The Perfect Pair: Swiss Cheese's Complementary Companions

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient with a nutty, slightly sweet, and sometimes fruity flavour. Its firm yet smooth texture and characteristic holes make it a great addition to a variety of dishes. While it is commonly used in sandwiches, Swiss cheese can also be used in a variety of other recipes, such as French onion soup, mac and cheese, and fondue. It pairs well with other cheeses, like Gruyère, Cheddar, Gouda, Fontina, and Comté, making it an excellent choice for a cheese board or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Swiss cheese in French onion soup

French onion soup is a classic, comforting dish that is surprisingly simple to make at home. The key to this soup is taking the time to properly caramelize the onions, which gives them a deep, golden brown colour and a sweet, meltingly tender texture. While Swiss cheese is a classic choice for this soup, Gruyere is often recommended as the best cheese to use due to its creamy, nutty character. However, you can also experiment with other cheeses like Manchego, provolone, or fontina, or use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavour.

To make French onion soup with Swiss cheese, start by heating butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, for about 10-13 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally, for another 30-40 minutes until they are deep golden brown. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Next, stir in red wine or dry sherry and bring to a boil. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half, then add beef broth, pepper, and salt. Return the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour. While the soup is simmering, prepare the bread by brushing slices of baguette with olive oil and baking them in the oven until toasted.

To serve, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins, top with the toasted baguette slices, and sprinkle with shredded Swiss cheese. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. As the cheese softens, it will fall over the sides of the bowls and form a crusty seal.

If you don't have oven-safe bowls, you can simply melt the cheese directly on the bread and use it as a garnish, or make cheese toasts on a baking sheet and top the soup with them. You can also get creative and use a blend of Swiss cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for an even more indulgent dish.

Swiss cheese fondue

To make a classic Swiss cheese fondue, you will need the following ingredients:

• Gruyère cheese
• Emmentaler or other Swiss cheese
• Dry white wine
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Kirsch
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly grated nutmeg

Start by rubbing the inside of your fondue pot or cast-iron casserole with a garlic clove. Next, combine the grated cheese, cornstarch, and lemon juice, stirring them together. Add this mixture to the pot and cook over moderate heat until hot, stirring constantly. Then, add the Gruyère and Emmentaler cheeses, stirring occasionally, until they begin to melt.

Reduce the heat to low and add the kirsch, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook the mixture gently, stirring, until it becomes creamy and smooth. Be careful not to overcook the fondue, or it will become stringy. Serve immediately with your choice of dippers.

You can also add your own twist to the fondue by experimenting with different types of cheese, such as Gouda or Fontina, or by adding chopped herbs, a swirl of mustard, or toasted spices.

Fondue is a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal, and it's sure to be a hit with your family or guests!

Swiss cheese on a cheeseboard

Swiss cheese is a versatile cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet, and sometimes fruity flavour. Its texture is firm yet smooth, with holes that add a textural contrast. This adaptable cheese pairs well with many others, and a Swiss cheese itself can be a great starting point for a cheeseboard.

A classic pairing is Swiss cheese with Gruyère, another Swiss cheese with a similar nutty and slightly sweet flavour profile but a firmer texture. The slight sharpness of Gruyère balances the mildness of Swiss, creating a rich, layered flavour.

For a bold contrast, pair Swiss cheese with a sharp cheddar. The sharpness of cheddar cuts through the sweetness of Swiss, making for a dynamic duo. Experiment with different aged cheddars to vary the intensity of the flavour.

Gouda, especially aged Gouda, is another excellent choice to pair with Swiss cheese. Gouda offers a creamy texture and nutty flavour that complements Swiss beautifully, resulting in a smooth, rich, and satisfying combination.

Fontina, with its creamy texture and slight sweetness, is a fantastic choice for a Swiss cheese pairing, especially when melting is involved. The combination is exceptional in grilled cheese sandwiches or fondue, as the melting properties of both cheeses create a creamy, indulgent texture.

For a more complex pairing, consider Comté, a hard French cheese with earthy and nutty notes. Its firm texture provides a pleasing contrast to the smoother Swiss cheese, and its depth of flavour adds interest to the pairing.

When creating a cheeseboard, consider the overall balance of flavours and textures. If you choose a sharp cheese like cheddar, you might want to include a milder cheese like Gouda to create harmony. The creamy texture of Fontina also pairs well with the firm Swiss cheese, offering a delightful textural contrast.

