The Best Cheeses To Compliment Your Gyros

Gyros are a popular dish, especially in Greece, where they are traditionally made with pork, and in the US, where they are commonly made with beef and lamb. Gyros are made by cooking meat on a vertical rotisserie and then slicing it and serving it in pita bread with other ingredients such as tomato, onion, fried potatoes, and tzatziki. When it comes to choosing the best cheese for gyros, feta is a popular option, as it adds a salty flavour that complements the other ingredients well. In addition, mozzarella and kasseri are also suitable options for gyros as they melt well and add a creamy texture to the dish.

Feta cheese

Feta is a great choice for gyros as it adds a burst of flavour without being too heavy or overwhelming. Its crumbly texture means it can be easily sprinkled over the other ingredients, and it also softens when heated, so it can be used in both hot and cold dishes.

When making a gyro, feta can be crumbled over the meat, vegetables, and sauce. It pairs well with the other traditional ingredients, such as lamb, beef, chicken, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and tzatziki. The salty, tangy flavour of feta also cuts through rich meats and sauces, adding a refreshing taste to the dish.

Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in many variations of the gyro. For example, it can be added to a traditional lamb gyro, or it can be used in vegetarian versions, such as with beef and spinach. It is also a popular addition to a gyro grilled cheese sandwich, where it is combined with melted cheese for an extra indulgent treat.

Mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella is a mild-flavoured cheese with a creamy texture, and it melts beautifully when heated. This makes it perfect for gyros, as the warm pita bread will help to soften the cheese, creating a delightful, gooey mouthful.

When choosing mozzarella for your gyro, opt for a low-moisture variety. This type of mozzarella is ideal for pizzas and similar dishes, as it melts evenly and doesn't release too much water. Fresh mozzarella, on the other hand, has a higher water content and doesn't melt as well, so it's best avoided for gyros.

To assemble your gyro, start by spreading some tzatziki sauce on a warm pita bread. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella over the sauce. You can also add other cheeses, such as feta, for a more complex flavour profile. Next, layer on your gyro meat, followed by any desired vegetables like tomatoes, onions, olives, or lettuce. Finally, top it all off with another sprinkle of mozzarella and another pita bread to create a sandwich.

Heat your gyro in the oven or on a skillet until the cheese is melted and the pita is golden brown. Serve it warm, and enjoy the delicious combination of flavours and textures that mozzarella brings to your gyro!

Tzatziki sauce

Gyros are a Greek dish that traditionally features meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, then sliced and served wrapped in pita bread, along with vegetables and sauces. While the type of meat varies, from chicken to beef, lamb or pork, gyros are commonly served with tzatziki sauce.

Tzatziki is a Greek sauce made with a base of creamy Greek yogurt. It is typically made with strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs. Fresh mint and dill are also popular additions.

To make tzatziki, start by grating a cucumber. Squeeze out the water from the grated cucumber, as this is essential for making the sauce creamy. Mix the cucumber with the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and herbs, then chill the sauce until you are ready to serve it.

Tzatziki is a versatile sauce that can be used in many ways. It is delicious as a dip for fresh vegetables and pita bread or crackers. It can also be used as a sauce for sandwiches, wraps, and flatbreads, or as a topping for salads. When serving gyros, tzatziki is a perfect accompaniment to the meat and vegetables, adding a creamy, tangy flavour to the dish.

Kasseri cheese

Kasseri is a traditional Greek cheese that has been produced in Greece for centuries. It is named after the region of Kassos in the Aegean Sea, where it is believed to have originated. The cheese is typically made by heating a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk, adding rennet to curdle the milk, cutting and heating the curds, and then draining off the whey. The remaining curds are pressed into moulds and aged for several months, contributing to the development of the cheese's distinct flavour and texture.

When it comes to taste, Kasseri cheese offers a unique blend of rich, tangy, and slightly salty flavours. The combination of sheep's and goat's milk gives it a mild and creamy flavour with a hint of sweetness. Some have even likened its taste to a mix of Gruyère and Fontina cheeses. The texture is smooth and elastic, making it perfect for slicing or melting, and it has a golden-yellow colour with a slightly buttery aroma.

In conclusion, Kasseri cheese is a delicious and versatile Greek cheese that adds a tangy and creamy element to various dishes. Its unique taste and melting properties make it a popular choice for both traditional Greek recipes and modern culinary creations.

No cheese

Gyros are traditionally made with meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, then sliced and served in pita bread with other ingredients such as tomato, onion, fried potatoes, and tzatziki. While some recipes include cheese, you can easily omit it without sacrificing taste.

In Greece, gyros are customarily served in an oiled, lightly grilled piece of pita, rolled up with sliced tomatoes, chopped onions, lettuce, and fried potatoes. Sometimes, it is topped with tzatziki, or, in northern Greece, ketchup or mustard. The meat is typically pork, though chicken, lamb, or beef may also be used.

If you want to make a gyro at home without cheese, you can follow a simple recipe using deli roast beef, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and lemon pepper. For the tzatziki sauce, you can mix yogurt, cucumbers, onion, salt, fresh dill, and white wine vinegar. You can also add mint to the tzatziki for extra flavour. To assemble the gyro, simply add the warm, seasoned beef to flatbread, naan, or pita, and pile on the garnishes.

Another option for a cheese-free gyro is to use ground lamb or beef seasoned with Greek spices such as oregano and cumin. You can then serve the meat in a pita with sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and tzatziki.

Whether you choose to use beef or lamb, or go with the traditional Greek pork option, you can easily make a delicious gyro at home without cheese. Just be sure to pile on the toppings and enjoy!

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