The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard is a versatile condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes, but one of its best pairings is with cheese. While some may not immediately think of combining mustard with cheese, this duo can create a delightful flavour profile that ranges from sweet to savoury, smooth to grainy, and subtle to robust. The key to a successful pairing is finding the right balance of complementary flavours and contrasting textures. For instance, a sharp cheddar or Muenster cheese with Dijon mustard makes for a delicious sandwich, and a drizzle of honey on cheddar with Dijon mustard can create a sweet and savoury bite.

Sharp cheddar and Dijon mustard

Flavour Profile

The complexity and slight nuttiness of sharp cheddar stand up to the robust tanginess of Dijon mustard. The sharpness of the cheddar and the tanginess of the mustard create a delightful contrast that enhances the flavour of both ingredients. The slight saltiness of the cheese is balanced by the slight sweetness of the mustard, creating an unexpected but delightful flavour combination.

Recipe Ideas

The versatility of this pairing knows no bounds. You can incorporate it into a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to sauces. For a simple yet satisfying option, try a sandwich with sharp cheddar, Dijon mustard, smoked turkey, and your choice of vegetables. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with a grilled cheese sandwich or a quesadilla, adding Dijon mustard to complement the sharp cheddar.

For a more indulgent treat, consider making a cheese sauce with sharp cheddar, dry mustard, and garlic powder. This sauce pairs well with steamed broccoli, grilled chicken, or noodles. You can also use it as a dip for soft pretzels or chicken nuggets. To enhance the flavour of the sauce, use half-and-half or light cream instead of milk.

Presentation and Serving Tips

When serving sharp cheddar and Dijon mustard, consider the texture contrast as well. The smooth, creamy texture of the cheese pairs well with the grainy texture of the mustard. Presenting them together on a charcuterie board or incorporating them into appetisers can be a delightful way to showcase this pairing. Remember to serve the mustard in a separate ramekin or jar to avoid cross-contamination and to keep things tidy.

Storage and Freshness

To ensure the best flavour and texture, it is important to store your sharp cheddar and Dijon mustard properly. Keep the mustard refrigerated, even before opening, to maintain its intensity. As for the cheese, it is best to follow standard cheese storage guidelines, keeping it wrapped and stored in the refrigerator.

Muenster with Dijon mustard

Dijon mustard is a versatile condiment with a complex set of flavours. It has an unapologetically pungent taste, with a momentary bitterness from the mustard seeds, a background sweetness from the white wine and sugar, and a delicate acidity from the vinegar.

Muenster cheese is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, and it can be taken to the next level by adding a light smear of Dijon mustard to the bread before adding the cheese. This adds an extra layer of flavour that pushes the sandwich over the top.

The key to a great grilled Muenster and Dijon mustard sandwich is to use good-quality bread, such as sliced sourdough from the bakery section of your grocery store. The bread should be brushed with flavoured butter, which adds a lot of flavour to the sandwich. To make the flavoured butter, melt some butter in a saucepan with a crushed clove of garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a pinch of dried thyme. This flavoured butter is then brushed onto the bread before cooking the sandwich.

For the cheese, Muenster is a great choice, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses as well. Cheddar and Asiago are two other cheeses that pair well with Muenster and Dijon mustard. When assembling the sandwich, spread a light layer of Dijon mustard on each slice of bread. Then, add the cheese slices, and place the other slice of bread on top, with the mustard-covered side touching the cheese.

Finally, heat a skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter, and cook the sandwich until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted.

This combination of Muenster cheese and Dijon mustard is a match made in heaven, creating a delicious and indulgent grilled cheese sandwich that is sure to impress.

Smoked turkey sandwich with Dijon mustard

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 slices of hearty white bread
• 3 slices of smoked deli turkey
• 2 slices of Cheddar cheese
• 2 slices of crisply cooked thick-sliced maple bacon
• 1/4 cup of spring mix greens
• 4 thinly sliced red onion rings

Optional extras:

• 1/4 cup thinly sliced hot peppers
• 1/4 cup French's® Original Crispy Fried Onions
• Tomato

Method

• Spread the mustard on one side of each slice of bread.
• Layer one slice of bread with turkey and cheese.
• Top with bacon, mixed greens, tomato, and red onion. For extra crunch, add thinly sliced hot peppers and French's® Original Crispy Fried Onions.
• Top with the remaining slice of bread.
• Cut the sandwich diagonally and serve.

Cheese and Mustard Pairing

When it comes to cheese and mustard pairings, there are a few rules to consider. Firstly, evaluate the basic taste of the cheese and mustard—is it salty, sweet, bitter, or sour? Consider the intensity of flavours and aim for a balance where neither the cheese nor the mustard is overpowered. For example, a young, mild cheddar would be overwhelmed by a spicy stone-ground mustard, while a sweet honey mustard would be overpowered by a strong Roquefort cheese.

