Turkey Breast: Best Cheese Pairing Options

Turkey and cheese is a classic combination, and for good reason. The mild flavour of turkey breast means it pairs well with a variety of cheeses, from soft and creamy cheeses like brie and goat cheese to harder, sharper cheeses like cheddar and parmesan. For those who enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich, turkey breast works well with provolone, gouda, mozzarella, Colby jack, and Monterey jack. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, brie is a great choice for a special occasion, while cheddar is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. For those who prefer a milder cheese, goat cheese or mozzarella are excellent options, and for those who want a stronger flavour, kasseri, a Greek cheese with a pungent taste, is a perfect choice.

Brie and roast turkey breast

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, nutty flavour. It is a great choice to pair with roast turkey breast as its creamy texture and subtle taste will complement the turkey without overwhelming it.

When it comes to creating a delicious dish with Brie and roast turkey breast, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the quality of the ingredients is essential. Opt for a good-quality Brie, preferably one that is fresh and has a smooth, creamy texture. For the turkey breast, choose a bone-in, skin-on variety as this will result in juicier and more flavourful meat.

The cooking technique is also important. Brining the turkey breast beforehand will help to enhance its flavour and moisture. To brine the turkey, create a solution of salt, water, and other flavourful ingredients like citrus, garlic, and herbs. Submerge the turkey in this brine and leave it overnight in the refrigerator. This process will infuse the meat with flavour and ensure it remains juicy during cooking.

When it's time to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry. Season the turkey breast generously with salt and pepper, and then rub or brush melted butter over the top. You can also add some fresh herbs like rosemary or sage for extra flavour. Place the turkey breast on a bed of quartered onions and garlic in a roasting pan, which will act as a natural rack for even cooking.

Cover the pan with aluminium foil and roast the turkey for about 1½ hours. Then, remove the foil and continue roasting for another hour, or until the skin turns golden brown and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F.

Once the turkey is cooked, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender roast.

To serve, slice the roast turkey breast and arrange it on a platter alongside the melted Brie. The creamy Brie will pair beautifully with the juicy, flavourful turkey. You can also create small sandwiches or crostini, using the Brie as a spread and topping it with slices of roast turkey breast.

For a complete meal, consider serving this dish with sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or a corn salad. The mild flavour of Brie and the juicy roast turkey breast will be a delicious foundation for a variety of complementary flavours and textures.

Cheddar and roast turkey breast

Roast turkey breast is a delicious dish, and a bone-in turkey breast is significantly easier to cook than a whole bird. It takes less time and still comfortably feeds a group. To ensure the meat is succulent, you could apply a dry brine the night before, but the best way to avoid dryness is to take the turkey out of the oven the moment it's cooked.

Choosing the Right Cheese

When it comes to cheese, you don't want it to overpower the other ingredients. It should complement the turkey, and if you're making a grilled cheese sandwich, it needs to melt easily. Cheddar is a great choice for turkey sandwiches as it has a crowd-pleasing flavour and melts well. Look for a sharp white cheddar to enhance the taste or experiment with flavoured cheddars like spicy jalapeño or hickory-smoked.

Recipe for Rolled Turkey Breast with Cheddar, Mushroom, and Bacon Stuffing

Ingredients:

• 14g (1/2 oz) dried wild mushrooms
• 3 slices of bacon, sliced thinly
• 60ml (1/4 cup) dried cranberries
• 30ml (2 tbsp) breadcrumbs
• 30ml (2 tbsp) Italian parsley, minced
• 15ml (1 tbsp) fresh sage, minced (or 5ml (1 tsp) dried sage)
• 30ml (2 tbsp) white wine (or chicken broth, or water)
• 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) sea salt
• 1kg (2 lb) boneless turkey breast
• 375ml (1 1/2 cups) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 15ml (1 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil
• 60ml (1/4 cup) 35% cooking cream
• 30ml (2 tbsp) balsamic vinegar
• 15ml (1 tbsp) sugar
• Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Soak the dried wild mushrooms in 500ml (2 cups) of boiling water for 20 minutes. Then, strain the liquid and set it aside. Squeeze out the excess water from the mushrooms using paper towels and chop them finely.
• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a mixing bowl, keeping the fat in the skillet. Add the shallot to the skillet and sauté over low heat until soft. Transfer to the bowl with the bacon.
• To the mixing bowl, add the dried cranberries, breadcrumbs, Italian parsley, sage, white wine, and salt. Mix well, then add half of the chopped wild mushrooms.
• Butterfly the turkey breast by slicing it in half without separating it completely. Open and press it flat.
• Cover the entire surface of the turkey breast with shredded cheddar cheese. Spread the stuffing over the cheese.
• Roll the turkey breast tightly and tie it with kitchen string at 2.5 cm (1 inch) intervals to hold its shape.
• Transfer the rolled turkey breast to an oiled roasting pan. Brush the exterior with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Roast in the middle rack of the oven until cooked through (about 25 to 30 minutes per 500g (1.1 lb)). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
• To make the sauce, pour the mushroom soaking liquid into a saucepan and boil until reduced to about 125ml (1/2 cup). Add the remaining wild mushrooms and simmer for 5 minutes. Whisk in the cream, balsamic vinegar, and sugar. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Other Ideas for Using Cheddar and Roast Turkey Breast

You can also use roast turkey and cheddar cheese to make delicious sandwiches or casseroles. For a sandwich, try using whole-wheat bread, beefsteak tomatoes, lettuce, and your favourite condiments like mustard, mayonnaise, or horseradish. For casseroles, try recipes like Easy Turkey Tetrazzini.

Gruyère and roast turkey breast

Gruyère cheese is a great option to pair with roast turkey breast. Gruyère is a Swiss cheese with a distinctive, slightly salty flavour and a creamy texture. It is an excellent melting cheese, making it perfect for grilled sandwiches or as a topping on roasted meats.

When it comes to creating a delicious dish with Gruyère and roast turkey breast, there are several ways to go about it. One option is to create a mouth-watering sandwich. Start by roasting a 3-6 pound turkey breast in the oven. Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and butter, and cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For a 6-pound turkey breast, this will take around 2-2.5 hours. Once the turkey is cooked and sliced, assemble your sandwich using slices of Gruyère, along with fresh ingredients like beefsteak tomato, lettuce, and whole-grain bread. You can also add your favourite condiments, such as mustard, mayonnaise, or horseradish.

Another option is to create a heartwarming roast dinner with Gruyère and turkey breast as the stars. Prepare the turkey breast in the same way as above, ensuring it is cooked thoroughly. While the turkey is resting, you can make a delicious gravy using the pan drippings. In a separate saucepan, heat some butter and add flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the pan drippings and chicken or turkey stock, stirring continuously until you achieve the desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the roast turkey breast with the gravy and a side of melted Gruyère cheese. The creamy, savoury flavours of the cheese will complement the juicy turkey and rich gravy beautifully.

Gruyère is a versatile cheese that can enhance the flavour of roast turkey breast in various dishes. Whether you're creating sandwiches or a roast dinner, the combination of juicy turkey, savoury Gruyère, and complementary ingredients will surely impress.

Goat cheese and roast turkey breast

Goat cheese is a soft cheese with a mild and sweet taste. It is a very versatile cheese and can be used in a variety of ways, making it a great option to pair with roast turkey breast.

Goat cheese is usually made from goat's milk, and it comes in a wide range of flavours, such as blue cheese, garlic, and honey. Its mild and sweet taste pairs well with the flavour of turkey without overpowering it.

One way to serve goat cheese as an appetizer is to cut it into small pieces and place them on a plate with some fruit. You can also make grilled cheese sandwiches with goat cheese, or use it to season vegetables or pasta during your meal.

For a more elaborate dish, you can stuff a turkey breast with goat cheese. To do this, slice each turkey breast horizontally, halfway through, and place a tablespoon of goat cheese, along with some wilted spinach, roasted red pepper, and olive tapenade, inside. Fold the top of the turkey breast back over to seal, and repeat with another breast if desired. Sear the stuffed breasts in a frying pan and then bake them in the oven.

Whether you're looking for a simple appetizer or a more complex main course, goat cheese is a delicious and versatile option to pair with roast turkey breast.

Kasseri and roast turkey breast

Kasseri is a semi-hard, pale yellow cheese with a smooth texture and a tangy, slightly salty flavour. It is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk. This Greek cheese is named after the region of Kassos in the Aegean Sea, where it is believed to have originated. It is also produced in Turkey, Romania, and the Balkans, where it is known as kashkaval.

Kasseri is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many ways. It is a key ingredient in Greek dishes such as moussaka, aubergine pie, cheese pies, and saganaki, a traditional fried cheese appetizer served with lemon. Its high melting quality makes it suitable for grilling or frying. You can also grate or shred Kasseri over grilled vegetables, pasta dishes, and pizzas. Its ability to melt without losing its shape also makes it ideal for grilling or stuffing into peppers.

When it comes to pairing Kasseri with roast turkey breast, consider the following:

• Kasseri's slightly salty taste complements the sweetness of tomatoes, so consider serving it with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Kasseri can be cubed and skewered with olives, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer.
• For a more indulgent option, pair Kasseri with fruits, nuts, and bread.
• Kasseri can also be melted over dishes like moussaka or saganaki, adding a creamy richness and depth of flavour.
• If you're looking for a more substantial meal, Kasseri is a great choice for sandwiches and wraps, as its semi-hard texture makes it perfect for slicing or melting.

So, if you're looking for a cheese to pair with your roast turkey breast, Kasseri is a delicious and versatile option that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Its unique flavour and texture will surely elevate your dining experience.

Frequently asked questions