The Best Cheeses To Pair With Bacon

Bacon and cheese are a classic combination, and there are many varieties of each to choose from. Crispy bacon and melted cheese are a match made in heaven, and the perfect comfort food. But what is the best cheese to accompany your bacon? There are many options, from mild cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack to Muenster, Gruyere, and Brie. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try smoked gouda, or applewood cheese. For a simple, classic grilled cheese and bacon sandwich, a combination of cheddar and mozzarella is a good choice.

Smoked gouda with tomato slices

Smoked gouda and bacon is a classic combination. The smokiness of the cheese perfectly complements the salty, crispy bacon. Adding tomato slices to the mix only enhances the flavour profile and texture of the dish. Here are some ways you can incorporate smoked gouda, bacon, and tomato slices into your next meal:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level by adding smoked gouda, bacon, and tomato slices. The key to this sandwich is shredding the gouda yourself, as pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as easily and can affect the texture of the sandwich. Start by melting some butter in a pan and dipping one side of each slice of bread into it. You can also use leftover bacon fat for this step. Next, layer gouda cheese and bacon on top of one slice of bread. Add the other slice of bread on top, with the unbuttered side facing up. Periodically flip the sandwich to ensure both sides get crispy and golden brown. Finally, slowly pull the sandwich apart, lay down a single layer of tomato slices, and put the sandwich back together. For an extra kick, try using a crusty bread like sourdough or focaccia to prevent sogginess from the tomatoes.

Smoked Gouda Spread

For a quick and delicious appetizer, try making a smoked gouda spread with bacon and sun-dried tomato. Simply mix together shredded smoked gouda, cream cheese, Greek yoghurt, mayonnaise, and Liquid Smoke. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes, bacon bits, and minced purple onion, and stir until well-blended. To serve, chill the spread for an hour and pair it with garlic bagel chips, pita bread, or a warm chunk of Italian bread. This spread also makes a wonderful sandwich with sliced tomato and onion.

Smoked Gouda Pimento, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich

This sandwich is a delicious vegetarian option, perfect for lunch during peak tomato season. Mix together shredded smoked gouda, cream cheese, pimento, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture on toasted bread, and top with lettuce and juicy tomato slices. For the best texture and flavour, use a crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta.

Smoked Gouda and Bacon Dip

This dip is an easy way to enjoy the flavour combination of smoked gouda and bacon. Simply mix together shredded smoked gouda, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and crushed red pepper. Transfer the mixture to a pie plate and bake until heated through. Top with chopped cooked bacon and sliced green onions. Serve the dip hot out of the oven with slices of French loaf or crackers.

Whether you're craving a grilled cheese sandwich, a tasty appetizer, or a dip for your next gathering, the combination of smoked gouda, bacon, and tomato slices is sure to impress.

Gruyere, American, and caramelized onions

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that is known for its nutty, sweet, and slightly salty flavour. It has a slightly grainy texture and melts beautifully, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. American cheese, on the other hand, is a classic choice for grilled cheese. It has a creamy texture and a mild, salty flavour that pairs perfectly with the smokiness of bacon.

Caramelized onions add a whole new dimension to the sandwich. The natural sugars in the onions caramelize when cooked slowly, resulting in a sweet and savoury flavour with a soft, jam-like texture. This combination of sweet and salty, creamy and crunchy, is what makes this sandwich so special.

To make this mouth-watering sandwich, start by cooking thick-cut bacon until crispy. Set the bacon aside and melt some butter in a pan. Add thinly sliced onions to the pan with a little sugar and salt, and cook over medium heat until they are soft and caramelized. For an extra flavour boost, you can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or sherry and some fresh thyme.

Next, assemble your sandwich. Spread some butter on slices of sourdough or scala bread. Pile on the shredded Gruyere, caramelized onions, and crispy bacon. Top it off with another slice of buttered bread. Place the sandwich in the pan and grill it until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.

