The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Andouille Sausage

Andouille sausage is a smoked, spicy sausage that originated in France but is now a staple in Cajun cooking. It is made primarily from pork and seasoned with garlic, onions, and a blend of spices. When it comes to cheese pairings, there are several options to choose from. For a classic grilled cheese sandwich with a Cajun twist, you can combine andouille sausage with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Dijon mustard. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, try a mac and cheese with smoked gouda, cheddar, and cream cheese, or even cranberry cheddar for a unique flavour combination.

Cranberry cheddar cheese

For a more substantial meal, cranberry cheddar cheese and andouille sausage can be combined to make mouthwatering appetizer bites. Skewer a slice of sausage and a cube of cranberry cheddar, then top it off with a drizzle of cranberry sauce for a burst of flavour. These bites are an excellent choice for holiday gatherings, offering a delightful combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes in every bite.

If you're looking for a heartier dish, macaroni and cheese with andouille sausage is a satisfying option. The creamy sharpness of cheddar blends beautifully with the spicy sausage, creating a flavourful, comforting meal. This dish is perfect for a family gathering, served with a fresh salad or sliced tomatoes on the side.

Whether it's a grilled cheese sandwich, appetizer bites, or a hearty macaroni and cheese, the combination of cranberry cheddar cheese and andouille sausage is sure to impress. The sweet and tangy notes of the cheese provide a delightful contrast to the smoky, spicy sausage, creating a unique and memorable culinary experience.

Monterey Jack

When making a grilled Andouille sausage sandwich, it is important to consider the type of cheese used. While some cheeses, like mozzarella, do not melt as well, Monterey Jack is an excellent melting cheese that will create a gooey, indulgent centre for your sandwich. Its mild flavour also means it will not overpower the other ingredients, like the spicy Andouille sausage, but rather complement them.

So, if you are looking for a cheese to pair with Andouille sausage, especially in a grilled sandwich, Monterey Jack is an excellent choice due to its mild flavour, creamy texture, and superb melting qualities.

Mac and cheese

This delicious mac and cheese recipe is packed with flavour, thanks to the spicy andouille sausage and Cajun seasonings. It's a great family meal that can be served with a salad or sliced tomatoes. You can also use other types of smoked sausage, such as chicken sausage or chorizo, if you prefer.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces wagon wheels or other small pasta
• 1 to 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 12 to 16 ounces andouille sausage, thinly sliced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 6 to 8 medium green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 350 F and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
• Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with hot water, then set aside.
• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage and bell pepper with just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Cook until the sausage is lightly browned and the bell pepper is softened.
• Add the green onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes longer.
• Remove the sausage mixture from the skillet and set aside. Add the butter to the same pan and heat until melted and frothy.
• Add the flour to the melted butter and stir until smooth. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Add the Cajun seasoning and pepper to the flour mixture and stir to combine.
• Gradually stir in the milk and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thickened and bubbly.
• Add 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and cook, stirring, until melted.
• Add the cooked pasta and sausage mixture to the cheese sauce and stir until combined.
• Spoon the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Variations:

For a slightly different take on this recipe, you could try using a combination of smoked gouda, cheddar, and cream cheese for the sauce, as suggested in a similar recipe. This creates a deliciously creamy sauce with a slightly sweeter flavour.

You could also add some cranberry cheddar cheese and cranberry sauce to your mac and cheese for a fruity, tangy twist. This combination works surprisingly well with the spicy andouille sausage.

Grilled cheese sandwich

Ingredients:

• Andouille sausage
• Bread (Italian, French, or white)
• Butter
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, American, Swiss, Gouda, or Fontina)
• Dijon mustard
• Optional: bell peppers, caramelized onions, pickles, spinach, apples, cinnamon, BBQ sauce, or cranberry sauce

Instructions:

• Slice the sausages in half lengthwise, and then cut into thin half-moon shapes.
• Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned, then set aside.
• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• On the non-buttered side, spread a layer of cheese and/or Dijon mustard.
• Add the cooked sausage, along with any other desired toppings or spreads.
• Close the sandwich with another slice of bread, with the buttered side facing outwards.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the sandwich inside, cooking until the bread is browned.
• Flip the sandwich and repeat until both sides are nicely browned and the cheese is melted.

Tips:

• For an extra buttery and gooey sandwich, mix some butter with the cheese.
• Use a spatula to press down on the sandwich while grilling to create a flatter, crispier texture.
• If the cheese is not fully melted, turn the heat down to low to avoid burning the bread.
• For a crispier exterior and gooey center, cook the sandwich at a lower temperature for a longer time.
• For an even crispier texture, use a cast-iron skillet as a makeshift panini press.
• If you want to add caramelized onions, start with sliced onions and olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add salt to draw out the moisture, and cook until they become soft, juicy, and browned.

Smoked gouda

This appetiser combines diced andouille sausage, shrimp, smoked gouda, onions, green bell peppers, and garlic on top of French bread slices. The bread is brushed with olive oil, topped with the mixture, and baked in the oven until the cheese is melted. This dish offers a blend of flavours and textures, making it a tasty choice for a casual gathering or a quick bite.

For a summer barbecue or picnic, smoked gouda is a perfect pairing with Bavarian sausages. This dish includes grilled smokies and bacon, served on hot dog buns with sliced gouda, mustard, and relish. The combination of smoky flavours from the gouda and sausage, along with the tanginess of mustard and relish, creates a delightful culinary experience.

Cajun Grilled Cheese with Andouille Sausage

For a hearty and indulgent sandwich, try a grilled cheese with a twist. This sandwich features andouille sausage, Dijon mustard, and a blend of cheeses, including sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and butter. The result is a gooey, buttery, and spicy sandwich that pairs well with cold beers. It's a grown-up version of a classic grilled cheese, offering a unique take on comfort food.

Macaroni and Cheese with Andouille Sausage

For a comforting and flavourful dish, try this macaroni and cheese recipe. It includes sliced andouille sausage, bell peppers, green onions, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese. The addition of Cajun seasoning enhances the overall taste. This baked pasta dish is perfect for a family meal, served with a side salad or sliced tomatoes. It's a hearty and satisfying option for those who enjoy a kick of spice.

These suggestions showcase the versatility of smoked gouda and andouille sausage, providing a range of options for different occasions, from casual bites to heartwarming meals.

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