The Perfect Cheeses To Pair With Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a delicious side dish, but what type of cheese goes well with it? There are a few options to consider when pairing cheese with sauerkraut. Firstly, a classic combination is Swiss cheese, particularly Gruyere, melted over sauerkraut on rye bread to make a grilled cheese sandwich. This sandwich can also be made with other types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar, American cheese, or a combination of cheeses that melt well. For a vegetarian option, try a slice of toasted bread topped with sauerkraut, pickled jalapeños, and cheddar, broiled until the cheese is bubbling. So, the next time you're looking to add some cheese to your sauerkraut, consider one of these tasty options!

Grilled cheese sandwich with sauerkraut

A grilled cheese sandwich with sauerkraut is a delicious and easy-to-make meal. It is a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, adding a tangy and crunchy texture to the comfort food. The key to this sandwich is the combination of flavours and textures, with the crispness of the sauerkraut complementing the melted cheese.

Ingredients

• Bread: For this sandwich, it is best to use a denser type of bread such as rye, sourdough, or pumpernickel. You can also use your favourite type of bread.
• Cheese: The cheese should be a type that melts well and has a strong flavour to stand up to the sauerkraut. Good options include aged Gruyere Swiss cheese, extra-sharp cheddar, American cheese, jack cheese, or a combination of cheeses.
• Sauerkraut: Use your favourite sauerkraut, preferably one that is crisp and tangy. Drain the sauerkraut before adding it to the sandwich.
• Butter: Butter is necessary to toast the bread and add a rich, crispy texture.
• Optional Add-ons: You can also add other ingredients such as Russian dressing, mustard, horseradish, or pickled jalapeños to enhance the flavour of the sandwich.

Instructions

• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place the bread, buttered side down, in a frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
• Add a layer of cheese to one of the slices.
• Once the bread starts to toast and the cheese begins to melt, spread the sauerkraut over the cheese.
• Place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
• After about 30 seconds, flip the sandwich and cook the other side until the cheese is melted.
• Remove the sandwich from the pan and serve immediately.

Tips

• This sandwich is best served fresh, right after cooking.
• If you want to add extra flavour, try using a cultured, salted butter or a specialty bread, such as a Jewish-style rye or a homemade fermented carrot wholegrain sourdough.

Sauerkraut with jack cheese

Sauerkraut and cheese is a classic combination, and for good reason. The tangy, fermented cabbage pairs perfectly with the creamy, gooey texture of melted cheese. While there are many types of cheese that go well with sauerkraut, Jack cheese is an excellent choice. Here's why:

Flavour and Texture

Jack cheese is a mild, semi-soft cheese with a creamy texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It melts beautifully, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches or as a topping on toasted bread. When paired with sauerkraut, the mildness of Jack cheese complements the tanginess of the fermented cabbage without overwhelming it. The creaminess of the melted cheese also helps to balance the crisp texture of the sauerkraut, creating a delightful contrast in your mouth.

Recipe Ideas

Grilled Cheese Sandwich:

• Butter one side of two slices of your favourite bread (rye or sourdough work great).
• Place a slice of Jack cheese on the non-buttered side of one slice of bread.
• Spread a layer of well-drained sauerkraut over the cheese.
• Top with another slice of Jack cheese and then the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
• Cook the sandwich in a frying pan over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Cheesy Sauerkraut Toast:

• Toast a slice of bread (rye, sourdough, or a baguette work well).
• Spread a layer of well-drained sauerkraut over the toast, making sure to cover completely.
• Top with a slice of Jack cheese.
• Place under the broiler for 2-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots.

Customization

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients to elevate your Sauerkraut and Jack cheese creations. Here are a few ideas:

• Pickled jalapeños
• Red pepper flakes
• Black pepper
• Dijon mustard
• Tomato
• Corned beef
• Roast beef
• Ham

Remember, the beauty of this combination is its versatility. You can adjust the amounts of sauerkraut and cheese to your liking, and feel free to experiment with different types of bread and additional toppings to make the dish your own. Enjoy!

Cheddar-sauerkraut toast

A delicious and quick vegetarian meal, reminiscent of a Welsh rarebit, a Reuben sandwich, and nachos.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough, rye, pumpernickel, or rustic country bread)
• 2 cups (8 ounces) drained sauerkraut, coarsely chopped
• 16 slices (about ⅓ cup) pickled jalapeños
• 1 cup (4 ounces) grated sharp Cheddar
• Butter
• Mustard or horseradish (optional)

Method:

First, toast the slices of bread under the broiler. If you don't have an oven, you can toast the bread in a toaster or frying pan.

