Sausage Sandwiches: Best Cheeses To Compliment The Classic

Sausage sandwiches are a classic, and a British delicacy. While there is some controversy over how to make the perfect sausage sandwich, one thing is for sure: cheese is a must. But what type of cheese should you use?

Some recipes suggest using American cheese, while others recommend mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses such as provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan. If you're feeling creative, you could even use two different types of cheese.

Mozzarella, provolone, or American cheese

Mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese that melts easily and has a mild, slightly tangy flavour. It pairs well with other Italian ingredients like pesto, making it an excellent choice for a sausage sandwich with an Italian twist. Try grilling your sausage and adding some roasted red peppers and rocket for a hearty and flavourful sandwich.

Provolone is another Italian cheese that works well with sausages. It has a more robust flavour than mozzarella, with a slightly nutty taste, and is also a good melting cheese. Try it in a grilled Italian sausage sandwich with peppers and onions, or as an ingredient in a sausage hoagie or panini.

American cheese, often a yellow or orange-yellow variety, is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a mild flavour and a creamy, gooey texture when melted. It goes well with sweet Italian sausage and can add a comforting, familiar taste to your sandwich.

When making a sausage sandwich with any of these cheeses, consider the type of bread and toppings you want to use. Soft or lightly toasted bread can work, and you may want to add fried onions, ketchup, or brown sauce to enhance the flavour of the sausage and cheese.

Cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella cheese

Cheddar cheese, for example, has a sharp and slightly tangy flavour that pairs well with the savouriness of the sausage. It has a firmer texture compared to other cheeses, which can add a nice contrast to the softness of the bread and sausage. Using cheddar cheese in a sausage sandwich is a classic combination that is popular among many.

On the other hand, pepper jack cheese can add a spicy kick to the sandwich. It has a similar texture to cheddar but with the addition of peppers, which gives it a more complex flavour profile. If you prefer your food on the spicier side, pepper jack cheese is a great option to consider.

Mozzarella cheese, being a softer and milder-tasting cheese, can also work well in a sausage sandwich. It melts easily and has a stretchy texture that can make the sandwich even more indulgent. Mozzarella pairs especially well with Italian sausages and other ingredients like pesto and roasted red peppers to create a more sophisticated sandwich.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on your personal preference and the specific flavours you want to highlight in your sausage sandwich. All three options—Cheddar, pepper jack, and mozzarella—can elevate the taste and texture of the sandwich, making it a more enjoyable and satisfying meal.

Cheese type and colour

When it comes to cheese, there are a few options that are commonly used in sausage sandwiches. These include mozzarella, provolone, and American cheese. However, you can also experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. For a more classic Italian sandwich taste, mozzarella cheese is a popular choice. It pairs well with the other ingredients in the sandwich, such as the Italian sausage and marinara sauce. Provolone is another cheese that is mentioned as a possible option for an Italian sausage sandwich.

If you're looking for a comforting, nostalgic option, American cheese is a good choice. While it may not offer a different taste from the standard white variety, the orange-yellow colour can make the sandwich more visually appealing. The colour adds a psychological element to the dining experience, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the sandwich.

For those who want to be more adventurous, Pepper Jack or Sharp Cheddar from Wisconsin are recommended by chefs. These cheeses can add a unique twist to your sausage sandwich, creating a memorable and mouthwatering bite.

Cheese quantity

The quantity of cheese you use for your sausage sandwich depends on a few factors, including the type of cheese, the size of your bread, and your personal preference.

For a classic sausage sandwich, you'll need about 2-4 slices of cheese per sandwich, depending on the size of your bread. If you're using a standard slice of sandwich bread, 2 slices of cheese should be sufficient. However, if you're using a larger roll or hoagie bun, you may need 3-4 slices of cheese for adequate coverage.

When it comes to cheese type, mild or sharp cheddar, American cheese, provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan are all popular choices for sausage sandwiches. You can also get creative and use multiple types of cheese for a more complex flavor profile.

In terms of quantity, you'll want enough cheese to cover the surface of the bread and create a nice, gooey texture when melted. Too little cheese may get lost among the other ingredients, while too much cheese can overwhelm the sandwich and make it messy to eat. As a general rule, aim for a single layer of cheese that covers the bread, with a bit extra to allow for melting.

For a grilled cheese sandwich with sausage, you'll typically use a thicker slice of bread, such as sourdough, and a more generous amount of cheese. In this case, 4 ounces (about 113 grams) of cheese per sandwich is a good starting point. This will create a hearty, indulgent sandwich.

Remember, you can always adjust the quantity of cheese to your taste. If you're a cheese lover, feel free to add a little extra. If you prefer your sandwiches on the lighter side, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use thinner slices.

Cheese placement

For a classic sausage sandwich, a slice of cheese is placed directly on the sausage patty inside the bun. This allows the cheese to melt slightly and adds a creamy texture to the sandwich. Cheeses that work well for this style include American cheese, provolone, mozzarella, and cheddar.

Another option is to place the cheese on top of the sausage patty, creating a melted cheese topping. This can be done by placing the cheese on the patty towards the end of the cooking process, allowing it to melt slightly and form a gooey topping. Cheeses that work well for this method include shredded Italian cheese blends, provolone, and mozzarella.

Additionally, you can get creative with your cheese placement by stuffing the sausage mixture into the bun and topping it with a layer of cheese. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and creates a gooey, crunchy texture. Cheeses like shredded cheddar, Pepper Jack, and mozzarella work well for this.

When assembling a sausage sandwich, consider the type of cheese and the desired level of meltiness to determine the best placement for optimal taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions