Kamil Perry
Baguettes are a type of bread that is typically long and thin with a crispy crust and soft interior. They are often paired with cheese, and there are many types of cheese that can be used to create a delicious combination. For those who enjoy softer, milder cheeses, options such as mozzarella, burrata, brie, or camembert can be paired with a baguette. On the other hand, those who prefer stronger, sharper cheeses might opt for cheddar, blue cheese, or gouda. Creating the perfect baguette and cheese pairing is a matter of personal preference, and experimentation is encouraged to find mouthwatering combinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, burrata, brie, camembert, cheddar, blue cheese, gouda, boursin, Gruyère, goat cheese, havarti, buffalo-milk camembert, Formage d’Affinois, Emmental, Scamorza, Taleggio, Edam, American, Butterkäse, Swiss cheese, Haloumi |
| Other ingredients | Arugula, roasted veggies, basil, balsamic vinegar, ham, tomatoes, zucchini, onion, spinach, chorizo, cornichons, garlic butter, Dijon mustard, anchovies, olive oil, herbes de Provence, pepper, cucumber, turkey, basil leaves, cocktail sticks, sea salt, honey, apricot preserves, apple butter, red pepper jam, black forest ham, maple glazed ham, smoked ham, tavern ham, pepper ham, prosciutto, French-style ham, jambon de Paris, lettuce, vinaigrette, parsley, shallots, anchovies, egg, tuna, black olives, marinated vegetables, salted cultured butter, grass-fed butter |
| Preparation method | Slice the baguette in half lengthwise, spread butter, add cheese, bake, toast, grill |
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What You'll Learn
Slice the baguette lengthwise
To make a delicious baguette with cheese, you'll want to start by slicing the baguette in half lengthwise. This will create two long halves that you can use as the base for your sandwich. When slicing the baguette, use a gentle sawing motion with a serrated knife to avoid squishing the bread. Be sure to slice almost all the way through, leaving the two halves attached so you can open it like a book.
Once you've sliced the baguette, you can begin to assemble your sandwich. For a classic French ham and cheese baguette, spread softened butter on one cut side and Dijon mustard on the other. You can then layer thin slices of French-style ham, and cheese (Gruyère, Emmental, or mozzarella) on the bottom half of the baguette. If you're a fan of goat cheese, you can try that instead, along with slices of fresh tomato. Add a few leaves of peppery arugula and sliced cornichons, if desired.
For a more indulgent option, you can spread the cut sides of the baguette with garlic butter before adding the other ingredients. This will give your sandwich a delicious, savoury flavour. If you're feeling creative, you can even try baking the baguette with slices of Brie cheese and a French onion soup topping.
After assembling your sandwich, close it by pressing the two halves together lightly. You can then cut the baguette crosswise into 4 equal portions, each about 6 inches in length. Serve immediately, and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy crust and melted cheese!
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Choose your cheese: soft, mild or sharp
When it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with your baguette, you have a wide variety of options, ranging from soft and mild to sharp and strong. Here's a guide to help you select the perfect cheese for your taste preferences:
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses are an excellent choice for those who prefer a milder flavour and a creamy, spreadable texture. Here are some options:
- Brie: This French classic is a mild, soft cheese with a creamy texture. It can be baked in the oven to achieve a gooey, decadent consistency. Brie pairs well with sweet accompaniments like honey, apricot preserves, or fruit jams.
- Boursin: A soft French cheese with a crumbly texture and built-in seasoning. Boursin is very flavoursome and versatile, as it can be used as a spread or a topping.
- Butterkäse: A German cheese known for its buttery texture and rich, fatty flavour.
- Camembert: Another mild and creamy French cheese that can be paired with sweet or savoury ingredients.
Mild Cheeses
If you're looking for a cheese that won't overpower the other flavours in your baguette, consider these mild options:
- Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is a mild cheese that pairs beautifully with basil, olive oil, tomato, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. It melts beautifully and is a versatile choice for baguette sandwiches.
- Burrata: Burrata is a type of fresh mozzarella that has a soft, creamy texture and a delicate flavour.
- Havarti: This mild cheese has a subtle flavour and a slightly springy texture. It's a good option if you're looking for something between American cheese and a stronger variety. Havarti dill adds a fresh dill flavour.
- Gouda: Gouda is a mild, salty cheese that can enhance your baguette without being overwhelming.
Sharp Cheeses
For those who crave a stronger, sharper flavour, these cheeses will make your baguette indulgent and memorable:
- Cheddar: Sharp cheddar has a bold, pungent flavour that pairs well with sweet accompaniments like apple butter.
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese is a strong, pungent cheese with a distinctive flavour. It pairs surprisingly well with honey, especially when melted on a baguette with salted butter.
