Archive · 6 Aug 2025
A Historical Look at the Culinary Use of Cheese
Cheese has been a food ingredient for a very long time!
People used it in cooking way back in ancient times, like in the oldest cookbook ever.
The Greeks and Romans enjoyed cheese in many dishes, from savory meals to sweets.
During the Middle Ages, cheese was still around, but perhaps not as popular.
When the Renaissance came, recipes became fancier, and chefs began to be particular about the type of cheese to use.
Over the centuries, cheese has remained a versatile ingredient.
Cheese has been a culinary ingredient since ancient times, appearing in recipes from the Akkadian cuneiform tablet.
Ancient Greeks used cheese in both savory dishes and sauces, and also in a dish called thria.
Classical Rome incorporated cheese in various dishes, including breads, cakes, and sweets, with recipes in Apicius.
Cheese use in medieval cuisine was less common, though it appeared in cookery texts, sometimes specifying cheeses like Sicilian cheese.
The Renaissance saw more detailed and reflective food writing, with cookbooks often calling for specific cheese varieties.
- Who
- Chefs and cooks from different historical periods.
- What
- The history and use of cheese in various cuisines.
- When
- From ancient times, with recipes in the Akkadian cuneiform tablet, up to the Renaissance.
- Where
- Ancient Greece, Classical Rome, Medieval Europe, and the Byzantine Empire.
- Why
- To illustrate the enduring culinary importance of cheese throughout history.
Early Views
Modern Day Understanding
Cheese Ingredient Use
Early Views
Cheese was an important part of culinary practices.
Modern Day Understanding
Some recipes from ancient times considered cheese a crucial component.
- Oldest Cookbook
- Akkadian cuneiform tablet
- Ancient Greek Usage
- Savory dishes, sauces, and thria.
- Roman Usage
- Breads, cakes, sweets
- Medieval cheese mention
- Sicilian cheese
- Renaissance emphasis
- Specific and best cheeses