The Perfect Cheeses To Pair With French Bread

French bread and cheese is a classic combination, but which cheese works best? The answer depends on the texture of the bread and your personal preference. A baguette with a proper snap to its crust pairs well with a runny, yeasty cheese like Epoisses or a salty smear of Roquefort. A softer baguette might work better with Brie, especially if it has an earthier taste like pain de campagne. If you're making cheesy garlic bread, a combination of Parmesan and mozzarella is a popular choice, but cheddar, provolone, and muenster also work well.

Characteristics of cheese that goes well with French bread

Mozzarella, Colby Jack, and other melting cheeses

Mozzarella, a soft, stretchy, and mild-flavoured cheese, is a popular choice for French bread as it melts easily and has a creamy texture. It is often used in combination with other cheeses, such as Colby Jack, to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish.

Colby Jack, a blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, is another excellent option for French bread. It has a similar melting point to Mozzarella and a mild, buttery flavour with a hint of tanginess. Its orange and white marbled appearance also adds visual appeal to dishes.

Other melting cheeses that pair well with French bread include cheddar, provolone, and Muenster. These cheeses have different flavour profiles, ranging from sharp and salty to mild and buttery, but they all share the characteristic of melting smoothly, making them ideal for creating gooey, cheesy dishes.

When choosing a melting cheese for French bread, it is important to consider the other ingredients and flavours in the dish. For example, a stronger-flavoured cheese like cheddar might overpower more subtle flavours, while a milder cheese like Mozzarella or Colby Jack could complement other ingredients without overwhelming them.

Additionally, the texture of the cheese can impact the overall mouthfeel of the dish. For a stringy, stretchy texture, Mozzarella is an excellent choice, while cheeses like cheddar or Colby Jack will provide a smoother, creamier melt. Ultimately, the best cheese for French bread is the one that suits your taste preferences and creates the desired flavour and texture profile for your dish.

Parmesan and mozzarella

French bread is a versatile loaf that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. One delightful combination is Parmesan and mozzarella, which can be prepared in a few different ways to suit different tastes.

Garlic Bread

A popular way to enjoy French bread with cheese is to make garlic bread. This involves spreading a garlic butter mixture on the bread, topping it with cheese, and baking it until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Parmesan and mozzarella are a great choice for this dish, as they complement each other well and add a delicious savoury note to the garlic.

To make garlic bread, preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine softened butter, garlic powder, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl. You can also add parsley or Italian salad dressing to the mixture for extra flavour. Spread this mixture evenly on each side of a French bread loaf that has been cut in half lengthwise. Then, top the bread with grated or shredded Parmesan, followed by mozzarella. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an even crispier top, you can broil the bread for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Broiled Bread

Another option for preparing French bread with Parmesan and mozzarella is to broil it. This method is quicker and easier than baking and can result in a crispy, golden brown bread. To make broiled Parmesan and mozzarella French bread, combine melted butter and minced garlic in a bowl. Brush this mixture liberally on both sides of a loaf of French bread that has been split lengthwise. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on the bread, followed by mozzarella cheese. Broil the bread for 2-3 minutes, or until it is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Tips and Variations

When preparing French bread with Parmesan and mozzarella, it is best to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Grating or shredding your own cheese from a block can also improve the taste and texture of the dish. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients, such as red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños, to the butter spread for a spicier bread. Additionally, while French bread is a classic choice, sourdough or other types of bread can also be used for a different flavour profile.

Butter and olive oil

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread with Butter and Olive Oil

Firstly, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice your French bread loaf lengthwise so that you have two long pieces to work with.

In a mixing bowl, stir together butter, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. The garlic can be fresh or granulated, depending on whether you want a more robust or mellow flavour. You can also add parsley to the mixture for a refreshing herbal note and a vibrant burst of colour.

Spread the mixture over both halves of the bread. Then, wrap foil over the bread and bake for 10 minutes.

Remove the bread from the oven and sprinkle with cheese. A combination of Parmesan and mozzarella works well, as Parmesan offers a sharp and salty flavour, while mozzarella adds a creamy and stretchy texture. Return the bread to the oven and bake uncovered for 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

For a crispier texture, you can broil the bread for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. It's best to serve the cheesy garlic bread warm, but wait a few minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing and serving.

Tips and Variations

• If you prefer your bread to be more buttery, feel free to add more butter to the mixture.
• Extra virgin olive oil has a stronger flavour than regular olive oil, so it may affect the taste of the final product.
• Unsalted butter can be used, but you may need to add more salt to the mixture.
• You can use dried parsley instead of fresh, but it's mainly for looks and flavour enhancement.
• For a spicier bread, add red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños to the butter mixture.

Fresh or dried parsley

Using Fresh Parsley

When using fresh parsley, it is best to use Italian flat-leaf parsley as it has a more robust flavor compared to curly-leaf parsley, which is slightly bitter and mostly used for decoration. Fresh parsley is also a great source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, K, and folate, as well as iron.

Using Dried Parsley

If you are using dried parsley, you can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley flakes. One and a half teaspoons of dried parsley flakes can be used in place of fresh parsley.

Recipe for Parsley Bread

Parsley bread is a quick and easy yeast bread that does not require any rising time. The ingredients include:

• Parsley
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Cheese
• Garlic
• Pepper
• Salt
• French bread

The parsley, butter, olive oil, cheese, garlic, pepper, and salt are combined in a food processor and processed until smooth. This mixture is then spread over the French bread, which has been cut in half lengthwise, and baked in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

This bread is a great way to use up leftover parsley and can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on its own.

Spicy bread with red pepper flakes, paprika, or jalapeños

• A combination of Colby Jack Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese is a great option for spicy French bread. These cheeses melt well under high temperatures and have an Italian cheese blend taste.
• Provolone and Monterey Jack are also excellent choices for spicy French bread. The rich, creamy provolone pairs well with the slightly spicy Monterey Jack, creating a delicious and indulgent flavour profile.
• For those who want a spicier option, Pepper Jack cheese can be used in place of Monterey Jack. The added heat from the Pepper Jack will complement the red pepper flakes in the bread.
• If you're looking for a more subtle spice level, you can use shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese. These cheeses will add a nice sharpness to the bread without overwhelming the other flavours.
• For a unique twist, you can use a combination of Gouda and sharp cheddar with the red pepper. The sharpness of the cheddar will be balanced by the creamy, nutty flavour of the Gouda.
• Another option is to use Parmesan cheese, which will add a salty, savoury note to the spicy bread.

Frequently asked questions