Mushroom And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For Foodies

Mushrooms and cheese are a match made in heaven. Both foods have a lot in common, from their dependence on microbes for growth to their shared ability to deliver that sought-after savoury taste: umami. With their earthy, meaty, and woody notes, mushrooms complement a wide range of cheeses, from mild and melty to bold and sharp. So, what cheese goes well with mushrooms?

Mushrooms and cheese: a match made in microbiology

Mushrooms and cheese are a culinary match made in microbiology. Both foods are transformed by unseen networks of microbes, with cheese depending on cultured milk solids and mushrooms growing on and consuming dead organic matter. This shared reliance on decomposition brings them together in a delicious dance of flavours and textures.

A Biological Kingdom of Cheese-Friendly Foods

Mushrooms, from the humble button variety to precious foraged types, offer a range of complementary flavours to cheese, from sweet to meaty to woodsy. They are a biological kingdom of cheese-friendly foods that are often overlooked. The fungi have no need for photosynthesis, instead relying on other organisms to gain the sugars and starches they need to thrive. This lifestyle of decomposition and subterranean dwelling gives them their distinctive earthy, meaty qualities.

The Magic of Mycology

Mycology, the study of mushrooms and fungi, offers a gateway to the microscopic world. Fungi, with their visible fruiting bodies, can help us understand the complex microbial ecologies at play in the creation of our favourite foods. The very moulds that make our beloved cheeses are themselves fungi, from the vivid Penicillium roquefortii in blue cheese to the fluffy yellow Chrysosporeum sulfurem of long-aged natural rinds.

The Umami Connection

Mushrooms and cheese also share an umami connection. Mushrooms contain small amounts of high-quality protein, including the amino acid glutamate, which is responsible for the rich, savoury taste known as umami. This savouriness is also present in foods like meat, fish, tomatoes, soy sauce, and cheese. The combination of mushrooms and cheese thus creates a flavour profile that is deeply satisfying to the human palate.

Perfect Pairings

There are endless ways to pair mushrooms and cheese to create culinary delights. A classic combination is mushrooms and pasta or rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce, or with a sprinkling of hard, salty cheese. Baking or melting cheese and cooked mushrooms together can mellow and meld their flavours. Stuffed mushrooms are another popular dish, with fillings ranging from creamy cheeses like feta, goat, and brie to sharper varieties like cheddar, Gruyère, or Fontina.

Whether enjoyed on a cheese board, in a grilled cheese sandwich, or as part of a savoury dish, the combination of mushrooms and cheese is a true delight for the senses, bringing together the best of microbiology in a delicious duet of flavours and textures.

Melty cheese and mushrooms

When it comes to preparing a dish with melty cheese and mushrooms, there are endless possibilities. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Mushroom Grilled Cheese

For a delicious and easy lunch, try making a mushroom grilled cheese sandwich. Start by sauteing some mushrooms of your choice with butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. When the mushrooms are soft and golden brown, remove them from the heat and add some parsley. Next, butter one side of each slice of bread and flip one slice over. Add two slices of cheese (provolone works great) to the unbuttered side of the bread, then top with the garlic butter mushrooms, Italian seasoning, and two more slices of cheese. Finally, add the other slice of bread, buttered side up, and cook in an air fryer or oven until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Another option for combining melty cheese and mushrooms is to make cheese-stuffed mushrooms. This can be done by removing the stems from white button or cremini mushrooms and chopping them into small pieces. Cook the chopped mushroom stems with butter, onions, garlic, and herbs. Once the mixture has cooled, stir in some shredded cheese. Next, toss the mushroom caps with olive oil and stuff them with the cheesy filling. Top with breadcrumbs and bake in the oven until the mushrooms are soft and the cheese is melted.

Brie en Croute with Mushrooms

For a more elegant dish, try making a brie en croute with mushrooms. Cut a wheel of brie in half and stuff it with sauteed mushrooms before wrapping it in puff pastry and baking it in the oven. This dish is especially delicious when made with morel mushrooms in the spring, but you can also use oyster or cremini mushrooms.

Pasta with Mushrooms and Cheese

A classic combination is to pair mushrooms and cheese with pasta. Try making a creamy, cheesy sauce with sauteed mushrooms and tossing it with farfalle or your favorite type of pasta. You can also add some chopped, sauteed mushrooms to your favorite mac and cheese recipe.

When choosing a cheese to pair with mushrooms, almost any type of cheese will work. Some classic choices include Swiss, Gruyere, provolone, or aged cheddar. Creamier cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or cream cheese can also be delicious. For a bold flavor, try using a blue cheese or gorgonzola.

Creamy cheeses like feta, goat's cheese, and brie

Feta, with its tangy and salty flavour, adds a delightful contrast to the mushrooms' natural sweetness. Its crumbly texture also provides a pleasing contrast to the fleshy mushrooms, especially when used in stuffed mushrooms or as a topping.

