The Perfect Pairing Partners For Gouda Cheese

Gouda is a Dutch cheese that is often enjoyed on its own or with dark rye bread, butter, and mustard. It can also be used in cooking, such as in grilled cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and soups. When paired with other cheeses, gouda can create a flavourful and irresistible dish. For example, a grilled cheese sandwich with gouda, sharp cheddar, and parmesan is a delicious combination. Similarly, a mac and cheese recipe with gouda, sharp white cheddar, parmesan, and Velveeta creates a silky smooth texture.

Gouda Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Flour (all-purpose or self-rising)
• Milk (whole milk, or a mixture of half milk and half heavy cream)
• Cheese: Gouda (regular and/or smoked), and other melting cheeses of your choice such as cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, or fontina
• Salt and pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic (freshly minced or powdered)
• Dijon mustard
• Pasta (elbow macaroni, fusilli corti bucati, or any other short-grain pasta)

Optional Ingredients:

• Sour cream
• Breadcrumbs
• Old Bay seasoning
• Bay seasoning

Method:

First, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Next, make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until a paste forms and the flour is lightly browned.

Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly. Add salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you wish to include. Stir in the cheeses and whisk until they are completely melted. You can add a little pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Finally, add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine.

Baking (optional):

For an extra cheesy crust, add the mac and cheese to a baking dish and top with extra shredded cheese. Bake at 350-375°F for 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For a crunchy crust, mix melted butter with seasoned breadcrumbs and sprinkle on top before baking.

Storage and Reheating:

This dish can be stored in a closed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop for 1-2 minutes.

Grilled cheese sandwich

Grilled Cheese with Gouda

This recipe combines gouda with two other cheeses to make a delicious, indulgent sandwich.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of thick-cut sourdough bread (or Texas toast)
• 2 tablespoons of freshly grated parmesan cheese (or 1 tablespoon if using pre-grated)
• 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
• 4 thick slices of sharp cheddar (or 4 ounces freshly grated)
• 4 thick slices of gouda (or 4 ounces freshly grated)

Method:

• Preheat your griddle or stovetop grill to low heat.
• In a small bowl, mix the parmesan and mayonnaise until combined.
• Spread the parmesan-mayo mixture evenly over one side of each slice of bread.
• Place one slice of bread, parmesan-mayo side down, on the hot griddle or grill.
• Layer slices of cheddar and gouda on top of the bread.
• Place the second slice of bread on top, with the parmesan-mayo side facing up.
• Grill the sandwich on both sides until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
• Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Grilled Cheese:

• Use a sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or Italian bread. It should be thick-cut to prevent it from getting soggy.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts better and blends more easily with other cheeses.
• Experiment with different combinations of cheeses. A good grilled cheese has a mix of creamy, stringy, and flavorful cheeses.
• For a crispier sandwich, spread mayonnaise or herb butter on the outside of the bread before grilling.

Enjoy your grilled cheese with a bowl of tomato soup or some homemade French fries!

Endive 'casserole'

Endive Casserole

Ingredients

• Endives
• Ham
• Gouda cheese

Optional Ingredients

• Bread
• Butter
• Mustard

Method

• Preheat the oven.
• Roll the endives in ham and cheese.
• Place the rolled endives in a baking dish.
• Bake in the oven until cooked.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served with bread, butter, and mustard.

Variations

For a more complex flavour, you could try using aged gouda, which has a nuttier taste and hints of caramel.

For an adventurous twist, you could add other cheeses to the casserole. A sharper cheese, like cheddar, or a melty cheese, like Gruyère, would complement the gouda well.

Fondue

Gouda is a popular choice for fondue, and it can be combined with a variety of other cheeses to create a rich and indulgent dish. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating a delicious gouda fondue:

Cheese Combinations

Gouda pairs well with other cheeses to create a well-rounded and flavourful fondue. The best cheeses to combine with gouda for fondue are those that melt smoothly and have complementary flavours. The classic combination for Swiss fondue is a blend of traditional, firm mountain-style cheeses such as Gruyere, Emmental, and Appenzeller. For a fondue with a tangier flavour profile, you can combine gouda with sharp cheddar, as seen in the Gouda and Cheddar Cheese Fondue from The BakerMama. This combination is seasoned lightly with nutmeg and cloves, bringing fall flavours to the dish.

Preparation

When preparing the cheese for fondue, it is important to grate the cheese rather than chop it to ensure quicker melting and a smoother fondue. In addition, tossing the cheese with cornstarch or flour before adding it to the liquid will help thicken the fondue and prevent the cheese from clumping.

Liquid Base

The liquid base for fondue is typically wine, and for gouda fondue, a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc is recommended. The acid in the wine helps keep the cheese mixture smooth and ensures an even texture. However, if you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can substitute the wine with chicken or vegetable stock.

Dippers

While not necessary, using a fondue pot adds extra flair to the dining experience and helps keep the fondue warm and melty. There are two main types of fondue pots: electric and ceramic or cast iron. Electric fondue pots are convenient as they do not require separate fuel, but they can be tricky to wash and manoeuvre due to the plug. Ceramic or cast iron fondue pots have a classy look and are easy to clean, but they require the purchase of sterno fuel to keep the flame lit.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating a delicious gouda fondue that will impress your guests and satisfy your cheese cravings!

Potato-carrot mash

Gouda is a Dutch cheese that is known for its creamy texture and nutty flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to mashed potatoes.

When it comes to creating a potato-carrot mash with gouda, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, consider the type of potatoes you want to use. Red-skinned potatoes, Yukon Gold, or Butter potatoes are all good options, and you can choose to keep the skins on for added texture and flavour.

Next, let's talk about the cheese. Smoked gouda is an excellent choice for this dish as it melts nicely and adds a subtle smoky flavour. If you can't find smoked gouda, you can try using other smoked cheeses such as smoked cheddar or smoked provolone. Shredding the cheese yourself will also help it melt easier.

For the liquids, whole milk and salted butter will add creaminess and flavour without making the mash too heavy. Warming the milk before adding it is important to keep the potatoes nice and hot.

When it comes to seasonings, you can keep it simple with kosher salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder. However, feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.

• Boil the potatoes and carrots together in a large pot of water until they are fork-tender, then drain them well.
• Place butter in the empty pot and add the drained potatoes and carrots. Gently begin mashing them into the butter.
• Add the seasonings, cheese, and half of the milk. Use a stand mixer or a potato masher to mix everything together until the potatoes and carrots are fully mashed.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings or add more milk if needed. Serve immediately.

This potato-carrot mash with gouda is a delicious and comforting side dish that will elevate your meal. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions