Leipäjuusto

Leipäjuusto or Juustoleipä is a Finnish cheese characterized by the sound it makes against the teeth when one bites into its firm and chewy body, which is why it’s also known as Finnish squeaky cheese.

The cheese is made from cow’s or reindeer’s milk (rarely goat's) and has a pleasantly sweet and fresh aroma. Its flavor can best be described as mild, salty, and sweet, while its name can be translated to bread cheese or cheese bread, since it is lightly toasted during the preparation.

In the past, people often let the cheese get fully dried so it could be stored for up to several years. Because it was almost rock hard, they heated it over a fire in order to soften and to develop its typical appetizing aroma. It is recommended to pair it with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of fruit jam.

Alternatively, do it like the Finns – dunk the strips of cheese in your coffee so that the heat softens it.