The Perfect Cheeses To Pair With Roast Turkey

Turkey is a versatile meat that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to make a delicious sandwich. The best cheese for a turkey sandwich will depend on the flavour profile of the turkey and other ingredients, as well as personal preference. However, some popular cheeses that pair well with turkey include gouda, provolone, Emmental, and Monterey Jack. When choosing a cheese for a turkey sandwich, it is important to consider the strength of the cheese's flavour, its texture, and how it will complement the other flavours in the sandwich.

What type of bread is best?

When it comes to the type of bread that is best for a roast turkey sandwich, there are several options to consider. Firstly, the texture and thickness of the bread are important factors. A thick, dense bread with a thicker crust will hold the sandwich ingredients together better and provide a satisfying crunch. White bread, whole wheat bread, or French bread are all good options for a classic sandwich. For a healthier choice, opt for whole wheat bread. If you're feeling adventurous, try a crusty baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta for a crunchy exterior and soft interior. Toasting the bread can also enhance the texture and bring out the flavour.

The flavour of the bread is another consideration. A soft brioche can add a hint of sweetness, while a classic whole-grain bread provides a hearty, nutty flavour that complements the richness of the cheese. If you're making a grilled cheese sandwich, the choice of bread becomes even more important. A good crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta will become irresistibly crunchy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside when grilled.

Ultimately, the best type of bread for a roast turkey sandwich depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile. Experiment with different types of bread to find your favourite!

What condiments work well with roast turkey and cheese?

When it comes to roast turkey, there are several condiments that can enhance the flavour and create a well-rounded dish. Here are some suggestions:

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a classic condiment for roast turkey, especially during the holiday season. Its natural sweetness balances the savouriness of the meat, adding a touch of moisture to the dish. If you don't have any cranberry sauce on hand, forest berry jams or preserves can also work well, but be sure not to spread them too thickly on your bread.

Bacon

Bacon is a savoury, smoky addition to a roast turkey dish. It provides a crunchy texture and salty taste that pairs exceptionally well with cheese and turkey. The smokiness of bacon marries the flavours of the turkey and cheese, adding depth to your meal.

Butter or Mayonnaise

The choice between butter and mayonnaise is a matter of personal preference. Butter can enhance the flavours of the turkey and cheese, while mayonnaise adds moisture and serves as a vehicle for other flavours in the sandwich.

Avocado

Avocado provides a soft texture that contrasts nicely with the bacon. It has a subtle, buttery flavour that won't overpower the turkey, and its creamy texture aligns beautifully with the cheese.

Lettuce and Tomato

Fresh, crispy lettuce and ripe, juicy tomatoes add a refreshing crunch and a contrast to the rich, creamy cheese and succulent turkey slices.

Mustard

Mustard, whether it's classic yellow mustard, honey mustard, or a specialty variety like cranberry mustard, can add a tangy kick to your roast turkey dish. It pairs well with certain cheeses, like gouda, and can be used as a spread to enhance the other flavours in the sandwich.

Other Condiments

Other condiments that can elevate your roast turkey dish include pesto, chipotle powder, pickles, olives, cucumber, red onion, and even potato chips. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavour profile!

What are the best mild cheeses to pair with roast turkey?

Turkey is a versatile meat that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. When it comes to choosing the best mild cheeses to accompany roast turkey, there are several delicious options to consider. Here are some of the top choices:

Provolone

Provolone is a mild, nutty, and slightly spicy Italian cheese with delicate smoky undertones. It is an aged stretched-curd cheese that has a semi-firm, stretchy texture, making it perfect for sandwiches. Provolone pairs exceptionally well with roasted turkey breast, enhancing the flavour without overwhelming it. It is best enjoyed in a cold sandwich on a light whole grain or white bread roll, and can be complemented by pesto mayonnaise and fresh baby spinach leaves for added zing and crunch.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy, and buttery cheese that is an excellent choice for grilled turkey sandwiches. Its mild flavour complements the delicate taste of turkey, and its creamy texture melts beautifully under the grill. To keep things simple, pair it with a few slices of avocado and pickled jalapeños. For an extra salty kick, you can also add grilled bacon to the mix.

Gouda

Gouda is often overlooked as a sandwich cheese, but it is an ideal partner for turkey, both in hot and cold sandwiches. It has a semi-firm texture that moulds around the cooked meat, and its creamy, mild flavour accentuates the delicate taste of turkey. Gouda works well in a classic turkey sandwich with crisp lettuce, cucumber, and tomato. For a more adventurous option, try substituting the lettuce with peppery arugula and adding sweet, crisp slices of apple.

Havarti

Havarti is a Danish cheese known for its buttery and slightly fruity flavour. It brings a complementary tanginess to turkey, creating a delightful combination. Havarti pairs well with juicy slices of ripe tomato and a touch of mustard, making it a perfect choice for a gourmet-style turkey sandwich.

Edam

Edam is a mild, nutty, and semi-hard cheese that is often overlooked as a sandwich cheese. However, it is an excellent choice for a club sandwich served in a crusty baguette or thick slices of artisan bread. The smooth texture and salty taste of Edam go well with crisp bacon, fresh salad leaves, and sliced pickles. Spread some honey and mustard on the bread, and you've got a mouthwatering combination.

