Best Cheese Reads

Cheese

by James Martin

The Book in One Sentence

This beautiful cookbook offers over 100 accessible, delicious cheese-focused recipes, ranging from classic dishes to innovative twists, all accompanied by mouthwatering food styling and achievable, unpretentious ingredients.

Why should you read it?

This book is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds watering – the food styling alone will have you drooling. Delve deeper into the recipes and you’ll be reaching for your apron and grater before you can say “cheddar”. James’ self-professed love affair with cheese is evident as he opens his book with anecdotes of cheese adventures. From there he dives straight in, with no page-filling waffle between chapters (“Small Plates & Snacks, Mains, On the Side and Desserts”). James presents a mouthwatering collection of manageable, cheese-fuelled recipes, featuring accessible cheeses and store-cupboard staples. You’ll find timeless classics like Coquilles St Jacques and Double Baked Cheese Soufflé, alongside inventive twists on old favourites, such as “Stroganoff Steak with Blue Cheese” and “Coconut and Ginger Cheesecake.” There are also street-food inspired recipes perfect for the Gen Z crowd, like “Loaded Skins with Fried Chicken” and “Croquetas with Iberico Ham and Manchego.”

Whether it’s a quick snack, a hearty main, or an indulgent dessert, every recipe feels achievable and appealing, unlike some cookbooks that can leave you feeling, lets say, a little cheated. James’ use of simple, unpretentious ingredients and clever cheese substitutions makes these dishes both accessible and impressive, even for those who shy away from celebrity chef antics.

Best Line

“From the everyday to the extraordinary, cheese recipes range from the simple to the cordon bleu. Cheese can be the star of the show … or the final flourish.”

What Others Are Saying

“This book by James Martin is absolutely brilliant. I bought it for my brother in law for Christmas, but I insisted that he opened it before and he just couldn’t stop reading it. I thought that I’d have a quick look before I wrapped it and had to read it cover to cover. The recipes are great and being cheese lovers it just makes it even better.”

Polly Stubbs, 21 December 2024

Cheese. The World’s Best Artisan Cheeses

by Patricia Michelson

The Book in One Sentence

La Fromagerie founder, Patricia Michelson, takes the reader on a wonderfully illustrated journey around the world, championing the cheeses everybody should try at least once, and ending in the kitchen with her own delectable cheese-based recipes.

Why should you read it?

Patricia enlisted Jamie Oliver to write the foreword to her book, and he perfectly captures its essence with a simple yet compelling statement: “If you feel a bit unsure or scared by the huge variety [of cheese], this book is for you.” But this book is much more than just a reference guide to cheeses. Organized by geographical region, it is a visual feast, with stunning imagery that immediately draws the reader in. Patricia expertly selects both iconic cheeses and lesser-known varieties equally deserving of recognition, offering insightful descriptions of their production, origins, and flavour profiles. Her passion for sourcing, aging, and selling cheese is palpable, shining through in her choices and the language she uses. In addition to detailed advice on storing, serving, and pairing cheeses, Patricia enriches the book with a tempting array of traditional and inventive cheese recipes, showcasing her expertise as a true culinary master.

Best Line

“The cheese course is where the quality of the produce shines rather than the cooking ability of the host or hostess.“

What Others Are Saying

The best present you could give to a cheese-eater would be this magnificent guide to more than 450 of the world’s cheeses.

The Complete Cheese Pairing Cookbook

by Morgan McGlynn Carr

The Book in One Sentence

With carefully curated pairing boards containing both classic and unique combinations, cheeses from around the world and a seasonal pairing guide, the book also contains a range of cheese-focused recipes suitable for all occasions.

Why should you read it?

The internet and social media have recently been flooded with cheese pairing suggestions—so, do we really need another book on the subject? After reading this beautifully styled book, my answer is a resounding “yes.” Morgan McGlynn Carr, a seasoned cheesemonger with over 17 years of experience and two previous books to her name, takes the concept of pairing a step further. She not only demonstrates how to pair but also shows you exactly how to arrange the cheese and accompaniments on a board. Whilst she equips you with the tools and knowledge to go create your own pairings, he book also makes it incredibly tempting to simply follow her carefully curated suggestions. Each pairing is thoughtfully explained, giving readers the confidence to experiment and understand why certain flavours work so well together.

McGlynn Carr starts with her favourite go-to combinations—simple yet reliable pairings like Brie and pear, or Goat’s cheese and fresh figs—before branching out into more adventurous territory. She dedicates whole sections to Charcuterie (Stilton & Iberico); Vegetables (Gouda & roasted carrots); Fruit (Cheddar & pineapple); Bread (Wensleydale & Lincolnshire plum bread); Nuts (Camembert & Hazelnuts); Pickles (Swiss cheese & pickled cauliflower); Crackers; Chocolate; Honey, Chutneys/Jams and Drinks.

Beyond the pairings themselves, McGlynn Carr also offers recipes designed to either help you use the pairings in your cooking or inspire your own perfect accompaniments. After all, who doesn’t love a good cheese recipe? Standout options include “Tortilla with vintage Manchego and chorizo” and “Colombian hot chocolate with gooey cheese.” The theming continues, with boards based on cheese provenance and season and whilst the book may seem a little convoluted at first glance, each chapter makes sense and offer a different, valid perspective

And, what will possibly become the most thumbed section in my copy, there’s an A-Z of 200 cheeses with their suggested pairing waiting for you right at the back; from Lincolnshire Poacher with pilsner to Taleggio DOP with roasted grapes – a really useful reference tool when you want to make an informed choice, but don’t have time to sit and drool yourself through the book.

Best Line

“Stunning artisan and farmhouse cheeses … are more than good enough on their own. But, imagine a world where they could be even better? Where every flavour in them could pop, every texture yield, and every mouthful make the next one unwaveringly irresistible.”

What Others Are Saying

“I manage a busy cheese counter, and this book is a great reference to help me make pairing suggestions to my customers. I love how it’s organized, both by ingredient to be paired with, and by cheese type. Beautiful photography as well. There are tons of recipes that I personally want to try. I can see this becoming one of my most referenced cheese books”

Kasia Wilson, July 2024