Mushroom And Cheese: The Perfect Pairing

Mushrooms and cheese are a match made in heaven. The two foods have a lot in common, from their growth processes to their nutritional profiles. Mushrooms contain small amounts of high-quality protein, including the amino acid glutamate, which gives them their savoury, umami taste. This taste also comes from foods like meat, fish, tomatoes, soy sauce, and cheese.

When it comes to pairing mushrooms with cheese, there are endless options. Mushrooms can be stuffed with cheese, or sautéed and topped with a blue cheese sauce. They can be grilled with halloumi or made into a creamy, cheesy sauce for pasta or rice. Mushrooms can also be added to a cheese board, pickled or baked into a savoury chip.

So, what cheese goes best with mushrooms? The answer is—most of them! From sharp cheddar to creamy brie, halloumi to gorgonzola, mushrooms are versatile and pair well with almost any cheese.

Mushrooms and cheese: a great pairing

Mushrooms and cheese are a fantastic combination. Both foods are transformed from their original substrates by vast networks of microbes, giving them complementary flavours ranging from sweet to meaty to woody. Mushrooms also contain small amounts of high-quality protein, including the amino acid glutamate, which is responsible for the savoury taste known as umami, also found in cheese.

Ways to pair mushrooms and cheese

There are many ways to combine mushrooms and cheese in your cooking. Here are some ideas:

• Baking and melting cheese and cooked mushrooms together mingles their flavours. For example, you could stuff brie with sautéed mushrooms before baking it in puff pastry.
• Mushrooms and pasta or rice can be combined in a creamy, cheesy sauce, or sprinkled with a hard, salty cheese.
• Sautéed mushrooms can be served warm with a cheese board, much like a dish of pickles or olives, to complement mild, creamy fresh cheeses or washed rinds. Pickled or crispy fried mushrooms can also be added to a cheese board for a triple punch of umami, sweetness and acidity.
• Mushrooms can be stuffed with cheese, herbs and garlic and baked in the oven. This is a simple dish to prepare and the flavours are incredible. Cheese stuffed mushrooms can be served as a party appetiser or a side dish.
• Mushrooms and cheese can be combined in a grilled sandwich. Mushrooms pair well with almost any kind of cheese, but classic choices include Swiss, Gruyère, provolone or an aged cheddar.

Stuffed mushrooms

Ingredients

• Mushrooms (white button, cremini, baby bella, or portobello)
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, Gruyère, feta, goat, brie, smoked cheddar, cream cheese, Parmesan, gorgonzola, or halloumi)
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley, or basil)
• Breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• Salt and pepper
• Other fillings (bacon, sausage, scallions, garlic, cream cheese, roasted red peppers, or onion)

Method

• Preheat your oven to 350-375°F.
• Clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or a quick rinse under cold water, then pat dry.
• Remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop them finely.
• In a skillet, melt some butter and cook the chopped mushroom stems with onion, garlic, and herbs until softened.
• Stir in breadcrumbs and cook until lightly toasted.
• In a bowl, mix the cooked filling with your choice of shredded or softened cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
• Brush the mushroom caps with olive oil and season with pepper.
• Spoon the filling into the mushroom caps, topping with extra cheese or breadcrumbs if desired.
• Bake the stuffed mushrooms for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the mushrooms are softened.
• Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips

• You can make these ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months.
• Get creative with your fillings! Try adding bacon, sausage, scallions, or other ingredients to suit your taste.
• Prevent soggy mushrooms by avoiding rinsing them under water for too long, and be careful not to overfill them.

Mushrooms and cheese on toast

The combination of mushrooms and cheese is a culinary match made in heaven. Both ingredients share similar biological roots, with unseen networks of microbes transforming the substrates they grow on into delicious foods. This recipe for mushrooms and cheese on toast is a fun and easy way to explore this classic pairing.

Ingredients

• Mushrooms (oyster, cremini, button, shiitake, etc.)
• Bread (sourdough, ciabatta, gluten-free, etc.)
• Cheese (triple cream brie, cambozola, goat cheese, halloumi, etc.)
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (thyme, sage, rosemary, etc.)
• Aromatics (shallots, garlic)
• Optional: truffle oil, poached egg, avocado, sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

• Sauté the mushrooms in butter and olive oil over medium heat until golden and tender.
• Add aromatics and herbs, stirring until fragrant.
• Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine or water, stirring until the liquid cooks off.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Prepare the toast by spreading or layering cheese over the bread slices and toasting until the cheese is melty.
• Assemble the dish by piling the mushroom mixture on top of the toasted bread.
• Optional: drizzle with truffle oil, add a poached egg on top, or spread avocado and sun-dried tomatoes on the cheese before adding the mushrooms.

