Seasonal menu autumn: Salute to Port Salut

WITH AUTUMN menus moving towards more substantial offerings, a focus on the cheeseboard can help pubs drive sales, according to Bel Foodservice, which supplies a range of leading brands including Port Salut and Leerdammer.

Synthia Kanda, brand manager at Bel UK, says: "Autumn is bound to be a huge opportunity for pub landlords.

"The lack of good weather during this summer means more people are likely to head to the pub as they make the most of the predicted warm autumn nights.

"Consumers' eating habits also change because of the cooler temperatures, which means they tend to go for slightly more substantial dishes which are a little more filling than the previously available lighter dishes on summer menus.

"Cheese is ideal for satisfying autumn needs - it is perfect for complementing a range of dishes and snacks during the season. Different varieties can be used to give traditional recipe ideas a new twist more suitable for autumnal occasions."Pre-sliced cheese

Leerdammer is an authentic Dutch cheese with a nutty flavour and creamy texture, while Port Salut is French with a mild and creamy flavour.

Both varieties are available in pre-sliced packs for ease of use, enabling pub chefs to prepare dishes to order and with the freshest of ingredients.

And both are extremely versatile, equally good in sandwiches and paninis or hot dishes.

"Chargrilled chicken and Leerdammer pasta bake or the 'ultimate cheese and ham toastie' would make flavoursome and fulfilling additions to an autumn menu," says Synthia.

With cheese now being the second most popular sandwich filling behind chicken, a Port Salut & BLT sandwich could boost autumn menus, while Mexican Fajitas would also add some spice.

Follow the links for great cheese recipes​