Cheese And Stroganoff: Perfect Pairing For A Hearty Dish

Beef stroganoff is a popular dish that can be made in a variety of ways, but what type of cheese goes well with it? Some recipes call for shredded cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar, while others use cream cheese or even a combination of multiple cheeses. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the specific recipe being followed.

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and white cheese

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese made from cow's or buffalo milk. It is prepared using the pasta filata or 'stretched-curd' method and originates from southern Italy. Fresh mozzarella is white, though it can occasionally be yellow or brown due to the enzyme R110. It is traditionally served the day after it is made, but it can be kept in brine for up to a week or longer when vacuum-sealed.

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese used in various dishes, including most types of pizza and several pasta dishes. Its high moisture content and delicate consistency make it ideal for adding to stroganoff. It can be incorporated into the sauce or sprinkled on top of the dish before baking to create a melted, cheesy layer.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack, often shortened to Jack, is a Californian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It has a mild flavour, slight sweetness, and good melting quality, making it suitable for pasta dishes. In its earliest form, it was made by 18th-century Franciscan friars in Monterey, California, and later commercially sold by David Jacks, a California businessman.

Monterey Jack is a great choice for stroganoff as it can enhance the flavour without overwhelming the other ingredients. It can be incorporated into the sauce or sprinkled on top before baking, adding a creamy, melted texture to the dish.

White Cheese

White cheese encompasses a wide variety of cheese types found in different regions, sharing only their white hue as a common characteristic. Some examples of white cheese include:

• Queso blanco: An easy-to-make Mexican cheese that does not require careful handling or rennet and bacterial culture.
• Queso fresco: A Mexican cheese that may include a combination of cow's and goat's milk.
• Fromage blanc: A fresh cheese from France and Belgium.
• Mascarpone: An Italian cheese made from cream, coagulated with citric or acetic acid.
• Ricotta: An Italian whey cheese made from sheep, cow, goat, or buffalo milk whey.

When selecting a white cheese for stroganoff, consider a variety with good melting qualities, such as queso blanco or queso fresco. These cheeses can be incorporated into the sauce or sprinkled on top, adding a creamy texture and savoury flavour to the dish.

Greek yoghurt as a sour cream substitute

While sour cream is a key ingredient in stroganoff, Greek yoghurt can be used as a substitute. Greek yoghurt is a healthier alternative to sour cream and will add protein and creaminess to the dish.

However, some cooks advise against using Greek yoghurt as a substitute for sour cream, as it lacks the richness and umami of the original dish. Sour cream has a fat content of about 20%, while full-fat Greek yoghurt is only about 5%. This means that the sauce may split or break when using Greek yoghurt.

To compensate for the lower fat content, it is recommended to add some extra fat to the dish. Additionally, some cooks suggest using homemade Greek yoghurt instead of store-bought, as it produces better results.

When making a cheesy beef stroganoff, the sauce can be made with Greek yoghurt, beef stock, flour, and seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, and salt. This sauce is then combined with cooked beef, onions, garlic, and mushrooms, and the dish is baked with cheese until melted.

For a healthier version of the dish, ground beef can be used instead of steak, and whole-wheat pasta can be substituted for regular pasta.

Cheddar, Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Yellow Cheese, and mustard

Beef stroganoff is a classic, comforting dish. The traditional recipe calls for steak, but ground beef is also a popular option. The sauce is a key component, and it typically includes sour cream, although Greek yoghurt can be used as a healthier alternative. Mushrooms are also a standard ingredient, adding an earthy flavour to the dish.

When it comes to cheese, there are several varieties that pair well with beef stroganoff. A sharp cheddar, such as Cracker Barrel's Extra Sharp Yellow Cheddar Cheese, can add a bold, rich flavour. This cheese has a smooth, creamy texture and is perfect for slicing and shredding. Its strong flavour can stand up to the other ingredients in the stroganoff, and it can be melted over the dish to add an extra layer of decadence.

Another option is to use a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella and Monterey Jack. These cheeses melt well and add a creamy texture to the stroganoff.