When pairing mild cheeses with roast turkey, it is essential to consider the flavour profile and texture of the cheese, ensuring that it complements the delicate taste of the meat without overwhelming it. These cheeses will surely elevate your roast turkey experience and provide a delightful culinary journey.

What are some more adventurous cheese options for a roast turkey sandwich?

While the classic cheeses to go with roast turkey are gouda, provolone, Emmental, and Monterey Jack, there are many more adventurous options to try.

If you're feeling a little adventurous, why not try a mild blue cheese like Gorgonzola Dolce or Cambozola? These cheeses are great gateway cheeses if you're new to blues, as they are not as strong as a Stilton or Roquefort but will still add a little kick to your sandwich.

For the hardcore cheese lovers and adventurous foodies, a washed-rind cheese could be the perfect choice. Washed-rind cheeses tend to have a more robust aroma and flavour than unwashed cheeses. Some semi-hard examples include Gruyère, Raclette, and Fontina. But if you want a truly out-of-this-world experience, choose Beaufort, a French pressed cooked raw milk cheese from the Savoie region.

If you're looking for a complex, mature cheese to pair with your roast turkey, Asiago is an excellent option. It is a mountain-style cheese from Veneto in Italy with a flavour that ranges from sweet to buttery and tangy with a slightly salty aftertaste. Other options in this category include Pecorino Romano, Provolone Piccante, and Pepper Jack.

Finally, if you're looking for something a little different, you could try a cheese with a fruity profile, such as Emmental, which has a distinctive fruity flavour with notes of hazelnut, or Havarti, a Danish cheese with a buttery and slightly fruity flavour.

What are the best cheeses for a roast turkey toastie?

When it comes to the best cheeses for a roast turkey toastie, there are several options to consider, each offering a unique flavour profile and texture that can elevate your sandwich experience. Here are some of the top choices:

Provolone

Provolone, an all-time classic Italian cheese, is a versatile and mild-flavoured option that melts beautifully without losing its taste. Its buttery and slightly tangy notes pair exquisitely with roast turkey, especially when complemented by cranberry sauce or mustard. Provolone's excellent melting ability makes it a superb choice for a grilled roast turkey toastie.

Gouda

Gouda, a semi-hard cheese from the Netherlands, offers a creamy yet firm texture and a range of flavours from mild to robust, depending on its age. Its melting properties make it ideal for a grilled sandwich, and its nutty notes blend harmoniously with roast turkey. Smoked gouda adds a rich, smoky flavour dimension to your toastie.

Cheddar

Cheddar, a universal favourite, boasts a versatile flavour profile that can be smooth and creamy or sharp and complex. Its excellent melting ability and rich texture make it a superb choice for a roast turkey toastie. The sharpness of aged cheddar creates a delightful contrast with the turkey and condiments.

Brie

Brie, a French decadent cheese, adds a touch of luxury to your toastie with its creamy texture and mild, fruity flavours. When paired with roast turkey, brie melts into a lusciously creamy texture, resulting in an unparalleled depth of flavour. For a gourmet experience, combine brie with apple chutney and crisp lettuce.

Emmental

Emmental, a classic Swiss cheese, offers a distinctive, nutty, and slightly sweet flavour with its signature holes and pale yellow hue. Its fondue-like creaminess when melted and subtle crunch from its natural rind make it a superb choice for those seeking a well-balanced toastie without an overwhelming cheese presence. Emmental pairs beautifully with roast turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, and tangy mustard.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack, an all-American cheese, is known for its mild flavour and creamy texture. Its smooth consistency and excellent melting ability make it a superb match for roast turkey. Monterey Jack gets along famously with avocado, sliced jalapenos, and crispy bacon for a flavourful and satisfying grilled sandwich.

Parmesan

For an intense flavour kick, consider Parmesan, a hard Italian cheese with a uniquely rich and bold taste. Grated over your toastie, Parmesan adds a nutty and salty touch that beautifully complements roast turkey. Layer it with arugula, pesto, and turkey for an unforgettable flavour combination.

Edam

Edam cheese, named after a town in the Netherlands, offers a nutty taste and semi-hard texture. Its affable flavour, neither too bold nor too mild, makes it a superb choice for a roast turkey toastie. Edam pairs exceptionally well with Dijon mustard, creating a tangy and delightful sandwich experience.

Colby Jack

Colby Jack, a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, is known for its gentle flavour and superb melting ability. Its creamy texture and nutty flavour harmonise exquisitely with roast turkey. Adding beef chilli and jalapenos to your grilled toastie creates an irresistible spicy flavour combination.

Honourable Mentions:

• Havarti: A Danish cheese with a buttery and slightly fruity flavour that brings a complementary tanginess to roast turkey.
• Asiago: An Italian mountain-style cheese with a flavour ranging from sweet to buttery, tangy, and slightly salty.
• Pepper Jack: A slightly spicy cheese that adds a kick to your toastie.

When crafting your roast turkey toastie, consider the balance of flavours and textures. Choose cheeses that complement the turkey without overpowering it, and feel free to experiment with different combinations to discover your ultimate favourite.

Frequently asked questions