Andy Montoya
Gruyere is a hard cheese from Switzerland that is known for its sweet and nutty flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways, such as on a cheese plate, in a sandwich, or melted in dishes like French onion soup or grilled cheese. When building a cheese plate, Gruyere can be served in shards with toasted hazelnuts and dried apricots, or with pears and fig jam. It can also be melted and served in dishes such as French onion soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, or croque-madames.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Hard cheese |
| Texture | Smooth, Crunchy (for aged versions) |
| Taste | Sweet, Nutty, Funky Tang, Caramelized Onions, Sauteed Mushrooms, Pineapple, Ripe Pears |
| Melting Qualities | Easy to melt |
| Wine Pairing | Rich red wine, Soli Pinot Noir |
| Food Pairing | Crackers, Fruits, Bread, Pecans, Ham, Salami, Prosciutto, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Cornichon Pickles, Whole Seed Mustard, Baguette, Cherry Tomatoes, Toasted Hazelnuts, Dried Apricots, Thyme, Rosemary, Meat, Produce |
| Recipes | Grilled cheese sandwich, Croque-monsieur, Croque-madame, French onion soup, Portobello mushroom sandwich, Lasagna, Gougères, Frittata, Quiche, Mac and cheese, Potato gratin |
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What You'll Learn
How to serve gruyere cheese on a cheeseboard
Gruyere is a creamy yet nutty cheese from Switzerland. It is a great cooking cheese and can be used in a variety of dishes, including grilled cheese sandwiches, quiches, and French onion soup. It is also a popular choice for cheese boards due to its unique flavour.
When serving Gruyere on a cheeseboard, it is important to consider the other cheeses and accompaniments that will be included. A cheese board typically includes a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours, such as firm or semi-firm cheeses, soft or spreadable cheeses, and strong, funky cheeses. Gruyere is a firm or semi-firm cheese, so it can be paired with other cheeses in this category or used as a contrast to softer cheeses. It is recommended to have 2 ounces of each cheese per guest, and any leftovers can be enjoyed later.
The platter or board used for the cheese board can also impact the overall appearance and presentation. A glass tray looks sleek and modern, while a marble platter adds elegance. Wood boards bring a rustic quality to the cheese platter. Before arranging the cheeses and accompaniments, it is a good idea to prepare and pre-cut the cheeses, especially the harder varieties. Gruyere can be cut into triangle wedges or shards (uneven, mouthful-sized pieces).
When it comes to accompaniments for Gruyere, there are several options that can enhance its flavour and create a balanced tasting experience. Fresh fruits like apples and pears are a great pairing, especially when paired with nuts such as almonds, cashews, and walnuts. Dried fruits, such as apricots, can also add a sweet contrast. For a salty counterpoint, Italian prosciutto is a sophisticated option. To add some sweetness and tanginess, fig jam is an excellent choice, especially if you want to include some bread or crackers on the side.
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Gruyere cheese and wine pairings
Gruyere is a hard cheese with a complex, nutty, slightly sweet flavour and a creamy texture. It is known for its versatility, and can be enjoyed on its own, melted in dishes like fondue, or used in sandwiches and salads. When it comes to wine pairings, there are several options that can complement or contrast with Gruyere's unique characteristics.
Pinot Noir is a popular choice for pairing with Gruyere, as its earthy undertones and tart cherry flavours can enhance the cheese's profile. A Burgundy Pinot Noir is a great option, or if you're serving a dish with Gruyere as an ingredient, such as a pasta bake, a lighter red like a Soli Pinot Noir would be a good choice.
If you're looking for a white wine pairing, a rich, oaky Chardonnay could be a good option. For something a little different, a Pinot Gris from Alsace is known for its gently sweet profile and rich texture, which pairs beautifully with the cheese. The slight sweetness and lush fruit flavours of the wine, such as peach and honey, harmonise with the nutty and slightly salty characteristics of Gruyere. Another option is a dry German Riesling, which offers a refreshing contrast with its high acidity and citrus notes.
