The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Italian Sausage

Italian sausage is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various cheeses, enhancing its flavour and texture. From classic combinations like provolone and mozzarella to more experimental choices such as gorgonzola and cheddar, the options are endless. Whether melted, shredded, or stuffed, cheese amplifies the heartiness of Italian sausage in sandwiches, pasta, or as a standalone dish.

Mozzarella, cheddar, and Havarti

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a classic choice for Italian sausage dishes. Its mild flavour and gooey, stretchy texture make it a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of preparations. You can top Italian sausages with seared peppers, onions, and mushrooms, and then smother them with mozzarella before baking until melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can stuff Italian sausages with a blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella, and bake them in a rich tomato sauce for a truly indulgent meal.

Cheddar

Cheddar, especially a sharp variety, can add a nice punch of flavour to Italian sausage dishes. Try melting some cheddar with Swiss cheese, adding Italian sausage, and sprinkling with blue cheese for a unique queso. Or, for a hearty sandwich, pile Italian sausage, peppers, and onions onto a hoagie roll and top with cheddar before baking until melted.

Havarti

Havarti is a creamy, slightly sweet cheese that can add a rich and indulgent element to Italian sausage dishes. For an Italian sausage sub, try making a cheese sauce with Havarti and cheddar, and piling it on top of sausages, peppers, and onions. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients to your Havarti sauce, such as sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper, to create a unique flavour profile.

Provolone

For example, one recipe for an Italian sausage sandwich includes a filling made with ground Italian sausage, yellow onion, red bell pepper, cremini mushrooms, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This is then topped with marinara sauce and a shredded Italian cheese blend that includes provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The sandwich is assembled on a hoagie roll, which is first toasted and then loaded with the fillings and cheese before being baked in the oven until the cheese melts.

Another recipe for Italian sausage subs includes a cheese sauce made with provolone, along with Havarti and cheddar cheeses. The cheese sauce is made by melting butter, adding flour and milk, and then stirring in the cheeses until melted. This is then piled on top of the Italian sausages, peppers, and onions to create a delicious, comforting sub.

So, if you're looking for a classic and comforting combination, provolone is a perfect choice to pair with Italian sausage. Its mild flavor and excellent meltability make it a versatile option for sandwiches, subs, or topped sausages.

Swiss and sharp white cheddar

Swiss cheese and sharp white cheddar are versatile cheeses that can be used in a variety of dishes featuring Italian sausage. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Frittata

Add eggs, spinach, and onions to create a hearty frittata. You can melt the Swiss cheese and cheddar, add the Italian sausage, and sprinkle on some blue cheese. This combination of cheeses and sausage will create a delicious and indulgent meal.

Queso Mac n Cheese

For something a little more fun, you can make a queso mac n cheese. Melt the Swiss and cheddar cheeses together, add the Italian sausage, and mix it all through your cooked pasta. This will be a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches are a great option for a quick and easy meal. You can make a simple "Frankencheese" sandwich with Italian sausage, Swiss cheese, and sharp white cheddar. Caramelise some onions for an extra flavour boost. You could also try a sausage burger, or go for a longer roll and add some beetroot, walnut, and arugula salad with your meat and cheese.

Pizza

Pizza is always a good option when combining Italian sausage and cheese. Use pita bread as your base, add sliced onions, and sprinkle on the Swiss and cheddar. You could also add some rosemary and olives, then drizzle with olive oil before baking.

Baked Italian Sausage

For a heartier meal, try baking Italian sausage with Swiss and sharp white cheddar. You can butterfly the sausages and sear them before baking with the cheese. Add some peppers, onions, and mushrooms to create a well-rounded and tasty dish.

These are just a few ideas, but the versatility of Swiss cheese and sharp white cheddar means they can be used in a variety of recipes with Italian sausage.

Ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella

One mouth-watering option is to create a stuffed Italian sausage dish. Start by making a creamy blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs. Then, cut a slit down the length of each sausage and use your fingers to press and shape the sausage into a boat, ready to be filled with the cheese mixture. Place the stuffed sausages in a metal baking pan, surround them with rich tomato sauce, and sprinkle with more mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is oozy and bubbling, and the sausage is cooked through. This dish is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Another option is to make a hearty Italian sausage sandwich. Start by sautéing peppers, onions, and mushrooms in olive oil. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. In a separate pan, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Combine the sausage with the vegetables and add marinara sauce. Simmer for a few minutes. Prepare hoagie rolls by hollowing out some of the bread from the inside of the bottom half of the roll. Toast the rolls in the oven until lightly browned. Assemble the sandwiches by layering the bottom half of the roll with cheese, followed by the sausage mixture, vegetables, and more cheese. Bake the sandwiches until the cheese is melted.

For a low-carb option, try making loaded Italian sausages. Butterfly the sausages and sear them in a skillet until golden brown. In the same skillet, sauté peppers, onions, and mushrooms, and season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to the vegetables. Place the seared sausages on a baking sheet, top them with the sautéed vegetables, and cover with shredded mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

These recipes offer a delicious blend of Italian sausage and cheese, creating a range of comforting and indulgent meals that are perfect for any night of the week.

Gorgonzola

Pasta Dishes

Salads

Sandwiches or Subs

For a tasty sandwich or sub, you could combine Italian sausage with Gorgonzola and other ingredients like caramelised onions, peppers, and arugula or rocket. The sharpness of the Gorgonzola will cut through the richness of the sausage, creating a flavourful and satisfying sandwich.

Pizza

While an Italian-American might not typically pair Gorgonzola with Italian sausage, you could create a tasty pizza with these two ingredients as the stars. Start with a basic pizza dough and tomato sauce base. Add Italian sausage, crumbled Gorgonzola, and some sliced onions, and maybe even some rosemary and olives. Bake it in a hot oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted, and you'll have a unique and delicious pizza.

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