How Is Swiss Cheese Made?

One of the most popular choices when it comes to cheese in the United States is Swiss cheese. If you ever wondered how it is made then here you will find the answer. In modern times making cheese involves industrial machinery instead of the traditional method. The first thing that a cheese maker has to pay attention to is the temperature setting before they start making the cheese. The milk should be checked for both fat content and freshness. The milk is then strained and placed into a vat at 90 degrees. The milk is strained several more times. Once it reaches 90 degrees rennet and lactic acid are added. The mixture is left alone until milk curdles and then becomes something like a custard texture. The whole process takes about 40 minutes.

Fermentation

The mixture is cut into small pieces with a cheese harp. The water, also called whey is then taken away from the desired curds and heated at about 125 degrees which will also take out any leftover whey. Cheese is then pressed for close to 20 hours by a hydraulic operated press and then placed in a vat with brine in it for 48 hours. Any salt that is in the brine will be absorbed in the cheese making process and rinds are formed. Rinds are then placed in a cellar at 55 degrees for 20 days and then moved to a 70 degree cellar which causes the cheese to sweat and turn. Once fermentation has taken place the cheese is cleaned and moved to a final cellar where the cheese will mature and that process takes 3 whole months.

What About The Holes?

The one thing that people recognize about Swiss cheese instantly is the holes but you may be wondering how the holes are made. The holes are actually a result of the cheese making process. Pockets are created from the bacteria which are used during this process. Those pockets are the ones that create the holes that you are familiar with when you think of Swiss cheese. Swiss cheese is popular due to its nutritional value as well as its flavor. There is a very small amount of calories in a slice and it is a great source of protein. Other nutrients within Swiss cheese include phosphorus, calcium and vitamin B12.
Recipe: Vidalia Onion Dip

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of Vidalia onions (chopped)
• 3 cups of Swiss cheese (shredded)
• 2 ½ cups of mayonnaise
• Dash garlic salt

Instructions:

The Vidalia onion dip is one of the easiest dips to make and it is great to serve before watching the game or when you get together with family and friends.
First preheat the oven to 350 degrees. You will need to mix all the ingredients well and pour into a baking dish that has been previously greased. Bake the mix at 350 degrees for 40 minutes until you see the top take a lightly brown color. Take out and serve hot with tortilla chips.