Grocery
Mont d’Or Cheese
What it is
Mont d’Or is a soft, unpasteurized cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of France. It is traditionally made during the autumn and winter months. The cheese is aged in spruce bark, which imparts a distinctive woody aroma and flavor. Its texture is creamy and runny when ripe, making it ideal for baking. The cheese is typically sold in a wooden box, which helps to contain its soft interior.
How people cook with it
This cheese is a celebrated seasonal delicacy, most famously enjoyed baked.
- Baked as a fondue
- Spread on crusty bread
- Served with charcuterie
- Drizzled with honey
To prepare Mont d’Or for baking, remove it from its packaging and place it back into its wooden box. You can score the top rind to allow flavors to meld. Many people add a clove of garlic or a sprig of rosemary to the top before baking. It is typically baked in a moderate oven until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Serve it hot, directly from the box, with crusty bread for dipping.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike firmer cheeses, Mont d’Or's exceptionally soft and yielding texture makes it uniquely suited for baking. Its natural rind and the spruce bark it is aged in contribute a specific aromatic profile that distinguishes it from other soft cheeses.
Who it is for
Home cooks and cheese enthusiasts who appreciate seasonal and rich flavors will enjoy this cheese.
How to keep the rest
Once opened and baked, Mont d’Or is best consumed immediately. If you have any leftover, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will continue to soften and develop flavor over a few days.