Our Favourite Cheese Books
Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or work in the industry it’s always a good time to get the word on the curd.
If you’re looking for recipe inspiration, study resources or an entertaining read, we’ve got our pick of the best cheese books on the market right now.
What We’re Reading This Month
Mould To Mould, by Ian Macilwain
Home Cheesemaking made simple
A straightforward guide aimed at those new to cheesemaking or anyone wanting to experiment further.
Whilst the book is written in an idiomatic style, it comes with authority and just enough background science. Full of easy-to-understand terminology and practical advice, Ian gives plenty of impartial recommendations for equipment and supplies.
The book lists around 20 different cheese recipes; with classics including Camembert, Wensleydale and Roquefort, alongside some less well-known varieties, such as a Calvados-steeped Monks’ Cheese and Val Camella (a soft, mountain cheese). Each recipe is broken down into clearly-explained steps, including recommendations for ageing and any common defects to look out for.
For a preview, check out the biblet here.
The Cheese Life, by Mathew Carver and Patrick McGuigan
Recipes, Cheeseboards and Pairings
As bright, potent and appetizing as its cover suggests, this book is a joyful celebration of the current renaissance of the British artisan cheese industry, written by two of the most enterprising and affable characters on the British cheese scene today.
With chapters entitled Grill, Melt, Bake, Grate and Slice, the book contains tapas-style dishes including cauliflower fritters with hot sauce and curried cheddar curds, as well as modern takes on the classics, such as chicken poutine, blue cheese & pastrami raclette and goats’ cheese fondue.
More than just a cheese cookery book, this is a bible for cheese lovers that will help you curate and serve the perfect cheeseboard.
Selected by HOT DINNERS for BEST NEW COOKBOOKS 2023
Cheese & Wine, by Janet Fletcher
A Guide to Selecting, Pairing and Enjoying
“Cheese and Wine” takes you on an international tour of 70 cheeses with plenty of delightful side trips to explore pairings with wines and themed cheese platter suggestions. Each entry has been lovingly researched and then comprehensively portrayed with fascinating detail and imagery.
Alongside the rich photography, there are tasting notes, recommended wines, storage tips and cheese board suggestions. And flipping the pairings on their head, there is also a guide to finding compatible cheeses for every wine type.
More Cheese Book Recommendations
For more cheese book inspiration and recommendations, check out our previous articles:
A Jolly Good Cheese Read, Chapter 2
A Jolly Good Cheese Read
Whether you’re a cheese enthusiast or work in the industry it’s always a good time to get the word on the curd.
Note: the Academy of Cheese does not receive commission for any links clinked or sales.
Rachel Holding | Academy of Cheese Writer
Rachel loves a good cheese and wine session. Her love of all cheeses, artisanal or otherwise, has grown from her early years of working on the cheese counter at Fortnum & Mason. She has a personal mission to taste as many cheeses as possible and to encourage this passion in others.
What’s Happening in the Cheese World this Month – May 2024