Next, top the toasted bread with the fermented trio of sauerkraut, pickled jalapeños, and Cheddar. Place the assembled toasts under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese bubbles and crisps, and the sauerkraut warms.

You can also adapt this recipe by spreading mustard or horseradish on the bread before adding the toppings, or you can trade the sauerkraut for kimchi.

Tips:

• If you don't have an oven, you can make this recipe in a frying pan, air fryer, or even the microwave.
• Spread the toppings all the way to the edge of the bread to prevent burning.
• This recipe works well with other types of cheese, such as Gruyere Swiss cheese, American cheese, or jack cheese.
• For a more substantial meal, add some smoked turkey or ham.
• Cut into small pieces and serve as an appetizer.

Enjoy your Cheddar-Sauerkraut Toast!

Sauerkraut with Gruyere Swiss cheese

Sauerkraut and Gruyere Swiss cheese is a flavour combination that works well together. This is a guide on how to make a delicious meal using these two ingredients.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Sauerkraut and Gruyere Swiss Cheese on Rye Bread

This is a tasty and quick meal to make. It is a creative twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of dark rye bread
• 3-4 thin slices of aged Gruyere Swiss cheese
• 1/3 cup of sauerkraut, drained and heated
• Butter

Instructions:

• Heat a frying pan to medium-high heat.
• Butter one side of each slice of bread and place the slices butter-side down on the hot pan.
• Add a layer of cheese to one of the slices.
• As the bread begins to toast and the cheese softens, spread the heated sauerkraut over the slice of bread with cheese.
• Using a spatula, flip the slice of bread without cheese on top of the other slice.
• After 30 seconds, check if the cheese is beginning to melt. If it is, flip the sandwich over onto the other side.
• Toast for another minute or so until the cheese has melted but isn't runny.
• Remove the sandwich from the pan and slice it in half.

Baked Pasta with Gruyere Swiss Cheese, Duck Confit, and Sauerkraut

This is a more complex recipe that incorporates duck confit and sauerkraut with grated and diced Gruyere Swiss cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp shallots, diced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 5 oz grated Gruyere Swiss cheese
• 3 oz diced Gruyere Swiss cheese
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup duck skin
• 4 tbsp water
• Thyme
• Nutmeg
• Dijon mustard
• Cornichon, chopped
• Pickled red onion, chopped
• Duck cracklings
• Parsley, chopped
• Pasta

Instructions:

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté the shallots until soft.
• Add flour and stir to form a paste.
• Remove from heat and stir in thyme, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard.
• Whisk in milk and return to heat, bringing to a simmer.
• Cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
• Stir in grated Gruyere Swiss cheese and season with salt and pepper.
• In a separate pan, simmer duck skin in water for 2 minutes to extract the fat.
• Remove the skin and add butter and breadcrumbs to the pan, seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
• In a casserole dish, add the pasta, sauce, duck meat, and remaining milk, stirring to combine.
• Stir in the diced Gruyere Swiss cheese and pour half of the mixture into the casserole dish.
• Cover with sauerkraut, then top with the rest of the pasta mixture.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the surface.
• Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove the foil and cook for another 10 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
• Remove from the oven and scatter with cornichon, pickled red onion, duck cracklings, and parsley.

Sauerkraut with mustard

There are many cheese and bread combinations that go well with sauerkraut. For example, a grilled cheese sandwich with sauerkraut on rye bread is a great combination. You can use aged Gruyere Swiss cheese, or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, or even a combination of both. You can also add mustard to this sandwich for an extra kick of flavour.

If you're looking for a more sophisticated option, try a sauerkraut grilled cheese with Dijon mustard. This sandwich is made with rye or sourdough bread, American cheese, and extra-sharp cheddar cheese. The key to this sandwich is the Dijon mustard, which adds a tangy flavour that pairs perfectly with the sauerkraut.

For a quick and easy option, simply toast some bread, top it with sauerkraut, pickled jalapeños, and cheddar cheese, and then broil until the cheese is bubbling. This combination is reminiscent of a Welsh rabbit, a Reuben sandwich, and nachos. You can also add mustard or horseradish to the bread for an extra kick.

Another option is to make a grilled cheese sandwich with jack cheese and sauerkraut. Butter one side of each slice of bread, and place a slice of cheese on the non-buttered side. Spread on the sauerkraut, and then top with another slice of cheese. Cook in a frying pan until the cheese is melted.

No matter which type of cheese and bread you choose, the key to a delicious sauerkraut sandwich is to drain the sauerkraut well before adding it to the sandwich. This will help prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

Frequently asked questions