The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Turkey

Turkey and cheese is a classic sandwich combination, but which cheese is best? There are many options to choose from, and the best cheese for you will depend on your personal preference and the other ingredients in your sandwich. Some popular choices include Swiss, provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and gouda. If you're looking for a cheese with a strong flavour to complement your turkey, you might want to try blue cheese, or a washed-rind cheese like Gruyère, Raclette, or Beaufort.

Provolone, Swiss, and cheddar are popular choices

Swiss cheese is another excellent option, with its nutty and mild flavour that complements turkey without being overwhelming. It works especially well in turkey sandwiches or as a melted topping on hot turkey dishes. Swiss cheese is also a good choice if you plan to serve wine with your meal, as it pairs well with pinot noir, the overwhelming choice of sommeliers to pair with turkey.

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that pairs well with many dishes, including turkey. It provides a sharp and savoury contrast to the turkey's flavours, making it a popular choice for sandwiches or as a topping for casseroles. Aged and sharp cheddar pairs well with pinot noir, while milder cheddars are a better match for riesling.

Brie is a good option for its creamy, buttery texture

Brie is a good option to pair with turkey thanks to its creamy, buttery texture. This rich, soft cheese is a popular choice for those who want something that will complement the flavours of the turkey without overwhelming them. Its spreadable consistency makes it ideal for rolls or crackers, and it can be served alongside other Thanksgiving dishes without stealing the show.

Brie is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. For a simple yet elegant option, serve it on a cheese board with crackers, bread, or fresh fruit. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try spreading it on a roll with some sliced turkey and a dollop of cranberry sauce. Or, for a heartier option, Brie can be melted on top of a hot turkey dish or casserole.

When selecting Brie to pair with turkey, consider the overall flavour profile of your meal. If your other dishes feature strong flavours or spices, you may want to opt for a milder variety of Brie. On the other hand, if your menu leans towards more subtle flavours, a Brie with a stronger flavour can add a nice contrast.

One thing to keep in mind is that Brie is a soft cheese, so it may not be the best option if you're looking for something that will stand up to other strong flavours or ingredients. In that case, you might want to consider a harder cheese that will provide more of a contrast in texture as well as flavour. However, if you're looking for a cheese that will complement the turkey without taking over, Brie is an excellent choice.

So, if you're planning a meal with turkey as the centrepiece, consider adding Brie to your shopping list. Its creamy texture and rich flavour make it a perfect partner for this versatile meat, and it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Gouda is mild and slightly sweet

Gouda is a mild and slightly sweet cheese that can beautifully complement the rich flavours of turkey without overwhelming its taste. It is a great choice for a Thanksgiving cheese platter and can be served as slices or cubes.

When it comes to wine, a mild and slightly sweet cheese like Gouda goes well with a red wine like Pinot Noir, which is high in acidity and low in tannins, or a fruity red like Zinfandel or Grenache. If you prefer a white wine, an off-dry white with some residual sugar, such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Grüner Veltliner, would be excellent choices. These sparkling whites offer a lot of adaptability when it comes to food pairing.

For a more adventurous option, consider pairing Gouda with a bold red wine like Zinfandel or Grenache. These wines have a strong flavour profile that can stand up to the sweetness of the cheese. Additionally, the high acidity in these wines will help cut through the richness of the Gouda, creating a well-balanced pairing.

When creating a cheese platter, it is recommended to offer a variety of cheeses to cater to different palates and provide an exciting cheese experience for your guests. Three to five cheeses are generally sufficient, and it is essential to keep in mind the budget and the other dishes being served.

Blue cheese for those who enjoy bold flavours

Blue cheese is an excellent choice for those who enjoy bold flavours. Its tangy and pungent taste can be a great complement to the mildness of turkey. It is a popular choice for those who want to add a little spice to their meal. While it may be too strong for some, blue cheese can be a delicious and interesting addition to a Thanksgiving cheese platter.

When it comes to blue cheese, there are a few varieties that pair well with turkey. For a milder option, consider Gorgonzola Dolce or Cambozola. These cheeses are not as potent as other blue cheeses, but they still offer a nice kick of flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try Stilton or Roquefort, which are stronger and more pungent options.

When creating a cheese platter, it's a good idea to offer a variety of cheeses to cater to different tastes. Blue cheese can be a great addition to a platter that includes milder cheeses, such as Asiago, Provolone Dolce, or Havarti. This way, your guests can enjoy a range of flavours and textures.

In terms of presentation, it's best to arrange the cheeses in a flight from mildest to strongest in flavour. This allows your guests to easily navigate the platter and choose the cheeses that suit their taste preferences. You can also provide some crackers or bread, as well as a small amount of summer sausage or salami, to accompany the cheese.

When it comes to wine pairings, blue cheese goes well with red wines such as Pinot Noir, which is high in acidity and low in tannins. For white wine lovers, an off-dry white like Riesling or Gewürztraminer can also complement the strong flavour of blue cheese.

Monterey Jack, Havarti, and Edam are great with smoked turkey

Monterey Jack, Havarti, and Edam are great choices when it comes to pairing cheese with smoked turkey. Each of these cheeses has its own unique characteristics that complement the flavour of smoked turkey.

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It melts easily, making it a popular choice for sandwiches, burgers, and melts. When paired with smoked turkey, Monterey Jack adds a creamy mouthfeel and a subtle tang that enhances the flavour of the turkey without overwhelming it. This combination is a classic for a reason, and the two ingredients balance each other out perfectly.

Havarti is a Danish cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and a smooth, slightly creamy texture. It, too, melts easily, making it a versatile choice for sandwiches, melts, and grilled dishes. When paired with smoked turkey, Havarti adds a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the smokiness of the turkey. The mild flavour of Havarti also ensures that it doesn't overpower the taste of the turkey.

Edam is a Dutch cheese with a mild, slightly nutty flavour and a firm yet supple texture. It has a lighter, more delicate flavour compared to some other cheeses, which makes it a good match for smoked turkey. Edam adds a nice contrast in texture and a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavour profile of the dish. Its nutty notes also provide a nice counterpoint to the smokiness of the turkey.

When creating a smoked turkey and cheese dish, consider the other ingredients and flavours you want to include. All three of these cheeses pair well with a variety of additional ingredients, such as avocado, tomato, arugula, horseradish, and mustard. They are versatile enough to be used in sandwiches, melts, and even grilled dishes, making them excellent choices for creating a range of smoked turkey recipes.

Frequently asked questions