The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Roast Beef

When it comes to creating the perfect roast beef sandwich, one of the most important, yet often overlooked, ingredients is the cheese. The right cheese can elevate the flavours and textures of the sandwich, enhancing the rich, savoury taste of the beef without overpowering it. A well-balanced combination of cheese and beef will ensure neither dominates, resulting in a harmonious blend. A good option for a roast beef sandwich is a strong, sharp cheese like cheddar, which can cut through the richness of the beef. Swiss cheese is another sophisticated choice, with a nutty, slightly sweet profile that adds complexity. For a smoky flavour, gouda is a good option, while blue cheese can add a bold kick.

Blue cheese and honey

A roast beef sandwich with blue cheese and honey is a delicious option. You can use a whole wheat hot dog bun or a sandwich bun, and fill it with roast beef, arugula, grated carrot, red onion, and crumbled blue cheese. The addition of honey in this sandwich comes from combining vinegar, honey, and salt, and adding the red onion to this mixture, letting it stand for an hour, and then draining the onion before adding it to the sandwich. You can also add mayonnaise to the bun. This sandwich can be served with a side of honeydew salad, made with cubed honeydew, fresh mint, lemon juice, and honey.

Another option for a sandwich is to spread a mixture of Miracle Whip light, Dijon mustard, and pepper on a sliced onion sandwich bun. Then, add a lettuce leaf, tomato slices, bell pepper rings, onion slices, roast beef, and crumbled blue cheese. You can also add fresh chopped parsley to the mayo mixture.

The sharpness of blue cheese and the sweetness of honey complement the savoury taste of roast beef, creating a delightful combination of flavours.

Sharp cheddar and horseradish sauce

When creating the perfect roast beef sandwich, the quality of the roast beef is paramount. Opt for good-quality, thinly sliced, rare roast beef to ensure the meat is tender and easy to bite into. To build the sandwich, start by spreading the horseradish sauce on the bun. Layer on a slice of sharp cheddar, followed by the roast beef. For an extra indulgent touch, you can drizzle the meat with a sharp cheddar cheese sauce.

The type of bread you choose is also important. Kaiser buns, pretzel buns, and onion rolls are all excellent choices, adding a hearty texture and flavour to the sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use homemade pita bread or artisan bread. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different types of bread to find your perfect pairing.

To take your sandwich to the next level, consider adding some extra ingredients. Thinly sliced red onions, radishes, and tomatoes add a refreshing crunch, while arugula or microgreens bring a touch of freshness. You can also try crispy fried onions for added texture and flavour. Remember, the beauty of a sandwich is that you can customise it to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different toppings and sauces to find your ideal combination.

When it comes to cheese and sauce, the key is to find the perfect balance. The sharpness of the cheddar and the kick of the horseradish should enhance the flavour of the roast beef without overwhelming it. By playing with different types of cheddar, from mild to extra sharp, and adjusting the amount of horseradish in your sauce, you can tailor the intensity of flavours to your preference.

Swiss cheese

A roast beef and Swiss cheese sandwich can be made in several ways. One way is to use thinly sliced roast beef or shaved roast beef as the meat, with Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, onion, poppy seeds, spicy mustard, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce on a potato bun. The sandwich is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and the bun is slightly crisp.

Another way to make a roast beef and Swiss cheese sandwich is to spread horseradish on one side of toasted bread, layer sliced roast beef, and then place a slice of Swiss cheese on top. This open-faced sandwich is then placed under the broiler until the cheese is melted. Finally, the sandwich is assembled by spreading mustard on another slice of bread and placing it on top of the open-faced sandwich.

In addition to sandwiches, Swiss cheese can also be melted on top of roast beef as a juicy topping. The mild flavour of Swiss cheese complements the taste of roast beef without overpowering it.

Provolone

A roast beef hoagie with melted provolone is a delicious and simple meal. To make this sandwich, you can sauté onions and peppers in a skillet, then add the roast beef and Worcestershire sauce. Place the mixture on hoagie rolls, top with provolone, and bake until the cheese has melted. This sandwich can be served immediately and is a great option for a quick, budget-friendly meal.

For a more indulgent option, dripping roast beef sandwiches with provolone are a restaurant-style treat. These sandwiches are made with French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and banana peppers, and are baked until the provolone is melted. The soup and beef mixture is then spooned over the sandwiches, creating a rich and flavourful dish.

Whether it's a simple hoagie, a classic Philly Cheesesteak, or a more indulgent dripping roast beef sandwich, provolone is a fantastic choice of cheese to pair with roast beef. Its mild flavour and melting properties make it a versatile and tasty option for sandwiches and other dishes.

Roast beef and cheese sandwiches

Ingredients

Whether you're making a single sandwich for lunch or a dozen for a game day, a roast beef and cheese sandwich is a guaranteed winner.

The best roast beef and cheese sandwich starts with good roast beef. You can use leftover roast beef or buy deli-style roast beef. If you're using leftovers, warm the beef in a large skillet with beef stock, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.

For the cheese, you have a lot of options. A sharp cheddar brings a tangy kick to your sandwich, while Swiss cheese adds a layer of complexity with its nutty and slightly sweet profile. If you're looking for something creamy and mild, go for Havarti. A smoky Gouda will complement the boldness of the roast beef, and blue cheese will add a bold kick. Other options include provolone, Muenster, mozzarella, or even cheese sauce.

You'll also need sandwich rolls. Hoagie rolls are a great option, as they are large and sturdy, but you can also use sub rolls, kaiser buns, or any other type of bun or bread you prefer.

For toppings, try sliced tomato, lettuce, arugula, mayonnaise, spicy mustard, pepper jack cheese, hot sauce, horseradish sauce, or jardinière.

Instructions

To make the sandwiches, start by slicing the rolls open and buttering the top and bottom buns. Toast them in the oven.

If you're using leftover beef, heat it up in a pan with the stock and cook until most of the liquid has been absorbed. If you're using deli-style beef, you can skip this step.

Sauté the onions in butter until they are golden and soft.

To assemble the sandwiches, place a large helping of roast beef on each roll. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then place the sandwiches in the oven for 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Remove the sandwiches from the oven and top with the sautéed onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions