Cheese And Bbq Sauce: Perfect Pairing Or Not?

Barbecue sauce and cheese are a match made in heaven. Adding cheese to your barbecue dishes can take your grilling experience to a whole new level. The right cheese can complement the flavours of your meats, adding a delicious, creamy texture that enhances every bite. Whether you're a fan of melted cheese on grilled meats or stuffed burgers, there's no denying that cheese and barbecue make a perfect pair.

So, what cheese goes well with barbecue sauce? The options are endless, but some popular choices include cheddar, gouda, blue cheese, and mozzarella. For a spicy kick, you can opt for pepper jack or a creamy cheese like brie. If you're feeling adventurous, try smoked cheeses for an extra layer of flavour.

When it comes to creating the perfect barbecue dish, don't be afraid to experiment. The beauty of barbecue is that there are no rules, so feel free to mix and match different cheeses and sauces to find your favourite combination. Happy grilling and bon appétit!

Barbecue sauce and cheese sandwiches

Choosing the Right Cheese

When it comes to cheese, there are many options that pair well with barbecue sauce. Here are some popular choices:

• Cheddar: A versatile and widely available option. Sharp cheddar adds a nice tanginess that complements the barbecue sauce.
• Mozzarella: Smoked mozzarella adds a unique flavour dimension, but regular mozzarella also works well.
• Pepper Jack: For those who like a little spice, pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick.
• Gouda: Smoked gouda, in particular, adds a layer of flavour to the sandwich.
• Blue Cheese: Strong and tangy, blue cheese pairs well with barbecue sauce, especially if you like a stronger flavour.

Selecting the Perfect Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce comes in various flavours, from sweet and tangy to spicy and zesty. Here are some tips to consider:

• Sweet and Tangy Sauces: These pair well with cheeses that also go well with fruit, such as gouda or brie.
• Spicy and Zesty Sauces: Tangy and spicy sauces are complemented by creamier cheeses like brie or gouda.
• Alabama White BBQ Sauce: This creamy and slightly tangy sauce goes well with similar cheeses, providing contrast with other elements of the sandwich.

Putting It All Together

When creating your barbecue sauce and cheese sandwich, consider the following steps:

• Bread: Choose a bread that can withstand the weight of the fillings and has a crispy texture. Panini bread or a sturdy white bread work well.
• Spread: Combine butter and mayonnaise for the perfect spread on the outside of the bread. This will give your sandwich a golden, crispy exterior.
• Cheese: Layer cheese on both sides of the bread for maximum meltiness.
• Toppings: Add toppings like onion straws, haystack onions, or sliced red onions. Pickles can also add a crunchy texture and a tangy flavour.
• Assembly: Once the cheese is melted and the toppings are warmed, bring the sandwich together and let it sit for a minute to glue everything in place.
• Toast: Finally, toast the sandwich on both sides until it reaches your desired level of crispness.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to experiment with different combinations and additions to make your sandwich unique:

• Meat: While a meatless option is delicious, you can also add meat like brisket, pulled pork, or chicken to your sandwich.
• Spiciness: If you like spice, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Sides: Serve your sandwich with sides like coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or a salad.
• Dipping Sauce: For an extra flavour boost, dip your sandwich in additional barbecue sauce or ranch dressing.

Grilled cheese with barbecue sauce

A grilled cheese sandwich is a classic, comforting meal. But what happens when you add barbecue sauce to the mix? You get a flavourful, satisfying sandwich with a kick! Here's how to make the perfect grilled cheese with barbecue sauce.

Choosing the Right Cheese

When it comes to grilled cheese with barbecue sauce, you want a cheese that can stand up to the bold flavours of the sauce. A sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese is a perfect choice, as the sharpness will complement the creamy and tangy Alabama barbecue sauce. You could also try using a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack pepper cheese, for an extra flavour boost.

Bread Selection

The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is thickly sliced bread. Normal, pre-sliced sandwich bread may crumble on the grill, so opt for a heartier option like ciabatta, Italian bread, or challah. The thicker bread will also give the cheese more time to melt and get nice and gooey.

Preparing the Grill

To achieve the perfect grilled cheese, it's important to set up your grill with diverse heating zones. You should have three zones, with low, medium, and high heat. This will allow you to move the sandwich to different heat levels at various stages of the cooking process. For a charcoal grill, create a high-heat zone by placing all the charcoal in one area. For a gas grill, simply adjust the burners accordingly.

Assembly and Cooking

Now it's time to assemble your sandwich. Spread butter or olive oil on one side of each slice of bread, and barbecue sauce on the other. Layer on your cheese, adding any additional toppings like grilled onions or pickles. Place the sandwich on the grill, cooking it for a few minutes on each side until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. If the cheese isn't melting quickly enough, you can place a lid over the pan to trap in the heat.

Serving Suggestions

Barbecue cheese sauces

Barbecue sauce and cheese are a match made in heaven, and there are endless combinations of the two to explore. Whether you're looking for a creamy texture or a sharp flavour, the right cheese can complement the flavours of barbecue sauce and take your meal to the next level. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cheddar Cheese and BBQ Sauce

Cheddar cheese is a versatile option that can be used in a variety of dishes. When paired with barbecue sauce, it creates a delicious combination that is perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or even stuffed potatoes. For a stronger flavour, opt for aged cheddar, which has a more intense and tangy taste. If you're looking for something with a bit of spice, try using pepper jack cheese instead of plain cheddar.