- Gouda: While milder gouda varieties exist, aged gouda can take on a sharper, more intense flavour that adds a punch to your baguette.
- Emmental or Gruyère: These Swiss cheeses are known for their distinctive holes and slightly nutty flavour. They add a savoury note to your baguette.
Remember, the perfect cheese and baguette pairing ultimately comes down to your personal preference. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and ingredients to find your favourite combinations!
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Add toppings: roasted veggies, ham, herbs
A baguette with roasted veggies, ham, and herbs is a delicious and hearty meal option. Here is a step-by-step guide to making it:
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need a French baguette, olive oil, roasted vegetables of your choice (including garlic), goat or provolone cheese, fresh basil, and any additional herbs or seasonings you prefer.
Preparation
Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet. Cut the baguette into four pieces and brush each piece with olive oil. Grill the baguette pieces in the oven until they are browned and crispy.
Meanwhile, prepare your roasted vegetables. You can use any combination of vegetables you like, but be sure to include garlic for flavor. Mix your vegetables with olive oil and any desired seasonings, spread them on a pan, and roast them in the oven until they are tender and slightly charred.
Assembly
Spread a layer of goat or provolone cheese on the bottom half of the baguette. If you're using herbs, sprinkle them on top of the cheese. Then, add your roasted vegetables. You can also add fresh basil for extra flavor and a pop of color. Finally, place the top half of the baguette on top to complete your sandwich.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, herbs, and vegetables to find your favorite combination. You can also try adding other ingredients, such as sliced ham, to make it a heartier meal.
Serving
This roasted veggie baguette sandwich can be served warm or at room temperature. Cut it into portions and serve it as a main course or a side dish. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures from the crispy bread, melted cheese, and hearty roasted vegetables.
You can also try variations with ham and herbs, such as a French-inspired ham and cheese baguette with butter, Dijon mustard, cornichons, and thinly sliced ham and Gruyère cheese.
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Bake, grill or toast
If you want to bake your baguette with cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush your baguette slices with olive oil or butter and bake them for 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown. You can also add toppings such as parsley, garlic powder, basil, or salt and pepper. If you want to melt cheese on your baguette, add the cheese after your baguette slices have baked for about 5 minutes and then put them back in the oven to finish baking.
If you want to grill your baguette with cheese, preheat a skillet, griddle, or non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Butter both sides of your baguette slices and place them in the pan for about 1 minute to get a little extra toasty flavour. Then flip the baguette slices over and add your cheese. You can use a pan lid or a second pan to weigh the sandwich down and help the cheese melt.
If you want to toast your baguette with cheese, you can use a toaster or a toaster oven. Lightly toast your baguette slices and then add cheese on top. You can also make open-faced cheese toasties by toasting the bread, adding cheese, and grilling it open-faced.
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Serve with a side, or as a sandwich
There are many ways to serve a baguette with cheese, either as a side or a sandwich.
For a simple, classic sandwich, halve the baguette lengthwise and spread butter on the cut sides. You can also add mustard to one side for a French-inspired sandwich. Layer on the ham, and then the cheese. Emmental, Gruyère, or mozzarella are all good choices. Add cornichons, arugula, or lettuce for extra flavour and crunch. Close the sandwich and cut into portions.
For a more indulgent sandwich, spread the baguette with garlic butter before adding the other ingredients. Layer on thin slices of mozzarella, and broil in the oven until the cheese melts. Add sliced tomatoes and return to the oven for a further 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and season with salt and pepper. This sandwich can be served with a side of pasta salad, grilled ribs, or soup.
If you're serving a crowd, a build-your-own sandwich bar with grilled bread slices, marinated tomatoes, and sliced mozzarella is a great option.
For a refreshing summer snack, fill hollowed-out cucumber pieces with Boursin, top with a basil leaf and a slice of tomato, and secure with a cocktail stick.
A more substantial option is to bake the baguette with cheese. Spread the baguette with homemade herbal butter, then add spinach, chorizo, and tomatoes. Cover with mozzarella and bake for 5 minutes. Add more cheese and bake for a further 10 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Halve the baguette lengthwise. Spread butter on one cut side and mustard on the other. Layer thinly sliced ham, cheese (Gruyère or Emmental), and cornichons on the bottom half. Close the sandwich, press down, and cut into portions.
For softer, milder cheeses, mozzarella, burrata, brie, or camembert pair well with baguettes. For stronger, sharper cheeses, try cheddar, blue cheese, or gouda.
You can add roasted vegetables, arugula, balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, basil, garlic butter, spinach, chorizo, and more.
Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. Spread butter on the inside of both halves. Add cheese and any other desired toppings. Grill until the cheese is melted.
