Cheese Pairings: Spinach And Onions' Perfect Match

Spinach and onions are a match made in heaven, but what cheese goes well with this delicious duo? The answer may depend on the recipe you're making. For instance, feta, goat cheese, and ricotta are great options for a spinach salad, while cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan are perfect for a creamy spinach dip. If you're in the mood for something heartier, like a spinach quiche, cheddar, Swiss cheese, or aged Asiago are excellent choices. And let's not forget the classic Florentine omelette, which pairs spinach with Swiss or Gruyere cheese for a comforting and robust meal.

Mozzarella, Gruyere, and Swiss cheese

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has milky, grassy, and floral notes, making it a perfect match for spinach. Its high moisture content helps balance the bitterness of spinach, while its mild flavour lets the spinach shine through. For a creamy, cheesy spinach dish, look for a block of mozzarella packed in water. Some recipe ideas with mozzarella include spinach and mozzarella stuffed chicken, creamy spinach and mozzarella dip, and mozzarella and spinach quiche.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a type of Swiss cheese that is commonly used in "Florentine" dishes, which typically feature spinach. It has a generous melting quality and a robust flavour. Gruyere is ideal for a spinach and onion combination as it can withstand the strong flavour of spinach without being overpowered. It is also a good choice if you want a more flavourful, melty cheese in your dish.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is sweet, mild, and nutty, making it a great partner for spinach. It doesn't overpower the delicate taste of spinach and onions. Swiss cheese is an excellent choice for a spinach dish that is on the heavier side, such as creamed spinach or spanakopita.

Parmesan

When using Parmesan in recipes that call for grated cheese, it is recommended to buy a block and grate it yourself, as pre-grated Parmesan does not have the same flavour.

• Sautéed Spinach with Parmesan: Sauté spinach with garlic and olive oil, then top with freshly grated Parmesan.
• Creamy Spinach Dip: Mix cream cheese, sour cream, mayo, garlic, onion powder, and Parmesan. Fold in thawed, frozen spinach and serve with crackers or chips.
• Spinach and Parmesan Quiche: Mix eggs, milk, Parmesan, sautéed spinach, and diced onion. Pour into a prepared pie crust and bake until golden brown.
• Stir-Fried Spinach with Garlic and Parmesan: Season the oil with garlic, then add spinach and stir-fry. Sprinkle with Parmesan and season with pepper.
• Cheesy Creamed Spinach: Combine spinach, onion, garlic, cream, provolone, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

Feta

When shopping for feta, look for a block of cheese that is firm and has a slightly crumbly texture. Avoid feta that is mushy or has a strong ammonia smell.

• Spinach and Feta Frittata: A frittata is a simple egg-based dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. To make a spinach and feta frittata, sauté spinach and onions, mix with beaten eggs, and bake in the oven until set.
• Spinach and Feta Scrambled Egg Pitas: This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch. Simply scramble eggs with crumbled feta cheese, and fold in sautéed spinach and onions. Serve in warm pita bread with a side of fresh fruit.
• Peach and Spinach Salad with Feta: This refreshing salad combines fresh spinach, sliced peaches, crumbled feta, and toasted nuts or seeds. A simple vinaigrette dressing ties all the flavors together.
• Green Shakshuka with Spinach, Chard, and Feta: Shakshuka is a popular Middle Eastern dish of eggs poached in a flavorful tomato sauce. By adding spinach and feta, you create a hearty and healthy meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day.
• Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers: These burgers are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. Mix ground turkey with crumbled feta, chopped spinach, and onions, and grill or pan-fry until cooked through. Serve on a whole-wheat bun with your favorite toppings.
• Spanakopita: Spanakopita is a Greek savory pie made with phyllo dough and filled with spinach, feta, and onions. While it can be time-consuming to prepare, it is well worth the effort and makes an impressive dish for a special occasion.

Goat cheese

Additionally, goat cheese can be used in recipes like spinach and goat cheese bisque, or a green salad with strawberries and goat cheese. These combinations create a well-rounded and flavourful dish that highlights the versatility of goat cheese.

When preparing dishes with spinach and goat cheese, consider the recipe, flavour, and texture of the cheese to ensure the best results. For a creamier consistency, soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta can be preferred, while harder cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano are better suited for toppings.

Cream cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 1/2 cups spreadable chive and onion cream cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan.
• Cook and stir over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until blended and heated through.

This dish is best served as a side, and pairs well with a loaded baked potato and steak.

Frequently asked questions