Goat's cheese, with its creamy and tangy flavour, is another excellent choice for pairing with mushrooms. Its smooth and creamy texture blends beautifully with the earthy flavours of mushrooms. Goat's cheese can be used in a variety of preparations, such as stuffed mushrooms, grilled cheese sandwiches, or melted over sautéed mushrooms.

Brie, a soft and creamy cheese with a mild flavour, is also a perfect match for mushrooms. Its rich and buttery texture enhances the savoury notes of mushrooms. Brie is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as baked dishes, grilled cheese sandwiches, or simply served alongside sautéed or grilled mushrooms.

When pairing creamy cheeses with mushrooms, consider the following suggestions:

• Stuffed mushrooms: Creamy cheeses like feta, goat's cheese, or brie can be mixed with herbs, garlic, and breadcrumbs to create a delicious stuffed mushroom appetizer or side dish.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches: Try combining mushrooms with brie, goat's cheese, or feta, along with other complementary ingredients like Italian seasoning and parsley, for a flavourful and satisfying grilled cheese sandwich.
• Sautéed or grilled mushrooms: Top sautéed or grilled mushrooms with crumbled feta or sliced brie for a delicious and elegant side dish. The warmth of the mushrooms will slightly melt the cheese, creating a creamy and indulgent texture.
• Baked dishes: Incorporate creamy cheeses into casseroles or pasta bakes featuring mushrooms. The heat from the oven will melt the cheese, resulting in a decadent and comforting dish.

By choosing creamy cheeses like feta, goat's cheese, or brie to pair with mushrooms, you can create a range of delicious dishes that showcase the complementary flavours and textures of these ingredients.

Cheeses for a kick: blue cheese and gorgonzola

If you're looking for a cheese pairing with a kick, blue cheese and gorgonzola are two strong contenders. Both cheeses have a bold, sharp flavour that can add a real punch to your dish.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a popular choice for those seeking a strong, tangy flavour. When paired with mushrooms, it can create a distinctive kick. For a blue cheese sauce with a difference, try using a blue-veined, mixed-milk Cantar de Covadonga. This cheese has a tangy, lactic flavour and a firm texture that becomes gooey towards the rind. The tartness of this cheese stands up well to the earthy, meaty flavours of mushrooms.

Gorgonzola

Gorgonzola is a bold and buttery cheese that can add a real depth of flavour to your dish. When paired with mushrooms, it creates a sexy, musty combination. For a unique flavour profile, try gorgonzola dolce with woodsy black trumpet mushrooms. The sweetness of the cheese will complement the earthiness of the mushrooms, resulting in a complex and intriguing dish.

Tips for Preparing Mushrooms

To bring out the most savory notes in your mushrooms, try sautéing them. This technique will impart a lovely brown sheen and draw out the fungi's natural flavours. For an extra special touch, sprinkle your cooked mushrooms with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme.

Creative Combinations

When it comes to cheese and mushroom pairings, don't be afraid to get creative. Experiment with different types of mushrooms and cheeses to find your favourite combinations. You can also try adding other ingredients such as breadcrumbs, bacon, or sausage to create a well-rounded dish that's sure to impress.

Crispy, gluten-free mushroom and cheese chips

Ingredients

• 8–10 oz of cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced thin
• 2.5 or 3 tablespoons of olive oil (3 tbsp for 10 oz of mushrooms, 2.5 for 8 oz)
• Salt
• 5 oz of shredded parmesan cheese
• 5 oz of shredded mozzarella
• Black pepper, onion powder, and any other spices to taste

Optional

• Olive oil and chopped parsley for garnish
• Lazy Tzatziki for dipping

Method

Firstly, preheat your oven to 420°F and line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper.

Next, wipe your mushrooms clean and slice them to a medium thickness. You don't want them so thin that they burn, but they can't be too thick either, or they won't crisp up.

Sprinkle the cheeses onto the sheet pan, spreading them out to form a thin layer. Add the mushrooms to the pan so that they are very close together and touching, but not overlapping. Sprinkle on salt, onion powder, and black pepper to taste.

Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the edges of the cheese turn golden brown. Be careful at the end, as it can burn in seconds.

Remove from the oven and optionally brush the tops of the mushrooms with olive oil. Allow to cool, then break apart with your hands or a knife. Top with parsley and serve, with a tzatziki dip on the side if desired.

Cheese and Mushroom Pairing

Cheese and mushrooms are a great culinary combination. They share complimentary flavors ranging from sweet to meaty to woody, and both depend on microbes to transform the substrate they are growing on into something delicious.

When serving mushrooms and cheese together, baking and melting them together can mellow and meld their flavors. Mushrooms can also be added to a cheese board, offering a triple punch of umami, sweetness, and acidity, as well as textural contrast.

Some specific cheese and mushroom combinations to try include:

• Gruyere or Fontina with crab or sausage-stuffed mushrooms
• Mozzarella and gorgonzola
• Cream cheese and sharp cheddar
• Cream cheese, creamy blue, or fresh goat cheese with a hard shredded cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano on top

Frequently asked questions