Best Cheeses To Pair With Bacon: The Ultimate Guide

Bacon and cheese are a classic combination, and there are many varieties of both ingredients to choose from. The best cheese to pair with bacon depends on the dish being prepared and personal preference. For example, a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon might use cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or American cheese.

Characteristics of the best cheese to pair with bacon:

Smoked gouda with tomato slices

Smoked gouda and bacon is a classic combination, and for good reason. The smokiness of the cheese perfectly complements the salty, crispy bacon. Adding tomato slices to the mix only elevates this flavour pairing. Here are some tips and recipes to make the most of smoked gouda, bacon, and tomato slices:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich with smoked gouda, bacon, and tomato slices is a delicious and indulgent option. The key to this sandwich is to shred the gouda yourself, as pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as easily and can affect the texture of the sandwich. For added flavour, try using butter or leftover bacon fat to toast the bread. To assemble the sandwich, spread butter or bacon fat on the outside of each slice of bread. Layer gouda cheese and bacon on one slice, and top with the other slice of bread. Cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat, flipping periodically, until the bread is golden brown and crispy. For an extra gooey centre, cover the pan with a lid toward the end of cooking. Finally, carefully pull apart the sandwich, add a layer of arugula and tomato slices, and drizzle with hot honey before serving.

Smoked Gouda Spread

For an easy and versatile option, try making a smoked gouda spread. Simply mix shredded smoked gouda, cream cheese, Greek yoghurt, mayonnaise, and Liquid Smoke in a large bowl until well blended. Then, add in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, bacon bits, and minced purple onion. Stir until well combined. This spread can be served in a variety of ways, such as with bagel chips, pita bread, or a chunk of warm Italian bread. It also makes a wonderful sandwich filling, especially with sliced tomato and onion.

Smoked Gouda Pimento, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich

This sandwich is a delicious vegetarian option, perfect for those who want to enjoy the flavours of a BLT without the bacon. To make the smoked gouda pimento dip, mix shredded smoked gouda, cream cheese, chopped pimentos, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Spread the dip on toasted bread and top with lettuce and tomato slices. This sandwich is best made with sturdy bread, such as sourdough or ciabatta, to prevent it from becoming soggy from the tomatoes. Heirloom or cherry tomatoes are a great choice, but you can also use Roma tomatoes if that's what you have on hand.

Smoked Gouda and Bacon Dip

For a warm and creamy appetizer, try this smoked gouda and bacon dip. Simply mix shredded smoked gouda, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and crushed red pepper until well combined. Stir in chopped cooked bacon and sliced green onions, reserving a small amount of bacon and onions for topping. Transfer the mixture to a pie plate and bake until heated through. Top with the remaining bacon and green onions and serve warm with slices of French bread or crackers.

American, Munster, and cheddar

When it comes to bacon, there are many types of cheese that can complement its savoury taste and elevate your meal. Here, we will focus on three varieties: American, Munster (also spelled Muenster), and Cheddar.

American Cheese

American cheese is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, often paired with thick bacon strips. It has a creamy texture and a mild flavour that can be enhanced by adding other ingredients such as sharp cheddar cheese, which contributes a sharper taste. For an extra kick of flavour, try adding caramelised onions to the mix.

Munster Cheese

Munster cheese, with its smooth and mellow taste, is another excellent option for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its mild, buttery flavour and semi-soft texture make it a favourite among those who enjoy a good melt. When heated, Munster cheese softens and begins to break down, creating a smooth and elastic consistency. It pairs well with bacon and other toppings, making it a versatile choice for sandwiches and burgers alike.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular variety that pairs exceptionally well with bacon. The sharp, rich flavour of aged cheddar combined with the smokiness of bacon creates a savoury masterpiece. Cheddar cheese has a bold presence in dishes, and when combined with bacon, it adds a creamy texture and a burst of flavour. Whether shredded, sliced, or melted, cheddar enhances the taste of bacon in appetizers, breakfast dishes, and burgers.

Combining Cheeses

It's worth noting that combining different cheeses can take your dish to the next level. For instance, a bacon grilled cheese sandwich can be elevated by using a combination of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, creating a flavourful and filling meal. The sharpness of cheddar and the mildness of American cheese also work well together, as evidenced by their pairing in grilled cheese sandwiches.