For a summer season pairing, try Gruyere with a cherry and Amaretto jam on crackers, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine or Gewurztraminer.
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Melting gruyere cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches
Gruyere cheese is a great option for grilled cheese sandwiches because of its sweet and nutty flavour, and its amazing tang. It is also easy to melt, making it a good choice for a grilled cheese sandwich.
To make a grilled cheese sandwich with Gruyere cheese, you can follow these steps:
- Shred or grate the Gruyere cheese into thin, uniform pieces. This will ensure even melting and create a gooey filling.
- Let the shredded cheese come to room temperature before grilling.
- Butter both sides of your bread slices. This will give your grilled cheese sandwich a crispy, golden exterior and a delightful crunch.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place your bread slices butter-side down on the preheated skillet or griddle.
- Layer the shredded Gruyere cheese evenly on one bread slice.
- Place another bread slice on top of the cheese to form a sandwich.
- Cook the sandwich for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown.
- Remove the sandwich from the pan and serve immediately.
You can also add other cheeses, such as cheddar and mozzarella, to create a trio of melting cheeses for your grilled cheese sandwich. Additionally, you can drizzle honey and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top of the sandwich for a touch of sweetness and a punch of freshness.
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Gruyere cheese as a topping for soups
Gruyere cheese is a hard cheese that is perfect for cheese boards, but it is also a dreamy melter for fondues and soups. It has a sweet yet nutty flavour, a funky tang, and a super smooth texture.
Gruyere is a great topping for French onion soup, where it is often paired with mozzarella and served on a slice of pumpernickel bread. It can also be used in a broccoli cheese soup, where it is added to the soup in small handfuls and stirred until it melts completely. This soup is then served with brown butter croutons and a sprinkle of chives.
For a more indulgent option, try a blend of Gruyere and cheddar soup. This soup has the richness of fondue with the comforting flavours of chicken soup. To make this soup, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and add carrots and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in chicken broth and white wine, then bring to a simmer. Finally, whisk in the cheese in batches, making sure it does not clump and is fully melted. Serve with toasted focaccia.
Gruyere can also be used to make grilled cheese sandwiches, where its easy-melting properties shine.
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Gruyere cheese as a pizza topping
Gruyere is a hard cheese with a sweet and nutty flavour, a funky tang, and a smooth texture. It is easy to melt, which makes it a great option for pizza toppings.
Gruyere is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different ways when making a pizza. One option is to make a white pizza by using bechamel or a creamy garlic sauce instead of tomato. You can then add toppings such as spinach, asparagus, or an egg to make it Florentine-style. Another option is to brush the pizza dough with olive oil and top it with caramelized onions, fresh rosemary, and gruyere cheese. This creates a sweet and savoury pizza with a rich, deep flavour. You can also add bacon to this combination to make it even more indulgent.
If you want to add some extra protein to your pizza, consider adding ham. Gruyere, ham, and garlic is a classic combination that is similar to a croque monsieur. You can also add some green vegetables like spinach or asparagus to this pizza.
Gruyere is a strong and hard cheese, so it is perfect for experienced cheese enthusiasts. It pairs well with a rich red wine, such as Soli Pinot Noir, which offers notes of cherry, strawberry, rhubarb, and a hint of cinnamon. So, if you're looking for a fancy movie night in, consider gruyere as your pizza topping of choice!
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Frequently asked questions
Gruyere cheese is a hard cheese that can be cut into shards or uneven, mouth-sized pieces to add a rustic look to a cheese plate. It can be paired with toasted hazelnuts, dried apricots, crackers, fruits, bread, and pecans.
Gruyere cheese is a great melting cheese, so it can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, quiches, mac and cheese, and French onion soup. It can also be used in croque-madames, cheesy puffs, and burgers.
Gruyere cheese pairs well with a rich red wine, such as Soli Pinot Noir.
