Applewood Toastie (Credit: Ilchester)

Cosy up this Autumn with warming cheese recipes from Ilchester

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From sweet and nutty Jarlsberg baked into rustic pumpkin scones, to a gooey Applewood toastie perfect for a quick lunch, and a fiery Mexicana cottage pie that reinvents a classic, these recipes celebrate cheese in all its comforting forms. Whether you’re after a savoury snack, a speedy supper, or a hearty family dish, these cheesy favourites are sure to hit the spot.

Applewood Cheese Toastie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes (approx. 3 minutes per side)
Serves: 1

Applewood® is known for its rich, smoky flavour and smooth melt. This comforting cheese toastie is the perfect quick fix for a gooey, satisfying bite, ideal with a warming bowl of soup

Ingredients

  • 2 slices thick white bread
  • 2 slices thick cut ham
  • Dijon mustard
  • 3 slices Applewood® Cheese
  • Butter, for frying

Method

Step 1: Spread Dijon mustard on one slice of bread. Add 2 slices of thick cut ham and top with 2 slices of Applewood® Cheese.

Step 2: Top with the second slice of bread to form a sandwich.
Step 3: In a frying pan over medium heat, melt a little butter. Add the sandwich and cook for approximately 3 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and both sides are golden.

Step 4: Slice in half and enjoy warm.

Jarlsberg and Pumpkin Scones

Jarlsberg and Pumpkin Scones (Credit: Ilchester)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4

Jarlsberg is renowned for its characteristic holes and deliciously sweet and nutty taste. Try these delicious Jarlsberg and pumpkin scones, the perfect treat any time!

Ingredients

  • 250g wholemeal spelt flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • 125ml milk
  • 2 eggs (1 for brushing, 1 yolk for the scones)
  • 100g butter
  • 100g Jarlsberg, grated
  • 50g pumpkin seeds

Method
Step 1: Mix all the ingredients (except the extra egg and toppings) together. Shape the scones as desired.
Step 2: Top the scones with pumpkin seeds and some finely grated Jarlsberg.
Step 3: Brush with the remaining egg and bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (347°F) until golden brown.

Mexicana® Cottage Pie

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4


Mexicana® adds a fiery kick to this comforting twist on a classic cottage pie. With a rich, spiced beef base and a smooth, cheesy sweet potato mash, it’s perfect for chilly evenings when you want something hearty and full of flavour.


Ingredients


For the Beef Filling:

  • 1 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped
  • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped (or a pinch of dried chilli flakes/powder)
  • 1 stick celery, chopped
  • 500g minced beef
  • 400g can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée (or ketchup)
  • 400g can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 beef stock cube
  • 250ml water

For the Mexicana® Sweet Potato Mash:

  • 750g sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 knob of butter
  • 125g Mexicana®, grated
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method
Step 1: In a large frying pan, heat the oil and sauté the onion, celery, chilli and garlic for 5 minutes until softened. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Increase the heat to high. Add the minced beef to the pan and brown for 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Return the sautéed vegetables to the pan. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, beef stock cube, and 250ml water. Stir well. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the sweet potatoes in salted boiling water until tender. Drain and mash with a knob of butter. Stir in 100g of grated Mexicana® and season to taste.
Step 5: Preheat oven to 200°C / fan 180°C / Gas mark 6.
Step 6: Add the kidney beans to the beef mixture and cook for a further 5 minutes. Season to taste.
Step 7: Spoon the beef mixture into an ovenproof dish. Top with the Mexicana® mash and spread evenly. Sprinkle over the remaining 25g of grated Mexicana®.
Step 8: Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Serve hot.

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