In addition to these cheese pairings, complement your cheeseboard with cured meats, fruits, nuts, crackers, and relishes. Swiss cheese's versatility allows for numerous delicious combinations, so feel free to experiment with different options to discover your preferred pairings.

Swiss cheese in mac and cheese

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient with a nutty, slightly sweet, and sometimes fruity flavour profile. Its relatively mild taste and smooth yet firm texture make it a great addition to a variety of dishes, including mac and cheese. Here are some ideas and tips for incorporating Swiss cheese into your mac and cheese:

Choosing the Right Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese generally has a mild flavour, but different varieties offer nuances in taste and texture. Baby Swiss, for example, has smaller holes and a milder flavour due to the substitution of water for milk whey during production. Lacy Swiss is another variety made with low-fat milk, while smoked Swiss offers a distinct flavour. When choosing Swiss cheese for mac and cheese, consider the overall flavour and texture profile you want to achieve.

Grating Swiss Cheese

Grating Swiss cheese into your mac and cheese is an excellent way to add an extra punch of flavour. The grated Swiss cheese will melt beautifully, creating a creamy and indulgent dish. You can also add grated Swiss cheese to your mac and cheese breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy topping.

Pairing with Other Cheeses

Swiss cheese pairs well with other cheeses, offering a harmonious blend of flavours and textures. Here are some cheeses that complement Swiss cheese in mac and cheese:

• Gruyère: Gruyère, a Swiss cheese, offers a similar nutty and slightly sweet flavour profile but with a firmer texture. The slight sharpness of Gruyère balances the mildness of Swiss cheese.
• Cheddar: A sharp cheddar provides a bold contrast to the mildness of Swiss cheese. The sharpness of cheddar cuts through the sweetness of Swiss, creating a dynamic flavour combination.
• Gouda: Aged Gouda, in particular, offers a creamy texture and nutty flavour that complements Swiss cheese. The combination creates a smooth, rich, and satisfying taste experience.
• Fontina: Fontina has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavour, making it an excellent melting cheese. Fontina enhances the creaminess of Swiss cheese in mac and cheese, and their flavours blend exceptionally well.
• Comté: Comté is a hard French cheese with a complex, earthy, and nutty flavour profile. Its firm texture contrasts nicely with the smoother texture of Swiss cheese, adding depth to the pairing.

Creating a Balanced Dish

When pairing Swiss cheese with other cheeses in mac and cheese, consider the overall balance of flavours and textures. If you choose a sharp cheese like cheddar, you may want to include a milder cheese like Gouda to create a more harmonious blend. The contrast in texture is also important; a creamy cheese like Fontina pairs well with the firm texture of Swiss cheese.

Swiss cheese sandwiches

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, and casseroles. Here are some ideas for creating delicious Swiss cheese sandwiches:

Classic Swiss Cheese Sandwich

Start with two slices of your favourite bread. Lightly toast the bread or leave it as it is, depending on your preference. Spread a thin layer of butter or mayonnaise on the bread. Layer on thin slices of Swiss cheese, and feel free to add some sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or greens. Sprinkle some salt and pepper, and top it off with another slice of bread. You can grill the sandwich or have it cold.

Swiss Cheese and Ham Sandwich

This sandwich is a classic combination and a crowd favourite. Layer some sliced ham with Swiss cheese on a baguette or a crusty roll. You can add some Dijon mustard, greens, and sliced tomatoes for extra flavour and texture. This sandwich is best served grilled, with the cheese melted and the bread toasted.

Swiss Cheese and Mushroom Sandwich

For this sandwich, sauté some sliced mushrooms in butter and garlic. You can also add some chopped onions if you like. Layer this mixture on a slice of bread, and top it with Swiss cheese. You can add some greens and sliced tomatoes as well. Place another slice of bread on top, and grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

Swiss Cheese and Fruit Sandwich

This sandwich is a sweet and savoury combination. Layer some thin slices of Swiss cheese on a slice of bread, and top it with sliced apples, pears, or grapes. You can also spread some honey or jam on the bread for extra sweetness. Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for a crunchy texture. Place another slice of bread on top, and enjoy your sandwich cold or grilled.

Swiss Cheese Melt

Create a delicious, gooey Swiss cheese melt by layering Swiss cheese between two slices of bread. You can add some sliced tomatoes, greens, or onions as well. Grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. For an extra crunchy topping, spread some butter on the outside of the bread before grilling.

Frequently asked questions