How to Open Cheese in Wax
Waxed cheese truckles look fantastic on a cheeseboard, but the first cut can be a little puzzling. Do you peel the wax, cut through it or serve the cheese with it still attached?
The wax protects the cheese and helps to preserve its flavour and texture. However, it is not intended to be eaten and should be removed before serving. The good news is that opening a truckle is easy once you know the right method.
Here is how to open cheese in wax safely, without wasting any of the delicious cheese inside.
What You Will Need
Before you begin, gather:
- A clean chopping board
- A sharp knife
- Your waxed cheese truckle
- Clean, dry hands
Take the truckle out of the fridge shortly before you plan to serve it. Allowing cheese to move closer to room temperature can help bring out its flavour. The wax may also become slightly less firm and easier to remove.
Do not leave the cheese out for longer than necessary.
How to Open a Cheese Truckle
Step 1: Carefully Cut Around the Top
Place the truckle securely on a chopping board. Hold it steady with one hand, keeping your fingers away from the blade.
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut through the wax around the top edge of the truckle. You only need to cut through the wax coating, so avoid pushing the knife deeply into the cheese.
Work slowly around the whole edge until the wax lid is separate from the sides.
Step 2: Lift Off the Wax Lid
Once you have cut around the top, gently lift the wax lid away. If it does not come off easily, check for any areas that are still attached and carefully cut through them.
Avoid forcing the lid off, as this could pull away some of the cheese.
You will now have the top of the cheese exposed, while the sides and base remain protected by wax.
Step 3: Score the Wax Down the Sides
Next, hold the truckle firmly and make several shallow cuts down the side of the wax. Space the cuts around the cheese to create sections that can be peeled back.
Again, cut through the coating only. There is no need to slice deeply into the cheese.
This is the easiest approach if you are wondering how to remove wax from cheese without losing chunks of the truckle with it.
Step 4: Peel Away the Wax
Use your fingers to lift one of the scored wax sections. Slowly peel it down and away from the cheese.
Continue around the truckle until all the side pieces have been removed. Check the base and peel away any wax that remains there too.
If a section is difficult to lift, use the tip of the knife to loosen its edge. Always point the blade away from your hands.
Step 5: Check the Cheese and Serve
Check the outside of the truckle for small pieces of wax. Once these have been removed, your cheese is ready to cut and enjoy.
Slice it into wedges, cubes or thin pieces, depending on how you plan to serve it. Add crackers, chutney and your favourite savoury snacks for a proper Chuckling Cheese spread.
You can also see the technique in action in our TikTok videos:
Ready to Tuck In?
Now you know how to open a truckle of cheese, there is nothing standing between you and your next cheeseboard. Make shallow cuts, peel the wax away slowly and check for any pieces left behind.
Fancy putting your new skills to the test? Explore our British cheese collection and discover waxed truckles in a tempting range of classic and unusual flavours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Cut Through the Wax?
You can cut straight through the wax and cheese, but removing the coating first usually gives you cleaner slices. It also reduces the chance of small wax fragments sticking to the cheese.
For small waxed cheeses, you may prefer to cut the entire truckle in half first and then peel the wax from each portion. However, the lid-and-peel method is useful when you want to keep the truckle whole before serving.
Can You Eat the Wax on Cheese?
Cheese wax is a protective coating, not part of the cheese itself. It should be removed and discarded before the cheese is eaten.
If a tiny piece is left behind by accident, simply pick it off. Giving the cheese a quick check after peeling will help ensure that it is completely wax-free.
How Should You Store an Opened Truckle?
If you do not finish the whole truckle, wrap the remaining cheese properly and return it to the fridge. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods, as cheese can absorb nearby aromas.
For more advice, read our Ultimate Guide to Cheese Storage. It explains how to protect the flavour and texture of different cheeses after opening.