In the case of a smoked turkey sandwich with Dijon mustard, a sharp cheddar is a good choice. The sharpness of the cheddar stands up to the robust tanginess of the Dijon mustard. This combination also follows the rule of contrasting flavours and textures. The creamy, slightly crumbly texture of the cheddar complements the smooth, tangy mustard.

Recipe Variations

For an extra punch of flavour, try using French's® Chardonnay Dijon Mustard. If you're making sliders, try using Swiss cheese, shredded smoked turkey, and garlic butter. The Swiss cheese melts beautifully and complements the smoky turkey, while the garlic butter adds a delicious touch. Don't forget to use more cheese than you think for that perfect cheese pull!

Comte cheese with Dijon mustard

Comte, or Comté, cheese is a semi-hard cow's cheese with a nutty, salty flavour. It is the most popular cheese in France and is produced in large wheels, then aged in the area of its production for up to four years. Comte is an excellent melting cheese, making it a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Dijon mustard, on the other hand, is a tangy condiment made from dark mustard seeds, which have a sharper bite than the mild yellow variety. Dijon mustard is a popular ingredient in French cuisine and is often used to add a tangy flavour to sandwiches and other dishes.

When it comes to pairing Comte cheese with Dijon mustard, the key is to find a balance between the nuttiness and saltiness of the cheese and the tanginess of the mustard. Comte cheese has a strong flavour that can stand up to the sharpness of Dijon mustard. At the same time, the mustard can help to enhance the subtle, floral notes of the cheese.

One classic way to enjoy Comte cheese with Dijon mustard is in a grilled cheese sandwich. Here's a recipe for a delicious Comte cheese and Dijon mustard sandwich:

Ingredients:

• Baguette
• Comte cheese, aged 18 months
• Dijon mustard
• Butter (optional)

Instructions:

• Cut the baguette in half lengthwise.
• Spread a generous amount of Dijon mustard on one side of the baguette.
• Layer slices of Comte cheese on top of the mustard.
• If desired, spread butter on the other half of the baguette.
• Close the sandwich and grill it in a panini press or skillet until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
• Enjoy your delicious Comte cheese and Dijon mustard grilled cheese sandwich!

This sandwich makes for a tasty lunch or snack and can be served with a side of fries and a simple salad.

Another way to enjoy Comte cheese with Dijon mustard is to simply enjoy them together on a cheese board. Comte cheese and Dijon mustard can be a great addition to a charcuterie board, providing a range of flavours and textures to enjoy. When creating a cheese board, it's important to include a variety of sweet, salty, fatty, and briny flavours to create a well-balanced spread.

So, whether you're enjoying them in a sandwich or on a cheese board, Comte cheese and Dijon mustard make for a delicious pairing that's sure to tantalise your taste buds!

Grain mustard with Cancoillotte cheese

Grain mustard and Cancoillotte cheese is a classic combination in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France. Cancoillotte is a runny, soft cheese made from a mixture of "metton" (skimmed, heated raw-milk curd), water, and butter. It is produced mainly in Franche-Comté, but also in Lorraine and Luxembourg, where it is called Kachkéis or Kochkäse in German. The cheese is typically sold in 200-gram quantities and can be found pre-melted in supermarkets in eastern France.

When pairing grain mustard with Cancoillotte, the crunchy seeds of the mustard contrast with the creamy texture of the cheese, creating a delightful sensory experience. The mustard's sharpness is balanced by the sweetness and softness of the cheese. This combination showcases the regional overlap between the two ingredients, as they share the same terroir and cultural food habits.

Cancoillotte is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed hot or cold. When served cold, it pairs well with bread, walnuts, and a glass of wine from Franche-Comté. For a heartier meal, Cancoillotte can be served hot as a filling for baked potatoes, in a courgette gratin, or in a white wine sauce. The cheese is also delicious when paired with Montbéliard or Morteau sausages and potatoes.

To elevate your Cancoillotte and grain mustard pairing, consider serving the cheese in a Franche-comté-style salad or as a filling for a baked potato with sausages and garlic. You can also experiment with different flavours of Cancoillotte, such as garlic, vin jaune, or porcini, to create unique taste profiles. Remember to use fresh mustard and store it in the refrigerator to maintain its intensity and flavour.

By following these suggestions, you can create a delicious and harmonious pairing of grain mustard and Cancoillotte cheese, exploring the sensory delights of contrasting textures and flavours.

Frequently asked questions