Blue Cheese and BBQ Sauce

Blue cheese has a strong, tangy, and creamy flavour with a slightly pungent aroma. It pairs exceptionally well with barbecue sauce and steaks, especially ribeye and sirloin. For a quick and easy meal, crumble some blue cheese over a hot steak right before serving, or mix it into your favourite BBQ sauce for an extra kick.

Smoked Gouda and BBQ Sauce

If you're looking for a smoky flavour to complement your barbecue sauce, smoked gouda is an excellent choice. This type of cheese has a mild, slightly sweet, and smoky flavour that pairs well with BBQ ribs, pulled pork, and grilled sausages. Try melting it into a cheese sauce to drizzle over your favourite BBQ meats, or use it to make a grilled cheese sandwich.

Mozzarella and BBQ Sauce

Mozzarella is a mild and milky cheese with a stretchy texture, making it perfect for BBQ pizzas, stuffed chicken breasts, and grilled caprese salads. For a more authentic taste, opt for fresh mozzarella. Layer it over grilled tomatoes and basil for a delicious twist on the classic caprese. If you're feeling adventurous, try using smoked mozzarella for an added layer of flavour.

Provolone and BBQ Sauce

Provolone is a sharp and nutty cheese with a buttery feel. It goes well with spicy, salty, and grilled dishes. Try melting provolone over a traditional cheesesteak sandwich, or use it as a topping for burgers along with other toppings like raw onion, garlic, or mustard.

When it comes to barbecue cheese sauces, the possibilities are endless. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and barbecue sauce to find your perfect combination. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to food pairings, so trust your taste buds and have fun!

Barbecue cheese and meat combinations

Barbecue sauce and cheese can be a delicious combination, adding a rich, savoury and creamy element to your grilled meats. Here are some mouth-watering cheese and meat combinations to try at your next barbecue:

Cheddar and Pulled Pork

A classic combination, sharp cheddar cheese and pulled pork are a match made in heaven. The cheese melts into the pulled pork, creating an irresistible, addictive flavour. This combination is perfect for piling onto buns, stuffing into baked potatoes or adding to nachos for a tasty party snack. You can also spice it up with some Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for an extra kick.

Smoked Mozzarella and Chicken

For a unique twist on your typical barbecue chicken, try topping it with smoked mozzarella. The applewood smoked variety adds a wonderful depth of flavour to the chicken. If you're not a fan of smoky flavours, regular mozzarella or shredded cheddar are also excellent choices. This combination is perfect for those quick, easy weeknight dinners when you're short on time but want something delicious.

Blue Cheese and Steak

Blue cheese is a strong, tangy and creamy cheese with a slightly pungent aroma. It pairs beautifully with steak, especially ribeye and sirloin. Simply crumble the blue cheese over a hot steak just before serving for a luxurious touch. You can also mix blue cheese into your barbecue sauce for an extra punch of flavour.

Swiss Cheese and Burgers

Swiss cheese, with its nutty, slightly sweet and buttery flavour, is the perfect topping for your grilled burgers. Its melting texture makes it ideal for sandwiches and as a topping for BBQ chicken. Layer a slice of Swiss cheese over a grilled burger patty, or melt it into a fondue for dipping your grilled meats and vegetables.

Brie and Gourmet Burgers

For a luxurious twist on your typical barbecue burger, try adding some Brie. This soft, creamy and buttery cheese with a mild flavour is perfect for gourmet burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. Melt the Brie over your burger and top it with caramelised onions for an indulgent experience.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to pairing cheese and barbecue. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings!

Barbecue cheese and non-meat combinations

There are endless ways to combine barbecue sauce, cheese, and non-meat ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

A grilled cheese sandwich with barbecue sauce is a match made in heaven. For a classic combination, use cheddar cheese and add some onion straws or haystack onions for a crunchy texture and a savoury kick. If you're feeling adventurous, try a combination of brisket, cheddar, mayo, and barbecue sauce. To take it up a notch, use a panini instead of standard white bread, and spread a mayo-butter combo on the bread for the perfect crisp.

BBQ Chicken

Chicken breasts doused in barbecue sauce and topped with melted cheese, sliced red onions, and pickled jalapeños is a quick and easy weeknight dinner option. For the cheese, you can use smoked mozzarella, regular mozzarella, pepper jack, or shredded white/yellow cheddar. If you're looking for a spicy kick, add some hot jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

Cheesy BBQ Pulled Pork

Pulled pork mixed with sharp cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce is a delicious and addictive combination. You can pile it onto buns, stuff it into baked potatoes, or add it on top of nachos. If you're looking for a spicier option, try using Monterey Jack Cheese or Pepper Jack, or simply add a splash of hot sauce.

Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie boards are a fun and creative way to combine barbecue sauce, cheese, and non-meat ingredients. For a unique twist, try grilled watermelon with feta cheese. You can also include other cheeses such as Manchego or Idiazabal, which pair well with grilled Iberico pork.

Salads and Sides

Cheese can be added to grilled side dishes like potatoes, vegetables, and salads to enhance their flavour. For a grilled caprese salad, layer fresh mozzarella over grilled tomatoes and basil. You can also try making a grilled cheese mac by grating and mixing cheddar cheese into macaroni and cheese.

With these ideas in mind, you can experiment with different combinations of barbecue sauce, cheese, and non-meat ingredients to create your own unique dishes.

Frequently asked questions