Bel Delivers the World

Shareable items reign as the most dynamic category on menus today, fitting into the modern sensibility of interactive, convivial dining. One of the reasons the category thrives is because shareables offer consumers a low-risk entry to global flavor adventure. Here, we focus on a few winning shareables, demonstrating how to take them in various on-trend worldly directions. Craveable, comforting cheese offers a familiar foundation for global flavor play.

IT STARTS WITH…CHEESE

Merkts^®Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread, made from all-natural Wisconsin cheddar that’s aged at least nine months, is bold and hearty, creamy and rich. Price*s^® Pimiento Cheese boasts tangy flavor, creamy texture and nostalgic appeal. Both cheeses— from Bel Brands, a family-run company with more than 150 years of cheese expertise—provide a canvas for infusing bold international flavors.

They enable chefs to craft innovative dishes that seamlessly blend regional American favorites with flavors from around the world, delivering a signature experience to their diners. Global profiles in shareables like loaded fries or cheese dips are an easy lay-up, giving diners a familiar, craveable dish while leveraging key elements of trending world cuisines. Alex Sadowsky, Director of Culinary for Twin Peaks Restaurants, jazzes up a Canadian classic: His Drunken Pimiento Pork Belly Poutine (pictured above) stars a winning blend of Merkts Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread (combined with reduced lager) and Price*s Original Pimiento Cheese Spread.

“Price*s Pimiento Cheese is the closest I have found to the scratch recipe that I make. It’s easy to swap it in as a base and customize with quick plus-ones or just garnish it in a fun way to create a cool twist,” he says. “And I grew up with Merkts in our fridge every day. Now, I love to use it to play up nostalgia with our guests. Operator-wise, it is cost effective and easy to work with. Also, it’s easy to incorporate one or two more ingredients to customize and make your own.”

SPREADING GLOBAL FLAVORS

For global takes using a classic cheddar base: Start with Merkts Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread, then add

• MEXICAN—chopped roasted poblano peppers + fresh cilantro + lime zest + Cotija cheese (serve with tortilla chips)
• MIDDLE EASTERN—za’atar, chopped green olives + roasted red pepper + a dollop of Cheese (serve with grilled pita)
• JAPANESE—pickled ginger + furikake + shredded nori (serve with rice crackers)

Sadowsky shared a few ideas on how to add global flair to a fan favorite, beer cheese. He starts with Merkts, adds reduced lager, then…

• INDIAN—chunks of butter chicken or pork belly pieces tossed in a vindaloo sauce + fresh cilantro + raita
• WEST AFRICAN—chopped lamb suya + red onion + fresh cilantro + a dusting of yaji (suya spice)

For global takes on pimiento cheese: Start with Price*s Original Pimiento Cheese Spread, then add:

• MEXICAN—crumbled Cotija cheese + chile powder + lime zest + a dollop of mayo + grilled corn kernels (serve with tortilla chips)
• THAI—red curry paste + fresh cilantro + lime zest + a touch of coconut milk (serve with cucumber spears)
• MOROCCAN—cumin + smoked paprika +cinnamon + chopped dates (serve with pita bread)
• (serve with rice crackers)

Explore cheese products, recipe ideas and more at BelBrandsFoodservice.com