Gruyere, American, and caramelized onions

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For this heavenly sandwich, you'll need thick slices of bacon, preferably crispy. You can use regular bacon or turkey bacon, depending on your preference. The key to this sandwich is the cheese combination of Gruyere, American, and caramelized onions. The slight nuttiness and sweetness of the Gruyere pair beautifully with the creaminess of the American cheese and the deep flavour of caramelized onions. Don't forget to butter your bread! You can also add arugula and hot honey to take this sandwich to the next level.

Warm and Creamy Dip

If you're looking for a warm and creamy dip, this combination shines. The sweetness of caramelized onions, the saltiness of bacon, and the gooey texture of Gruyere cheese create a flavourful and addictive dip. You can serve it with a sliced baguette, apple slices, thick-cut potato chips, or crackers. To prepare the onions, cook them slowly in bacon fat with a touch of sugar and salt until they're deep golden brown. This process can take up to 20 minutes, but it's worth the wait!

Savoury French Tart

For a savoury French tart, combine the flavours of Gruyere, bacon, and caramelized onions. This tart is a delightful blend of sweet and savoury, with the addition of balsamic vinegar, cream, and thyme. The key to this tart is taking your time to slowly caramelize the onions until they're golden brown. You can use a store-purchased pie crust, but a homemade pie crust will elevate your tart. This dish is perfect as an appetizer or a light dinner, served with a tossed salad.

Other Options

Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella

When it comes to cheese, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Mozzarella are three options that pair well with bacon. Each has its unique characteristics and uses, providing versatility in cooking.

Starting with Monterey Jack, this semi-hard cheese is known for its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavour. It melts beautifully, making it a perfect choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, or Mexican dishes like chiles rellenos. Its versatility extends to casseroles, pasta bakes, and even seafood dishes. For a unique twist, try using Monterey Jack in a chicken club casserole or shrimp bake.

Cheddar cheese, on the other hand, offers a sharper, more robust flavour. Aged cheddar, in particular, pairs exceptionally well with bacon, providing a savoury masterpiece. The rich, creamy texture of cheddar makes it ideal for toppings, such as on crispy potato skins, or as a stuffing in burgers to create a juicy, cheesy centre. For breakfast, a hearty burrito with cheddar, scrambled eggs, and salsa is a delicious option.

Mozzarella, a soft, stretchy cheese, is known for its melting properties. While it is commonly used in Italian dishes like pizza and calzones, mozzarella can also be used to create unique appetisers when paired with bacon. Bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks, for example, offer a delicious combination of textures and flavours. Mozzarella also works well in sandwiches, wraps, and even with angel hair shrimp bakes.

In conclusion, each of these three cheeses—Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Mozzarella—brings something different to the table when paired with bacon. Whether it's the mild, creamy nature of Monterey Jack, the sharp, bold flavour of Cheddar, or the stretchy, melting texture of Mozzarella, each cheese provides a unique culinary experience, making them excellent choices for enhancing the flavour of bacon in a variety of dishes.

Colby, mild cheddar, or provolone

Colby, mild cheddar, and provolone are all excellent choices to pair with bacon. Each of these cheeses has its own unique characteristics and can be used in different ways to complement the flavour of bacon.

Colby is a cow's milk cheese invented in the Wisconsin town of Colby in 1885. It is often blended with Monterey Jack and Swiss cheese in grilled cheese sandwiches. This combination works well with ingredients like deli turkey and sourdough bread. Colby is also a good melting cheese, making it suitable for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches or other melted cheese applications.

Mild cheddar is a classic, versatile cheese that pairs well with bacon in various dishes. Cheddar is a cow's milk cheese that ranges from mild to extra sharp in flavour and can have a firm texture. It is an excellent melting cheese, making it a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches or other melted applications. Cheddar can also be used in a variety of other dishes, such as burgers or salads.

Provolone is an Italian cow's milk cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavour. It becomes sharper and more robust with age. Provolone is an excellent slicing, grating, or melting cheese, making it versatile for use in sandwiches, pasta dishes, or other applications. When paired with bacon, provolone can add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that complements the savoury, salty notes of the bacon.

In addition to these three cheeses, there are several other varieties that are commonly paired with bacon. These include American cheese, mozzarella, Gruyere, Muenster, smoked Gouda, and Pepper Jack, among others. The best cheese to pair with bacon may depend on personal preference and the specific application, such as a grilled cheese sandwich, a salad, or a pasta dish.

Frequently asked questions