Montreal Smoked Meat: Best Cheese Pairing Options

Montreal smoked meat is a nearly cult-like delicacy, particularly in Central and Eastern Canada. It is often served in sandwiches, with the meat piled high on rye bread and mustard, and accompanied by pickles on the side. While the classic combination of Montreal smoked meat and mustard is a favourite, some recipes suggest adding cheese to the sandwich. So, what cheese goes well with Montreal smoked meat?

Swiss cheese and Montreal smoked meat sandwiches

Ingredients

• 2 slices of rye bread
• 3-4 slices of Swiss cheese
• Montreal smoked meat (70g or 1 pouch)
• Butter or vegetable oil
• 1 dill pickle

Optional Ingredients

• Mustard
• Potato chips

Method

• Heat the pouch of smoked meat by following the instructions on the package.
• Prepare the slices of bread and cheese: spread butter on one side of each slice of bread and separate the cheese. If you are using vegetable oil, assemble without spreading butter on the bread. Instead, heat the oil in the pan for a few minutes before adding the sandwich, adding the rest of the oil when you turn it.
• When the meat is ready, assemble the sandwich. Start with one slice of bread (buttered side facing out), add a slice of cheese, half of the meat, a slice (or two) of cheese, the other half of the meat, another slice of cheese, and finally the second slice of bread (buttered side facing out).
• Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and brown the bread on both sides. Be careful when turning the sandwich so that it doesn't come apart.
• Remove from the heat and cut as desired. Serve with a dill pickle and, if you like, some potato chips.

Tips

• If you don't have time to prepare your own brisket, you can use Schwartz's Montreal Smoked Meat, available at Costco.
• Heat the meat in the microwave for 45 seconds before assembling the sandwich to speed up the cooking process.

Squeak'rs White Curds and Montreal smoked meat grilled cheese

Squeakrs White Curds and Montreal Smoked Meat Grilled Cheese

The perfect combination of salty and savoury, this grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious twist on the classic Montreal smoked meat sandwich. Featuring Squeakrs White Curds, a Canadian cheese made from 100% pure Canadian milk, and piled high with delicious Montreal smoked meat, this sandwich is a flavourful delight.

Ingredients

• Squeakrs White Curds
• Montreal Smoked Meat
• Rye Bread
• Butter or Vegetable Oil
• Pickles

Method

• Heat the Montreal smoked meat according to the package instructions.
• Prepare your bread and cheese: spread butter on one side of each slice of rye bread. If using vegetable oil, heat a cast iron skillet and add a few drops of oil before adding the sandwich.
• Assemble the sandwich: place one slice of bread, buttered side down, and top with Squeakrs White Curds, followed by the warmed Montreal smoked meat. Add another layer of cheese and top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
• Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and place the assembled sandwich in the pan. Grill until the bread is browned and toasted, being careful when turning the sandwich so it doesn't come apart.
• Remove from the heat, cut in half, and serve with pickles on the side.

Tips

• For an extra indulgent touch, add a few slices of Swiss cheese to the sandwich for a richer flavour.
• Pair with a cold lager, pilsner, or light beer, or a glass of sparkling or dessert wine.

Mozzarella cheese and smoked meat club sandwiches

A delicious twist on the classic club sandwich, this recipe combines the sharpness of mozzarella with the savoury depth of smoked meat. The result is a hearty and indulgent sandwich that's perfect for a filling lunch or casual dinner.

Ingredients:

• 300g of Montreal-style smoked meat, sliced
• 2 tablespoons of coleslaw salad dressing
• 6 slices of pumpernickel bread, grilled to your liking
• 8 leaves of romaine lettuce
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 8 slices of mozzarella cheese
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of old-fashioned mustard
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Prepare the mayonnaise by mixing it with honey, old-fashioned mustard, Dijon mustard, and seasoning. Keep it chilled in the fridge.
• In a separate bowl, toss the coleslaw with the salad dressing and season with salt and pepper. Place this in the fridge as well.
• It's time to assemble! Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on each slice of bread. On the first slice, layer half of the romaine lettuce, followed by sliced tomatoes, smoked meat, and mozzarella cheese.
• Add a second slice of bread, mayonnaise side up. On this slice, layer the remaining romaine lettuce, more smoked meat, and mozzarella cheese.
• Top with a third slice of bread, then add the crispy bacon and a generous amount of coleslaw. Finish with the final slice of bread.
• Secure the towering sandwich with long toothpicks. Cut it into halves or quarters, and serve immediately.

