National Dish Netherlands: Beemsterkaas (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Beemsterkaas, one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated cheeses! Made in the fertile polder land of the Beemster, a UNESCO World Heritage site, this Dutch classic ranges from gentle and creamy to deep and full-bodied depending on how long it is aged. Whether melted into a warm dip, scattered over pasta or simply enjoyed with fresh bread, its rounded, nutty flavour brings a taste of Dutch dairy tradition straight to your table.
About Beemsterkaas
Beemsterkaas is a Dutch cheese prized for its smooth texture and its rich, well-rounded flavour. It is produced in the Beemster region, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its fertile soils and its long-standing tradition of cheese making. The cheese is available in a range of maturities, from mild and creamy through to bold and pronounced, which makes it wonderfully versatile in the kitchen. The combination of high-quality milk and a time-honoured recipe is exactly what makes it such a treat.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g Beemsterkaas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, diced
- 1 handful fresh herbs (e.g. basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
To put together a perfect Beemsterkaas dish, it is well worth paying attention to quality. The cheese is available in well-stocked supermarkets and specialist cheese shops. Choose the right level of maturity depending on whether you prefer a mild or a more assertive cheese. Round things off with fresh herbs, which beautifully underline the flavour of the cheese, much as they do in a Kaasfondue.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking, it is important to get all the ingredients ready. Cut the Beemsterkaas into small cubes so it melts or plates up evenly. Roughly chop the fresh herbs to bring their flavour fully into the dish. Remember to prepare any vegetables you might want to use as well, so that everything comes together in harmony.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the diced garlic clove and fry briefly until golden brown.
- Add the Beemsterkaas cubes to the pan and let them melt.
- Scatter the chopped herbs over the melted cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the dish warm, for example as a dip or over pasta.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free and lactose-free version of the Beemsterkaas dish, serve it with gluten-free bread alongside. The cheese itself is naturally low in lactose, as most cheeses become virtually lactose-free during the maturing process. Pair it with fresh vegetables or other gluten-free ingredients to keep the meal balanced. These small adjustments let you enjoy delicious Beemsterkaas even with particular dietary needs.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Beemsterkaas is a dairy product and is therefore not suitable for vegans. Vegetarians, however, can simply add plenty of plant-based ingredients to make the dish hearty and full of flavour. In many cases a plant-based cheese alternative can be used in its place, offering similar tastes and textures. Experiment with different vegetables and herbs to create a delicious, nourishing meal that respects every kind of diet.
More tips and tricks
To bring out the full aroma of Beemsterkaas, it is best to serve it at room temperature, which lets its flavour shine so that every bite is a pleasure. You can also offer the cheese with fresh fruit or nuts to create a more varied tasting experience. On top of that, mixing several different cheeses together is a lovely way to discover new flavour combinations.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The wonderful thing about cooking is that you can adapt the recipe exactly to your liking. Prefer it with more of a kick? Add a little chilli or extra pepper. Feel free to use other herbs or spices that you enjoy and that pair well with the Beemsterkaas. For a sweeter note, scatter over some roasted nuts or a fruit topping to round the dish off.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have a garlic clove to hand, you can use onion instead to still achieve a full flavour. In place of olive oil, butter works nicely and lends the dish a distinctive taste. If Beemsterkaas is unavailable, try a similar cheese such as Goudse Kaas or a farmhouse Boerenkaas, both of which offer a great flavour too. Let your creativity run free and discover new combinations!
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs wonderfully with a Beemsterkaas dish. A glass of white wine can complement the flavours of the cheese beautifully for a harmonious experience. Alternatively, a light beer or a dry cider also goes splendidly with this dish. If you prefer alcohol-free options, herbal teas or a zesty lemonade make a refreshing accompaniment.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation can lift the whole dish. Serve the melted Beemsterkaas in a rustic pan or on a stylish board with fresh baguette and vegetable sticks. Garnish with a few fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for a touch of colour. A spread like this, in the best tradition of Dutch cuisine, is sure to delight your guests.
A bit of history
The Beemster region has a long tradition of cheese making that reaches back to the 17th century. Its unspoilt landscape and innovative drainage system helped produce the high-quality milk used for the cheese. Today Beemsterkaas is still made to traditional recipes and has established itself as one of the finest cheeses in the world. The passion for cheese making is passed down from generation to generation, ensuring the consistently high quality of this exquisite product.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Beemsterkaas
Beemsterkaas is not only a delicious cheese but also a product with a fascinating history. With its many uses in the kitchen, it is a genuine asset to any dish. With a few simple tweaks you can shape the recipe to suit your own preferences and discover new flavour combinations. Savour the gentle melody of aromas that this exquisite cheese has to offer!
