The Perfect Cheeses To Pair With Andouille Sausage

Andouille sausage is a smoked, spicy sausage that is frequently used in Cajun cooking. It is made from pork and seasoned with garlic, onions, and a blend of spices. When it comes to cheese pairings, there are several options that complement the sausage's bold flavour and coarse texture. A grilled cheese sandwich with andouille sausage, for instance, can be made with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of both. For a unique twist, consider adding Dijon mustard, caramelised onions, or even apples. In terms of melted cheese options, smoked gouda, cheddar, and cream cheese can be combined to create a creamy sauce for a mac and cheese dish with andouille sausage. For a simpler option, a cranberry cheddar cheese skewer with andouille sausage and cranberry sauce makes for a tasty and festive appetiser.

Cranberry cheddar cheese

For a simple yet impressive appetizer, try making Cranberry Cheddar and Andouille Sausage Bites. Slice and cook the sausage, then add a small cube of cranberry cheddar and a drizzle of cranberry sauce. Secure with an appetizer pick and serve. These bites are perfect for holiday gatherings and parties, offering a balance of flavours and textures in one bite.

For a heartier meal, combine andouille sausage with cranberry cheddar in a macaroni and cheese bake. The sharp, fruity notes of the cheese will enhance the spicy sausage, creating a comforting and flavourful dish.

Monterey Jack

When making a grilled cheese sandwich with andouille sausage, it is important to consider the cheese's melting ability. Monterey Jack is a good melting cheese and will therefore create a gooey, warm centre for your sandwich. Its mild flavour will also ensure that it does not overpower the bold, spicy flavours of the andouille sausage.

In addition to its melting qualities, Monterey Jack also adds a rich flavour to the sandwich. Its creamy texture and mild taste make it a good base for other ingredients, allowing the andouille sausage to be the star of the dish. The cheese's mild flavour will enhance, rather than compete with, the other ingredients in the sandwich.

When choosing a cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich with andouille sausage, Monterey Jack is an excellent option due to its melting abilities, mild flavour, and versatility. It creates a delicious, gooey sandwich with a good balance of flavours.

Mac and cheese

This delicious mac and cheese recipe is packed with flavour, thanks to the addition of spicy andouille sausage and Cajun seasonings. It's a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for a family meal. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces cavatappi pasta (or other small pasta)
• 12 ounces andouille sausage, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
• 1 1/2 cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the andouille sausage until it starts to brown. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour, salt, garlic, and ground mustard. Cook for about 2 minutes.
• Slowly whisk in the milk and continue whisking until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
• Add the cream cheese and whisk until smooth and melted.
• Stir in the shredded gouda and cheddar cheeses until combined and smooth.
• Add the cooked pasta and sausage to the cheese sauce and stir until everything is coated.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings to your taste preferences. You can also add some Cajun seasoning to the cheese sauce for an extra kick. Enjoy!

Grilled cheese

Ingredients

• Andouille sausage
• Bread (Italian, French, or white)
• Butter
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, gouda, or American)
• Dijon mustard
• Optional: bell pepper, caramelized onions, pickles, or cranberry sauce

Instructions

• Slice the sausages in half lengthwise, then cut into thin half-moon shapes.
• Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then set aside.
• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• On the non-buttered side, spread a layer of cheese and/or Dijon mustard.
• Add the cooked sausage, along with any other desired toppings.
• Close the sandwich with another slice of bread, with the buttered side facing outwards.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwich inside. Cook until the bread is browned, then flip and repeat for the other side.
• If the cheese is not fully melted, turn the heat down to low and continue cooking until it is.

Tips

• For an extra buttery and gooey sandwich, mix some butter with the cheese.
• For a crispier exterior, use low to medium heat and cook the sandwich slowly.
• If you want a more intense flavour, try using a cast-iron skillet to enhance the crust.
• For a unique twist, use pita bread instead of white bread.

Smoked gouda

One way to enjoy this combination is in a grilled sandwich. Layer sliced smoked gouda with grilled andouille sausage on buttered bread, adding toppings like pickles and caramelized onions for extra flavour and texture. For a more substantial meal, try a smoked gouda and andouille sausage panini, pressed until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

For a heartier option, smoked gouda and andouille sausage can be combined in a comforting bowl of grits. Chipotle adds a nice kick to the grits, while the smokiness of the cheese and sausage adds depth of flavour. This dish can be taken to the next level with the addition of shrimp, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Another way to showcase the combination of smoked gouda and andouille sausage is in a bruschetta. Diced andouille sausage and shrimp are sautéed with onions, peppers, and garlic, then mixed with grated smoked gouda. This mixture is then piled onto sliced French bread, brushed with olive oil, and baked until the cheese is melted. This bruschetta makes a delicious appetizer or snack, full of bold flavours.

Whether in a sandwich, grits, or bruschetta, the combination of smoked gouda and andouille sausage offers a delightful interplay of smoky, spicy, and sweet notes that is sure to satisfy.

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