This sandwich is a flavourful masterpiece, with the sharpness of the mustard-infused mayonnaise and the tang of coleslaw balancing the richness of the smoked meat and mozzarella. The crispy bacon adds a satisfying texture contrast, making this club sandwich a true delight for all the senses.

Mustard and Montreal smoked meat sandwiches

Montreal smoked meat sandwiches are a staple of the city's cuisine, with a near cult-like following, particularly in Central and Eastern Canada. The key to this sandwich is the meat itself, which is made with a variety of spices, including coriander, black pepper, garlic, and mustard. The meat is dry-cured and then soaked to spread the seasoning before being smoked and steamed. This results in a delicious, tender, and smoky piece of meat that forms the basis of the sandwich.

The Bread

The bread of choice for a Montreal smoked meat sandwich is typically rye bread. This type of bread has a robust flavour and texture that can stand up to the hearty filling. However, other types of bread, such as pumpernickel, can also be used.

The Cheese

When it comes to cheese, Swiss cheese is a popular choice for Montreal smoked meat sandwiches. In a grilled cheese variation of the sandwich, the Swiss cheese is melted between layers of meat, creating a gooey and savoury treat. Other cheeses, such as mozzarella, can also be used, especially in a club sandwich variation.

The Mustard

Mustard is an essential condiment for a Montreal smoked meat sandwich. Classic yellow mustard is a common choice, but other types such as grainy horseradish mustard or Dijon mustard can also be used. The mustard adds a tangy and spicy kick to the sandwich, enhancing the flavour of the meat.

The Assembly

To assemble the sandwich, start by spreading mustard on one slice of rye bread. Pile high with Montreal smoked meat, and then top with another slice of bread. For a grilled cheese version, butter the outside of the bread and heat in a skillet until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. For a club sandwich, add additional ingredients such as romaine lettuce, tomato, bacon, and coleslaw.

The Sides

Montreal smoked meat sandwiches are often served with a dill pickle on the side. Crispy dill pickles provide a crunchy and tangy contrast to the sandwich. Potato chips are also a popular side dish, adding a salty and crunchy element to the meal.

Horseradish mustard and Montreal smoked meat grilled cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of rye bread
• 70g of Montreal smoked meat
• 40g of white cheese curds
• 3 tbsp. of honey horseradish mustard
• Butter

Optional:

• Pickles
• Potato Chips

Instructions:

• Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan to medium-high heat (350°F).
• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the pan.
• Add the cheese curds and smoked meat.
• Spread mustard on the second slice of bread (on the side opposite the butter).
• Place the second slice of bread on top of the sandwich, with the buttered side facing up.
• Cook the sandwich for 5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is toasted and golden brown.
• Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the sandwich's internal temperature is above 140°F, indicating that the cheese is melted and the sandwich is safe to eat.

Tips:

• If you're short on time, heat the meat in the microwave for 45 seconds before assembling the sandwich.
• For a more authentic Montreal experience, serve your sandwich with a pickle on the side and some potato chips.
• If you're using vegetable oil instead of butter, heat 5 ml of oil in the pan before adding the sandwich. Add the remaining oil when you flip the sandwich.

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food, and this recipe takes it up a notch by adding Montreal smoked meat and horseradish mustard. The result is a delicious, savoury sandwich that's perfect for lunch or dinner.

Montreal smoked meat is a type of kosher-style deli meat made by salting and curing beef brisket with spices. It is typically served as a sandwich on rye bread with yellow mustard. This recipe adds a delicious twist with the addition of cheese and horseradish mustard. The horseradish mustard provides a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the sandwich, complementing the juicy, smoky flavour of the meat and the rich, salty cheese curds.

So, if you're looking for a hearty, flavourful meal, this Horseradish Mustard and Montreal Smoked Meat Grilled Cheese is the perfect choice. It's a delicious way to enjoy the classic flavours of Montreal in the comfort of your own home.

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