Cheese And Egg Pairing: Perfect Combos For Breakfast

Eggs and cheese are a match made in heaven. While there are many ways to cook eggs, scrambled eggs are one of the most popular and easiest breakfast recipes. Adding cheese to this dish can take it to the next level. The best cheeses to add to scrambled eggs are those that are either creamy and mild or punchy and a bit salty. For example, cheddar, feta, goat cheese, pecorino, or cream cheese.

Cream cheese and scrambled eggs

Cream cheese is a great addition to scrambled eggs, adding extra savoury flavour and doubling the creaminess. It's also a quick and easy breakfast option, perfect for weekday mornings.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make scrambled eggs with cream cheese:

• Eggs
• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Chives
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

Some recipes also include milk, scallions, and fresh herbs like dill.

Method

• Whisk the eggs, milk, and cream cheese together in a bowl. It's okay to have small bits of cream cheese in the mixture.
• Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
• Add the chives to the pan and briefly cook them.
• Slowly add the egg mixture to the pan and allow it to cook.
• Gently stir and flip the eggs as needed to ensure even cooking.
• Remove the eggs from the heat when they are just cooked to your liking.
• Serve immediately with desired sides and toppings.

Tips

• For a simple breakfast, enjoy the scrambled eggs as is.
• For a fancier option, serve the eggs with smoked salmon.
• You can also add these scrambled eggs to toast, a bagel, or a tortilla for a breakfast sandwich or burrito.
• Try sprinkling flavoured sea salt on top, such as wild mushroom or chipotle sea salt.
• If you want to add some crunch and spice, sprinkle on some chipotle sea salt with large flakes.
• This recipe is keto and low-carb-friendly, making it a great option for those on specific diets.

Cheddar cheese and scrambled eggs

Choosing the Right Cheddar

Go for a sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese to add a punch of flavour to your scrambled eggs. You can also experiment with different varieties of cheddar, such as mild cheddar or white cheddar, to find your preferred taste. Grate the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as it melts better and has a better texture.

Preparing the Eggs

For fluffy and moist scrambled eggs, avoid adding milk, water, or cream to the egg mixture. Instead, simply whisk the eggs vigorously to incorporate air pockets. You can also add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. If you want to get fancy, you can add some fresh herbs like thyme or chives.

Cooking Instructions

Start by melting some butter in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Avoid using high heat as it can overcook the eggs. Once the butter is melted, add the whisked eggs and constantly stir them with a silicone or rubber spatula. After about two minutes, add the grated cheddar cheese and continue stirring. The eggs will be ready in about a minute. Serve immediately with some toast or your favourite sides.

Serving Suggestions

Cheddar scrambled eggs go well with toasted bread, especially sourdough. For a heartier meal, pair it with breakfast potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or bacon. You can also wrap them in a tortilla with veggies and chicken or serve them in a croissant with mushrooms. Add some fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Parmesan cheese and poached eggs

A simple yet effective way to elevate your poached eggs is to sprinkle some shaved Parmesan on top. The New York Times recommends a "Crispy Parmesan Eggs" recipe, where you fry the eggs with Parmesan cheese to create a crispy, salty edge. They suggest using a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron pan to fry the eggs, as they may not come off a regular pan. Start by brushing a thin layer of olive oil into the pan, then sprinkle an even layer of coarsely grated Parmesan, cooking for about 2 minutes until the cheese begins to melt. Crack the eggs onto the cheese, cover the pan, and cook until the eggs are starting to set but are not cooked through. Uncover and turn up the heat to finish cooking the eggs until the edges are crisp and golden brown.

For a more elegant breakfast or brunch option, Bon Appétit suggests a "Poached Eggs and Parmesan Cheese over Toasted Brioche with Pistou" recipe. The pistou is made by pureeing fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil in a mini processor until smooth, and seasoned with salt and pepper. To poach the eggs, bring a medium skillet of salted water to a simmer, crack the eggs one at a time and gently slip them into the water, cooking until the whites are just set and the yolks are still runny. Place the hot toasts on plates, top with Parmesan shavings, and then transfer the drained eggs onto the brioche. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with the pistou.

If you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast option, scrambled eggs with Parmesan cheese are a great choice. My Gorgeous Recipes has a "Fluffy Parmesan Scrambled Eggs" recipe that takes less than 5 minutes to make. The key to fluffy scrambled eggs is to beat them well before adding them to the pan, and to use butter instead of oil for added flavour and richness. Simply crack the eggs into a bowl, add milk, salt, and Parmesan, and mix well. Melt butter in a frying pan, add the eggs, and cook on low to medium heat until the edges are slightly done. Use a spatula to scramble the eggs until cooked through, and then transfer to a plate and sprinkle with more Parmesan.

So, whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a fancy brunch option, Parmesan cheese and poached eggs are a delicious combination that is sure to impress.

Goat cheese and fried eggs

Fried eggs and goat cheese is a delicious combination that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Goat cheese has a distinctive, tangy taste and creamy texture that pairs well with the savoury flavours of fried eggs. This combination can be used to create a range of dishes, from salads to appetizers and main courses.

Recipes

Fried Goat Cheese

This recipe involves frying goat cheese to create a crispy, golden crust that melts in your mouth. The key steps include chilling the cheese, preparing a dredging station with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, coating the cheese, and frying it to perfection. It can be served as an appetizer with a drizzle of honey or crackers, or used as a salad topper for added crunch and flavour.

Goat Cheese Scrambled Eggs

Goat cheese scrambled eggs are a creamy and fluffy upgrade to traditional scrambled eggs. The key is to add the goat cheese towards the end of the cooking process, allowing it to melt into the eggs and enhancing their texture. This recipe includes fresh herbs, salt, and pepper for seasoning, and the eggs are cooked over low to medium-low heat to prevent scorching.

Fried Eggs with Goat Cheese

Fried eggs and goat cheese can be combined in a variety of ways to create delicious meals. For example, a sunny side up egg with goat cheese on a salad or avocado toast adds a delicious creamy flavour. Goat cheese can also be melted on top of fried eggs, creating a decadent and indulgent dish.

Feta cheese and omelettes

When making an omelette with feta, it is important to consider the other ingredients you will be using. Omelettes are a blank canvas, so feel free to get creative! Some classic pairings with feta include spinach, avocado, and tomatoes. You can also add herbs such as dill or parsley for a fresh flavour. If you want a heartier omelette, consider adding some diced ham or cooked chorizo.

The key to achieving the perfect feta omelette is timing. Unlike other cheeses, feta does not melt easily, so it should be added at the end of the cooking process. First, beat your eggs and prepare your other ingredients. Heat some butter or oil in a pan over medium heat, then pour in the eggs and let them cook until they are almost set. At this point, you can sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and gently fold it into the omelette.

Another option is to mix the feta cheese directly into the beaten eggs before cooking. This will create a more cohesive omelette with a tangy flavour throughout. Simply beat the eggs and cheese together until the cheese is well incorporated, then cook as you normally would.

When cooking with feta, it is important to taste and adjust your seasoning as needed. Feta is a salty cheese, so you may not need to add additional salt to your omelette. Black pepper is always a good option for adding some extra flavour. You can also experiment with other spices and herbs to enhance the taste of your feta omelette.

Finally, don't forget that presentation is important! Feta omelettes can be a beautiful dish, especially if you incorporate colourful ingredients like spinach or tomatoes. Garnish your omelette with some fresh herbs and serve it with a side of toast or roasted potatoes for a delicious and nutritious meal.

Frequently asked questions