Explore the Rich and Creamy World of Soft Cheese

Soft cheeses are full of flavour, incredibly versatile, and perfect for both special occasions and everyday treats. From rich, bloomy-rind Brie to washed-rind cheeses with big personalities, soft cheese is a must for any cheeseboard. At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we absolutely love helping people discover new soft cheeses they might not have tried before.

In this guide, we’re diving into our favourite soft cheese varieties, sharing how they’re made, what makes them special, and the best ways to serve them. Whether you’re a seasoned cheese lover or just starting out, there’s something tasty here for everyone.

What Exactly is Soft Cheese?

Soft cheese typically means cheese with a high moisture content and a soft or creamy texture. Many soft cheeses mature from the outside in, creating delightful textures where the outer layer becomes gooey while the centre stays firmer (at least to start). Some are mould-ripened, like Camembert and Brie, while others are washed in alcohol or brine to get that sticky, punchy rind.

Unlike hard cheeses that are pressed and aged for months or even years, soft cheeses are generally enjoyed young – sometimes within days or weeks of being made. This makes them taste fresh and melt-in-your-mouth smooth.

Bloomy Rind Beauties

Bloomy rind cheeses have a white, fluffy mould on the outside – it’s edible and delicious. This rind helps the cheese age from the outside in, giving a soft gooey edge around a firmer centre.

Let’s start with one of our stars – the Baron Bigod. This English Brie-style cheese comes from Suffolk and is made with raw milk using traditional methods. It has that glossy white rind people recognise from French Brie but with a rich, buttery centre that oozes onto your plate if you let it mature.

Speaking of French-style cheeses, few are as iconic as Brie de Meaux. This one’s made in France and known for its complex flavours – think mushroomy earthiness mixed with a bit of tang and a creamy, almost fudgy middle. It’s been called the “King of Cheese” for a reason.

For a floral and slightly milder Brie, give Caws Cenarth Brie a try. Made in Wales, this cheese has a gentle nutty flavour that pairs perfectly with mild crackers or chopped fruits.

If you’re after a more typical English Brie, Somerset Brie offers everything you want from a bloomy rind cheese. It’s creamy, soft, and full-bodied without being overpowering. Pop it on a slice of crusty bread and drizzle with honey for an easy treat.

Washed Rind Wonders

Some cheeses are washed in beer, brine or even wine while they’re ageing, which encourages strong-smelling bacteria. These cheeses can have a bold pong, but strong doesn’t mean bad – the flavours are often deeply savoury and meaty.

One of the most intriguing of these is Stinking Bishop. Made in Gloucestershire and washed in perry (pear cider), this famous cheese has a sticky orange rind and a strong smell. But don’t let the name put you off – the taste is gentle, creamy and surprisingly mellow.

Another unique washed rind option is Drunken Burt. This is an English goat’s cheese washed in cider or perry, giving it a wrinkly exterior and soft, delicate flavour inside. It’s a standout on any cheeseboard.

Goat’s Milk Soft Cheeses

Goat’s milk tends to give cheese a brighter, more tangy flavour. It’s great for those looking for something a bit lighter or more digestible.

We recommend the Capricorn Goat cheese, made in Somerset. This award-winning soft cheese has a creamy texture, mild goaty flavour, and a slight citrus tang. Great with beetroot, fresh figs or drizzled with balsamic glaze.

Also worth trying is Wigmore, a ewe’s milk cheese from Berkshire. Though not strictly goat’s cheese, it offers similar brightness. It’s lush and delicate, with fruity notes and a melting texture that turns gooey when brought to room temperature.

Decadent and Double-Creamed

Some cheeses are enriched with added cream to make them even more indulgent. These double or even triple-cream cheeses are fantastically rich and feel like butter on your tongue.

Délice de Bourgogne might be the ultimate luxury. This triple-cream French cheese combines full-fat milk with crème fraîche. It’s impossibly silky and perfect when paired with Champagne or crisp apples.

Soft blue cheeses can also bring a creamy element with a little bit of kick. Nantwich Blue is a milder blue cheese made with a buttery base. It pairs beautifully with sweet chutneys or sliced pears – a cheese to be enjoyed without making your eyes water.

How Soft Cheese is Made

Most soft cheeses start with fresh milk, which is gently warmed before adding starter cultures and rennet. Once the milk curdles, cheesemakers cut the curds and ladle them into moulds, where they drain without being heavily pressed.

From there, the cheeses are brined or washed, and if they’re bloomy-rind cheeses, they’re sprayed with Penicillium candidum to grow that white rind. Over the next couple of weeks, the cheese ripens in a cool, humid room. This is when the flavours build and those gorgeous gooey textures form.

Each soft cheese needs slightly different handling. Some cheeses mature faster than others, and some – especially washed-rind types – need regular care during ageing.

Delicious Ways to Serve Soft Cheese

There’s no wrong way to enjoy soft cheese, but here are some of our favourite ideas to bring out their flavours.

• Room temperature is key: Take the cheese out at least 30 minutes before serving to let the texture soften.
• With fruit: Apples, pears, grapes and even strawberries go brilliantly with creamy cheeses.
• With crunchy textures: Toasted baguette slices, crackers, or even oatcakes all bring something special.
• Pair it with a drink: Soft Brie-style cheeses go well with white wine or cider. Rich cheeses like Délice de Bourgogne hold up against fizz. Stronger cheeses like Stinking Bishop and blue cheeses pair well with porter or red wine.
• Get creative: Melt a slice of Brie over a burger, stir a bit of Capricorn Goat into pasta for instant creaminess, or tuck Délice into a croissant for an indulgent breakfast.

Where to Buy the Best Soft Cheese

Fresh, well-cared-for soft cheese makes all the difference. At Cheese Shop Nantwich, we work directly with artisan cheesemakers and trusted suppliers to keep a wide range of soft cheeses in stock and tasting their best. We also provide proper storage advice and suggestions to help you choose the perfect cheese for your needs.

You can explore some of the favourites we’ve mentioned right now on our website:

• Try Baron Bigod for a local Brie-style option
• Explore the lush Délice de Bourgogne
• Sample the champion of soft cheeses – Brie de Meaux
• Brighten up your board with Capricorn Goat
• Dive into something special like Wigmore or Drunken Burt

FAQs

Is the rind on soft cheese edible?
Yes, it is! The rind helps with ageing and adds flavour. Most bloomy rind cheeses like Brie and Camembert have edible, soft rinds, as do many washed rind cheeses.

Can I eat soft cheese when pregnant?
Some soft cheeses made from unpasteurised milk are advised against during pregnancy due to the risk of listeria. If in doubt, check if your cheese is pasteurised or ask a knowledgeable cheesemonger like us at Cheese Shop Nantwich.

How do I store soft cheese?
Wrap it in wax paper or baking paper and store in the fridge (not plastic wrap, which suffocates it). Keep it in a container or cheese drawer to avoid odours mingling with other foods.

How long does soft cheese last after opening?
Most soft cheeses stay fresh for around five to seven days once opened. Use your nose and eyes – if it starts to dry out or smell sour in the wrong way, you may need to let it go.

Try Something New from Cheese Shop Nantwich

Soft cheese brings together comfort and flavour like no other food. With so many styles available, from creamy bloomy Brie to funky washed-rind or zesty goat options, there’s always something new to taste.

Visit Cheese Shop Nantwich to browse soft cheeses like Brie de Meaux, Capricorn Goat or Wigmore, and find your next cheesy favourite. Whether for a cheeseboard, a picnic or a treat just for you, there’s always something a little soft and delicious waiting to be discovered.