Best Cheeses To Compliment Curried Beef

A good cheese pairing can take a dish from bland to beautiful. When it comes to curried beef, there are several types of cheese that can be paired with it to elevate the dish. A simple, classic grilled cheese sandwich with curried beef can be made using pepper jack and mozzarella cheese. The spicy pepper jack is complemented by the creamy mozzarella, and the combo complements the spicy curried beef. Other cheeses that can be used in such a sandwich are gouda, Monterey jack, mild cheddar, processed block mozzarella, muenster, or colby.

Monterey Jack, Muenster, or Pepper Jack cheese

Monterey Jack, Muenster, and Pepper Jack cheese are all excellent choices to pair with curried beef. The mild flavour of Monterey Jack cheese makes it a versatile option that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to casseroles. It has a creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy taste that can complement the spicy and savoury notes of curried beef without overwhelming the dish.

Muenster cheese, with its creamy and smooth texture, can also be a great match for curried beef. Muenster has a mild flavour with hints of sweetness, nuttiness, and a slightly pungent aroma. Its creamy texture and subtle taste make it a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with spicy meats like curried beef.

For those who enjoy a little more kick in their meal, Pepper Jack cheese is a spicy variety that can be a perfect match for curried beef. It has a similar creamy texture to Monterey Jack but with added spice. The combination of a spicy beef curry and the slightly pungent Pepper Jack cheese can create a flavourful and indulgent meal, especially when melted between slices of bread for a grilled cheese sandwich.

When preparing a dish with curried beef and any of these cheeses, it is recommended to mix the cooked beef curry with the cheese at a 1:1 ratio. This will ensure a delicious balance of spicy meat filling and gooey, melted cheese.

These three cheeses can elevate a simple curried beef dish and make it a comforting and indulgent meal, whether enjoyed as a sandwich, casserole, or any other creative culinary creation.

Blue cheese

A little blue cheese goes a long way, and it's important not to overdo it so that the beef can still shine. A drizzle of blue cheese dressing over a roast beef salad or plank works wonderfully, as does a sprinkling of blue cheese crumbles on an open-faced hot sandwich or melt. For an appetizer platter, you can include some blue cheese chunks or a blue cheese spread alongside sliced roast beef.

Some popular varieties of blue cheese include Gorgonzola, which has a very creamy texture and is not as pungent as some other blue cheeses, making it a good choice for sauces. Cashel blue, buttermilk blue, and Maytag blue are also excellent options.

Swiss cheese

When melted, Swiss cheese becomes "gooey" and "slick, stretchy, and runny," making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. Its subtle sweetness and hint of salt provide an excellent counterpoint to the rich, spicy, and flavourful beef curry.

For a unique and comforting meal, try pairing Swiss cheese with a curried beef grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of spicy beef curry and the creamy, stretchy Swiss cheese is a match made in heaven. You can also add other ingredients like green chilli peppers, caramelised onions, or sausages to kick it up a notch.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making a curried cauliflower soup with sweet potato and Swiss cheese. This vegetarian soup combines the sweetness of sweet potatoes, the warm spice of curry powder, and the creamy tang of Swiss cheese for a rich and flavourful experience.

Sharp cheddar

Aged white cheddar or extra sharp orange cheddar are particularly good options. The salty sharpness of cheddar highlights the seasoning of the meat. Cheddar's creamy texture also helps cut through the fattiness of the beef. The cheese's creamy texture can add a luxurious feel to the sandwich.

When making a roast beef platter, slices of aged cheddar make a nice addition for topping crackers or bread. They have a nice firmness that allows the cheese to be eaten in slices or chunks without crumbling. The nutty sharpness balances the savoury flavours of the beef well.

Gouda

The texture of Gouda is another factor to consider. It melts beautifully, adding a creamy and gooey element to the dish. This can be especially appealing in curried beef sandwiches, where the melted Gouda can act as a binding agent, holding all the ingredients together.

Additionally, Gouda's affordability makes it a budget-friendly option compared to other cheeses, such as Gruyere. This accessibility allows home cooks to create gourmet-style dishes without breaking the bank.

When paired with curried beef, Gouda contributes to a flavourful and indulgent dining experience. Its mild flavour enhances the dish without overwhelming the other ingredients, resulting in a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

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