers include:
- Cost efficiency for bulk orders
- Consistent supply for regular cooking needs
- Access to professional-grade cheeses with specific heat performance
- Ability to request custom cuts or packaging sizes
Common distributors to explore are Sysco, US Foods, and local dairy cooperatives. When engaging with a wholesaler, it is important to specify the intended cooking application to receive the best product recommendations.
Farmers Markets and Local Dairy Producers
Farmers markets and local dairy farms can be valuable sources for high temp cheeses, especially those made using traditional methods. These producers often create cheeses that retain their structure when heated, such as certain types of fresh cheeses or semi-firm varieties.
Benefits of purchasing from farmers markets include:
- Freshness and seasonal availability
- Direct communication with the cheesemaker
- Opportunity to sample products before purchase
- Support for local agriculture and sustainable practices
Local producers may also offer custom orders or provide advice on how to best use their cheeses in high heat cooking. Examples of cheeses found at farmers markets that perform well under heat include:
- Fresh mozzarella
- Queso fresco
- Farmer’s cheese
- Paneer made on-site
Considerations When Choosing High Temp Cheese
Selecting the right high temp cheese involves understanding its melting behavior, moisture content, and fat composition. Factors to consider include:
- Melting Point: Cheeses with higher melting points hold their shape better when heated.
- Moisture Content: Lower moisture cheeses typically melt less, making them suitable for grilling or frying.
- Fat Content: Higher fat content can affect melting texture and flavor richness.
- Intended Use: Baking, frying, grilling, or broiling each requires different cheese characteristics.
| Cheese Type | Melting Behavior | Common Uses | Typical Melting Point Range (°F) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halloumi | Does not melt, becomes golden and firm | Grilling, frying | Approximately 130-140 | |||||||||||||||
| Panner | Softens without melting | Frying, curries | Approximately 140-150 | |||||||||||||||
| Low-moisture Mozzarella | Melts evenly, retains stretch | Baking, pizza | Approximately 130-140 | |||||||||||||||
| Queso Blanco | Softens but maintains shape | Frying, salads |
| Supplier | Key Features | Types of High Temp Cheese Available | Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murray’s Cheese | Wide selection, expert advice, curated collections | Halloumi, aged provolone, low-moisture mozzarella | Nationwide, refrigerated shipping |
| Di Bruno Bros. | Artisan cheeses, specialty imports | Grilling cheeses, smoked provolone, caciocavallo | Refrigerated shipping available |
| Amazon Gourmet Food Section | Convenience, wide variety, customer reviews | Halloumi, low-moisture mozzarella, paneer | Fast shipping options |
Wholesale and Foodservice Distributors
For commercial or bulk purchases, foodservice distributors and wholesalers are ideal. These suppliers cater to restaurants, caterers, and large-scale kitchens, providing industrial quantities of high temp cheeses.
- Sysco, US Foods, and other national distributors stock cheeses suited for high heat.
- Contact distributors directly to inquire about specific cheese grades and heat tolerance.
- Some distributors offer private labeling or bulk packaging options.
Farmers Markets and Local Producers
In some regions, local cheesemakers produce specialty cheeses suitable for grilling or baking. Visiting farmers markets or contacting local dairies can yield unique high temp cheese varieties, often with fresher taste profiles.
- Ask producers about cheese melt behavior at high temperatures.
- Some artisanal cheeses like halloumi or kefalotyri are crafted specifically for grilling.
- Support local food systems by sourcing directly from artisans.
Key Considerations When Buying High Temp Cheese
Choosing the right cheese involves understanding the intended cooking method and cheese properties:
- Moisture Content: Lower moisture cheeses typically handle heat better without melting excessively.
- Fat Content: Higher fat cheeses may melt more readily but can also brown nicely.
- Age: Aged cheeses tend to hold structure better under heat.
- Texture: Semi-hard to hard cheeses are preferable for grilling or baking at high temperatures.
When in doubt, consult product descriptions or vendor expertise to ensure the cheese meets your high-temperature cooking needs.