Tips and Variations

• Try different types of mushrooms to explore a range of textures and flavours.
• Caramelised onions can be added beneath the mushrooms for a rich, decadent flavour.
• For a vegan option, use vegan cheese.
• To elevate the dish, drizzle with truffle oil or add a poached egg on top.

Nutritional Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are not only delicious but also offer a variety of health benefits:

• Low in calories yet rich in protein and fibre, supporting weight management and digestive health.
• Packed with B vitamins for energy production and metabolic health.
• Certain types contain beta-glucans, which support immune system function and help fight infections.
• Rich in antioxidants, protecting body cells from damage and strengthening defences against oxidative stress.
• May contribute to heart health, with fibre, potassium, and vitamin C content.
• Exposed to ultraviolet light, some varieties provide vitamin D, crucial for bone health and immune function.

Different types of mushrooms

Mushrooms and cheese are a great combination, with their complementary flavours ranging from sweet to meaty to woody. The two foods also have a lot in common in terms of their biological affinities. Both depend on unseen networks of microbes to transform the substrate they are growing on into delicious food.

There are many different types of mushrooms, from the humble supermarket buttons to precious foraged varieties, that can be paired with cheese. Here are some examples of mushroom varieties and their ideal cheese pairings:

Hen of the Woods

Hen of the woods mushrooms have a flavour similar to roast chicken when browned. Sauté a cluster of its petals to a crisp and drizzle with a lightweight blue cheese sauce for a dish with a distinctive kick. Sarah Meyer, co-manager of The Cheese Lady in Grand Rapids, recommends using blue-veined, mixed-milk Cantar de Covadonga.

Mixed Mushrooms

For a mixed mushroom sauté, Meyer recommends sprinkling the cooked mushrooms over a slice of French semi-soft Bucherolle. She notes that the Bucherolle has a tangy, lactic flavour and a firmness that eases out toward the gooey rind, which can stand up to the meaty, earthy flavour of the mushrooms.

Portobello and Cremini

Portobello and cremini mushrooms are convenient and affordable grocery store staples. They have a firm bite that holds up well to grilling. Stack creminis and similarly-sized chunks of salty halloumi on a skewer; the brined cheese's high melting point will keep it on the stick and allow both to beautifully char. If you're looking for a burger, try a portobello cap with bold-yet-buttery The Blue Jay—a quintuple cream blue peppered with crushed juniper berries.

Shiitake and King Trumpets

Pickled shiitake or king trumpet mushrooms can add a triple punch of umami, sweetness, and acidity that balances the richness of cheese. Their pleasantly fleshy and fibrous chew also offers a textural contrast.

Chanterelles

Chanterelles are known for their fruity apricot notes. Cook them down with sugar into a jam-like conserve for an unexpected combination of sweet and savoury.

Black Trumpet

Black trumpet mushrooms have a distinctive flavour and texture. Chef Michael Wood recommends pairing them with gorgonzola dolce, tossed with farfalle for a sexy combination of musty flavours.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of mushrooms that can be paired with cheese. Each mushroom variety has its unique flavour and texture characteristics, which can be enhanced and complemented by choosing the right type of cheese.

Different types of cheese

Mushrooms and cheese are a match made in heaven, and there are many types of cheese that can be paired with them. Here are some options to consider:

Swiss, Gruyere, Provolone, or Aged Cheddar

These classic choices offer a creamy and rich flavour profile that pairs beautifully with the earthy and savoury notes of mushrooms. Their smooth and buttery textures melt seamlessly with cooked mushrooms, creating a harmonious combination.

Goat Cheese and Brie

Creamy cheeses like goat cheese and brie bring a touch of tanginess and sweetness to the mix. Their soft and spreadable consistency makes them ideal for topping cooked mushrooms or incorporating into recipes like stuffed mushrooms or mushroom pâté.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese, with its pungent and salty characteristics, provides a bold contrast to the earthy flavours of mushrooms. A lightweight blue cheese sauce drizzled over sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles on top of cooked mushrooms can elevate the dish to new heights.

Halloumi

Halloumi is a brined cheese with a high melting point, making it perfect for grilling or frying. Its salty and savoury flavour complements mushrooms, especially when paired with portobello or cremini mushrooms. Halloumi can be sliced and stacked with mushroom skewers or placed on top of a portobello burger for a tasty and filling meat alternative.

Cream Cheese, Parmesan, and Mozzarella

These cheeses are versatile and work well in various mushroom dishes. Cream cheese provides a tangy and creamy base for stuffed mushrooms, while Parmesan adds a sharp and nutty flavour to toppings or fillings. Mozzarella, with its stretchy and melty texture, is perfect for recipes like mushroom pizzas or baked pasta dishes.

The key to finding the best cheese to pair with mushrooms is experimentation. Different combinations of mushrooms and cheeses can create an array of flavour profiles, from savoury and earthy to creamy and tangy. So, feel free to explore and discover your favourite pairings!

Frequently asked questions