Cheese And Egg Combinations: The Perfect Pairing

Eggs and cheese are a match made in heaven. While there are many ways to cook eggs, scrambled eggs are a breakfast staple that can be customized in countless ways. One of the most popular additions to scrambled eggs is cheese, which adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. But with so many cheeses to choose from, how do you decide which one is best for your eggs?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and American cheese for creamy eggs

There are many types of cheese that go well with eggs, but three of the most popular are Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and American cheese. These three cheeses are known for their creamy texture and mild flavour, making them perfect for scrambled eggs. Here's how you can use these cheeses to make creamy eggs:

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is a classic choice for scrambled eggs. It melts quickly and adds a creamy texture to the eggs without overwhelming the flavour. You can use mild or sharp cheddar, depending on your preference. Finely shred the cheese before adding it to the eggs to ensure it melts well.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is another excellent option for creamy eggs. It has a mild flavour and melts well, making it a popular choice for scrambled eggs. For an extra kick, you can use Pepper Jack, which adds a spicy twist to your dish.

American Cheese

American cheese is known for its melting ability and creamy texture, making it ideal for scrambled eggs. It blends well with the eggs and adds a nostalgic, comforting flavour. Some people prefer to add it to the liquid eggs before cooking, while others use it as a topping.

Tips for Creamy Scrambled Eggs

To make the creamiest scrambled eggs, avoid adding milk or water, as these can dilute the flavour and texture. Instead, focus on using butter or oil, such as avocado or canola, to create a rich, moist base. Additionally, prepare your cheese beforehand by grating or shredding it, so it's ready to go when your eggs are cooking.

Recipe Ideas

• Southern Breakfast Plate: Serve your cheesy scrambled eggs with a side of toast, breakfast potatoes, bacon, sausage, or cheesy grits.
• Breakfast Tacos: Fill your tacos with cheesy scrambled eggs and serve with tortillas.
• Biscuit Sandwich: Create a stacked sandwich by splitting a homemade biscuit, adding your favourite protein, and topping it with creamy scrambled eggs.

Gruyere, Morbier, and Comte for a classic melt

Gruyere, Morbier, and Comte are all Swiss cheeses that pair well with eggs. They are ideal for a classic melt due to their rich and nutty flavour profiles and excellent melting properties.

Gruyere is a popular choice for egg dishes, including omelettes, quiches, and frittatas. It has a strong, nutty flavour and a slightly grainy texture, making it a great addition to egg dishes. Gruyere is also a key ingredient in classic French onion soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, and creamy spaghetti.

Comte, also known as French Gruyere, is produced in the Franche-Comte region of France, bordering Switzerland. It has a rich, nutty flavour and a creamy texture, making it a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or melted into dishes. Comte is a fantastic choice for egg-based meals as its flavour and texture complement eggs beautifully.

Morbier is another Swiss cheese that goes well with eggs. It has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavour, with a distinctive line of vegetable ash running through its middle. This cheese can add a unique flavour profile to egg dishes, enhancing their taste and making them more indulgent.

When using Gruyere, Morbier, or Comte for a classic melt, try incorporating them into an omelette or frittata with other ingredients such as vegetables, herbs, or meats. These cheeses will add a delicious, creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavour to the dish. For a more indulgent option, you can also use these cheeses to make a grilled cheese sandwich with eggs as an additional filling.

Parmesan, feta, and goat's cheese for a savoury kick

Parmesan, feta, and goat's cheese are all excellent choices to pair with eggs, especially if you're looking for a savoury kick.

For a simple breakfast, a sunny-side-up egg on a bed of salad with a sprinkling of Parmesan or goat cheese is a delicious and healthy option. The creaminess of the cheese will complement the egg yolk, adding a savoury kick to your meal.

If you're feeling more indulgent, try a classic combination of bacon, egg, and cheese. While cheddar or provolone are popular choices for this trio, goat cheese or feta can add a tangy twist. For a more sophisticated take on this classic, try a BLT with avocado and feta or goat cheese. The creaminess of these cheeses will complement the avocado, adding an extra layer of flavour to your sandwich.

Feta, goat cheese, and Parmesan also shine in egg preparations like omelettes, quiches, and frittatas. These cheeses can stand up to other ingredients without overwhelming the dish. For a quiche or frittata, try pairing these cheeses with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and bacon for a savoury treat.

When adding cheese to eggs, it's best to grate it finely so it melts easily and blends cohesively with the eggs. And remember, a little goes a long way with these strong, flavourful cheeses!

Brie with ham and mushrooms for a fancy bite

For a luxurious breakfast or brunch, try this combination of brie, ham, and mushrooms with your eggs. This elegant dish is sure to impress and satisfies the most discerning palates.

Begin by selecting your favourite variety of mushrooms. You can choose from button, cremini, shiitake, or portabella mushrooms, or even dried porcini for a more intense flavour. Sauté the mushrooms in butter until they are tender and fragrant, releasing their juices. For added depth, include some chopped garlic and thyme.

Next, prepare your eggs in your preferred style. Whether scrambled, fried, or poached, they will serve as the perfect canvas for the other ingredients. If you're feeling indulgent, a runny yolk will blend beautifully with the melted brie.

Now, it's time to assemble the dish. Layer thin slices of ham on top of your cooked eggs, creating a savoury base. Add a generous amount of the sautéed mushrooms, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Finally, place slices of brie on top, allowing the warmth of the eggs and mushrooms to soften the cheese. If you prefer a more melted cheese, you can briefly place the assembled dish under a grill or in the oven.

To elevate the dish even further, serve it with a side of toasted baguette slices. The crispy bread will complement the creamy brie and provide a textural contrast.

This decadent combination of brie, ham, and mushrooms with eggs is sure to be a memorable culinary experience, perfect for a special occasion breakfast or brunch.

Pepper Jack, provolone, and Swiss for a spicy twist

While there are many types of cheese that go well with eggs, such as cheddar, feta, and goat cheese, you might want to try Pepper Jack, provolone, and Swiss for a spicy twist.

Pepper Jack cheese is a variation of the Monterey Jack cheese, which is a common choice for eggs. It has a spicy kick to it, which can add a nice touch to your eggs. If you're looking for something with a bit of heat, Pepper Jack is a great option.

Provolone is a mild, creamy, and slightly sweet cheese that melts well. It can add a nice, subtle flavour to your eggs without being too overpowering. It's a good choice if you want something that will complement the eggs without taking over.

Swiss cheese, known for its distinctive appearance with holes, has a mild, nutty flavour. It's a semi-soft cheese that melts well, making it a great option for eggs. Swiss cheese can add a nice, subtle touch of sweetness to your dish.

Combining these three cheeses can give you a nice blend of spicy, creamy, and sweet flavours. The Pepper Jack will add a kick, while the provolone and Swiss will provide a mild, creamy, and slightly sweet balance. This combination is perfect for those who want a bit of spice in their eggs without being too overwhelming.

Remember, when adding cheese to eggs, it's best to grate it finely so it melts easily and blends well. You can also add some butter, salt, and pepper to taste to enhance the flavours and create a delicious, indulgent dish.

Frequently asked questions