For those who enjoy a little spice, a pinch of mustard can be added to the dish. Dijon mustard is a classic choice, but a prepared yellow mustard can also work well. The mustard adds a tangy zip that complements the other flavours in the stroganoff.

When serving beef stroganoff, it is typically served over egg noodles or rice. This dish is a hearty, satisfying meal that is perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1 tsp minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, chopped
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium beef stock, warmed
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 7 oz plain Greek yoghurt
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Egg noodles or rice, cooked according to package instructions

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large, oven-proof skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until almost fully cooked. Add the onions, garlic, mushrooms, and salt, and continue cooking until the vegetables are softened and the beef is cooked through.
• Add the flour and stir to combine. Then, pour in the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and remaining salt. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
• While the sauce is thickening, cook your egg noodles or rice according to package instructions.
• Once the sauce has thickened, turn the heat to low and add the Greek yoghurt. Stir until combined, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Add the cooked egg noodles or rice to the skillet and toss until everything is well combined. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a little bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the stroganoff and place the skillet in the oven. Bake until the cheese has melted and the dish is hot.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cream cheese and cream cheese substitutes

Cream cheese is a soft, fresh, low-acid cheese with a smooth, creamy texture and a sweet, tangy flavour. It is made by combining cow's milk and cream, adding lactic acid bacteria to form curds, draining the liquid, heating the curds, and adding stabilizers. Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient used in a variety of dishes, including spreads, dips, sauces, frostings, and baked goods.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt has the same creaminess and tang as cream cheese. It is a great alternative for dips, spreads, frostings, and baked goods. To achieve a thicker consistency similar to cream cheese, Greek yogurt can be strained overnight using a cheesecloth.

Sour Cream

Sour cream has a thick texture and a tangy, slightly sour flavour. It is a convenient substitute, as it is commonly found in refrigerators. Sour cream works well in dips, sauces, mashed potatoes, and salad toppings. However, it is not recommended for soups, as heat will cause it to curdle.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese has a mild, creamy taste and is lower in fat and calories than other types of cheese. To achieve a consistency closer to regular cream cheese, heavy cream can be added, but this will increase the calorie count. For frostings and desserts, mix equal parts cottage cheese and heavy cream. For dips and sauces, blend strained cottage cheese and puree for a smooth texture.

Neufchâtel

Neufchâtel is a low-fat version of cream cheese that originated in France. It has a slightly grittier texture but works well as a spread. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for cream cheese in most recipes, although the grainier texture may be noticeable in some dishes.

Mascarpone

Mascarpone is the Italian version of cream cheese, often used in tiramisu. It is ultra-rich, with a mildly sweet flavour, and works well as a substitute in dips, spreads, and desserts. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for cream cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice can be added for a tangier taste.

Ricotta

Ricotta is a soft, sweet, white dairy product made from re-cooking the whey produced during the making of other cheeses. To use as a substitute in baked goods and dips, blend equal parts ricotta and plain yogurt. For frostings and cheesecakes, blend equal parts ricotta and heavy cream.

These substitutes can be used in various dishes, but some may be more suitable for specific applications than others. It is important to consider the desired consistency, flavour, and intended use when choosing a cream cheese substitute.

Beef and other meats

When cooking with beef, it is essential to brown the meat properly. This can be achieved by cooking the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Additionally, it is crucial to use the right type of mushrooms to complement the beef. Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby portobellos, are a popular choice for their meaty texture and flavor.

To enhance the flavor of the dish, cooks often add ingredients such as red wine, low-sodium beef broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients not only add depth of flavor but also help to tenderize the meat. It is also common to thicken the sauce using a roux or cornstarch slurry.

When serving beef stroganoff, it is typically served over long-grain white rice, egg noodles, or buttery sour cream mashed potatoes. This dish is often paired with simply cooked green beans or roasted asparagus on the side.

Some variations of beef stroganoff include:

• Cheesy Beef Stroganoff: This variation includes shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar cheese.
• Beef & Bacon Stroganoff: This variation adds bacon to the dish, providing a smoky flavor.
• Slow-Cooker Beef Stroganoff: This variation is made in a slow cooker, allowing for a longer cooking time and more tender meat.

Frequently asked questions