Garlic's Best Cheese Companions: A Flavorful Guide

Garlic and cheese are a classic combination, and for good reason. The sharp, bold flavour of garlic pairs perfectly with a wide variety of cheeses, from strong, salty Parmesan to mild, creamy mozzarella. Whether you're making garlic bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or just snacking on some cheese and crackers, there are endless delicious options for garlic and cheese combinations.

Cheeses that go well with garlic

Mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar cheese on French bread

To make garlic bread with these three cheeses, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut a loaf of crusty French bread in half lengthwise. Combine melted butter, finely minced garlic, and dried herbs like parsley, basil, and oregano. Brush this mixture evenly over the cut sides of the bread. Sprinkle a combination of shredded mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar cheese over the butter as evenly as possible.

Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese melts. Turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes to lightly brown the cheese, keeping a close eye on it as broilers are unpredictable. Slice the bread and serve with warm marinara sauce or your favourite pasta dish.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and find the combination that suits your taste buds best!

Parmesan, Gruyere, or Swiss cheese for a subtle flavour

Parmesan, Gruyere, and Swiss cheese are all great options for a subtle flavour to go with garlic.

If you're looking for a strong, sharp flavour, Parmesan is a perfect choice. It's salty and pairs well with garlic. It's also a good option if you want a strong cheese flavour. Simply sprinkle grated Parmesan on your dish before baking.

Gruyere is another excellent option, especially if you want a nutty flavour. It pairs well with garlic and melts beautifully, making it perfect for garlic bread. Try combining it with butter, garlic, and parsley, and spreading it on sliced French bread before baking.

Swiss cheese is also a great choice for garlic bread. It creates a flavourful, cheesy dish that your family and friends will love. Just spread garlic butter on sliced bread, top with Swiss cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Mozzarella is another cheese that works well with garlic, especially if you want a mild flavour. It melts quickly and evenly, making it ideal for a smooth, cheesy texture.

So, if you're looking for a subtle flavour to complement your garlic, Parmesan, Gruyere, Swiss cheese, or mozzarella are all excellent choices. Experiment with these cheeses and find the perfect combination for your taste!

Goat cheese pairs well with black garlic

Goat cheese and black garlic are a match made in heaven. The tangy, fresh flavour of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the umami notes of organic black garlic. This combination creates an unforgettable flavour profile that is both sweet and savoury.

Black garlic is made by ageing garlic bulbs under controlled conditions, transforming them into soft, dark cloves with a complex flavour profile. Unlike raw garlic, which is sharp and pungent, organic black garlic is sweet and mellow, with notes of molasses, balsamic vinegar, and umami. Its unique taste pairs wonderfully with goat cheese, creating a creamy, sweet, and tangy combination.

One way to enjoy this pairing is to stuff sweet peppadews with a mixture of goat cheese and organic black garlic for a bite-sized treat. The creaminess of the goat cheese, combined with the slight heat from the peppadews, will make for an unforgettable flavour experience. You can also try drizzling a black garlic and fig glaze over the stuffed peppadews for an extra touch of sweetness.

Another option is to use black garlic and goat cheese as a crust for chicken. Mash the black garlic with Italian herb seasoning, sea salt, porcini mushroom powder, and goat cheese. Sprinkle balsamic vinegar over chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken and then smear the black garlic and goat cheese mixture over the cooked side. Grill until the goat cheese forms a crust. This dish combines the sweetness of balsamic vinegar with the tangy, savoury flavours of black garlic and goat cheese for a unique and delicious meal.

So, if you're looking for a cheese to pair with black garlic, goat cheese is definitely the way to go. With its tangy freshness and creamy texture, it complements the sweet and mellow flavours of black garlic, creating a flavour profile that is truly exceptional.

Aged Fontina, Weinkase, or Parmesan with roasted garlic

Aged Fontina, Weinkase, and Parmesan are all excellent choices when it comes to pairing cheese with roasted garlic. Each of these cheeses has distinct characteristics that complement the bold flavour of garlic.

Let's start with Aged Fontina, a versatile cheese that lends itself well to various dishes. Fontina has a nutty, slightly sweet flavour that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. When paired with roasted garlic, the nutty notes of Fontina are enhanced, creating a harmonious combination. Fontina also has an excellent melting ability, making it ideal for recipes such as garlic bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Weinkase, a northern Italian cheese, offers a unique twist to the pairing. Soaked in wine and spices, Weinkase provides a flavourful experience with hints of its wine and spice infusion. The combination of roasted garlic and Weinkase creates a complex interplay of flavours, making it a sophisticated choice for those who enjoy adventurous culinary journeys.

Parmesan, a well-known and beloved cheese, is another excellent companion for roasted garlic. Known for its strong flavour and salty notes, Parmesan adds a punch of savoury goodness to any dish. When paired with roasted garlic, the sharpness of Parmesan is balanced by the garlic's subtle sweetness. Parmesan is also highly versatile, as it can be grated, shredded, or shaved, making it a versatile ingredient for recipes.

When considering how to incorporate these cheeses into your dishes, think about recipes where the cheese and garlic can truly shine together. For example, a roasted garlic and aged Fontina quiche could showcase the nutty, savoury flavours of both ingredients. Alternatively, a simple roasted garlic and Weinkase crostini would make for an elegant appetiser, allowing the flavours of the garlic and cheese to take centre stage.

In conclusion, Aged Fontina, Weinkase, and Parmesan are all superb choices for pairing with roasted garlic. Each cheese brings its unique characteristics to the table, enhancing the flavour profile of roasted garlic in its own special way. Whether you're creating a sophisticated appetiser or a comforting garlic bread, these cheese and garlic combinations are sure to impress and satisfy.

Grilled cheese with garlic butter mushrooms and aged cheddar

Ingredients

• Mushrooms of your choice (cremini, portobello, or white button mushrooms are popular options)
• Aged cheddar cheese, grated
• Mozzarella cheese, grated
• Bread of choice (sourdough or artisan bread is recommended)
• Butter
• Garlic, finely minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Italian seasoning or oregano (optional)

Instructions

• Slice your chosen mushrooms evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
• Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the mushrooms to the pan and sauté until they are golden and tender. Season with salt and pepper, and a splash of lemon juice if desired.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the grated mozzarella and aged cheddar cheeses.
• Butter one side of each slice of bread.
• Lay out your bread slices, buttered side down. Sprinkle a layer of the cheese mixture on half of the slices.
• Distribute the garlic butter mushrooms evenly on top of the cheese.
• Top with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up, pressing down gently.
• Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
• Place the sandwich in the pan and cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Carefully flip and repeat for the other side.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips

• To prevent a soggy sandwich, use thicker slices of bread and toast them lightly before assembling.
• Monitor the heat closely and adjust as needed to cook slowly, allowing the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.
• For extra flavour, try adding herbs like Italian seasoning or oregano, or a squeeze of lemon juice to your mushrooms.
• Get creative and experiment with different types of cheese, bread, and mushrooms to find your perfect combination!

Frequently asked questions