Serve this sandwich with a side of crispy potato chips, pretzels, crackers, or a fresh baguette. For a touch of sweetness, you can even pair it with apple slices or drizzle some honey over the sandwich.

So, there you have it! The perfect combination of Gruyere, American, and caramelized onions with bacon for a grilled cheese sandwich that is sure to impress.

Cheddar, sourdough bread, and tomato slices

There are many types of cheese that go well with bacon, including American, Muenster, cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere, and gouda. One source suggests that sourdough bread is the best type of bread to use for a grilled cheese and bacon sandwich. Another source suggests that a bacon sandwich with cheddar, sourdough bread, and tomato slices is a great combination. Here is a suggested recipe:

Grilled Cheddar, Tomato, and Bacon Sandwiches

This recipe serves 4 and takes around 20 minutes to make.

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 8 slices of country-style sourdough bread
• 2 cups of grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 8 slices of tomato, seeds removed
• 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise

Method:

• Cook the bacon in a heavy large skillet over medium heat until brown and crisp, turning occasionally, about 6 minutes. Transfer the bacon to paper towels and drain.
• Wash and dry the skillet.
• Place 4 slices of bread on a work surface. Press 1/4 cup of grated cheese onto each slice.
• Top each slice of bread with 2 slices of tomato. Sprinkle with pepper.
• Place 2 slices of bacon on top of each sandwich, breaking the bacon into pieces if necessary to fit.
• Press 1/4 cup of grated cheese over the bacon on each sandwich.
• Top the sandwiches with the remaining slices of bread, then spread 1/2 tablespoon of mayonnaise over the top of each sandwich.
• Heat 2 heavy large skillets over medium heat. Add 2 sandwiches, mayonnaise side down, to each skillet. Place a plate atop both sandwiches to weigh down.
• Cook the sandwiches until the bottom is golden brown, about 2 minutes.
• Spread the top of each sandwich with 1/2 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
• Turn the sandwiches over, mayonnaise side down, and cook until golden brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes.
• Transfer the sandwiches to a work surface. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve.

Monterey Jack, Colby, and Mild Cheddar

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a semi-firm, creamy, and mildly flavoured cheese made from cow's milk. It originated in present-day California in the 1700s and is now widely popular. Its mild flavour and melting properties make it a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. When paired with bacon, it can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a subtle tanginess to the salty, crispy bacon. It can also be mixed with other cheeses, such as Colby, to create a marbled cheese known as "Colby-Jack".

Colby

Colby is a semi-hard, orange cheese, also made from cow's milk. It was first developed in Colby, Wisconsin, in 1885, and has since become a popular cheese for snacks, sandwiches, and salads. Colby has a moister and softer texture than other cheeses like cheddar due to its unique washing-curd process. When paired with bacon, Colby's mild and nutty flavour can complement the savoury taste of bacon without overwhelming it. As mentioned, Colby is often combined with Monterey Jack to create Colby-Jack, a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Mild Cheddar

Cheddar is a well-known and versatile cheese that comes in various sharpness levels, including mild. Mild cheddar has a softer texture and a less intense flavour than sharper cheddars, making it a great match for bacon. The saltiness of bacon can be accentuated by the creamy, nutty notes of mild cheddar. It melts well, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches or other melted cheese applications. Additionally, mild cheddar can be mixed with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, to create blends like "Cheddar Jack."

When choosing cheese to pair with bacon, consider the desired flavour profile and texture. Monterey Jack offers a creamy, tangy flavour; Colby provides a nutty, subtle flavour; and mild cheddar delivers a familiar, versatile taste. These cheeses can be used individually or in combination to create delicious pairings with bacon, whether in sandwiches, salads, or other culinary creations.

Brie, Gruyere, and Mozzarella

There are several types of cheese that go well with bacon, including Colby, Mild Cheddar, Muenster, Provolone, and Monterey Jack. However, here is some information about Brie, Gruyere, and Mozzarella specifically:

Brie

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, nutty flavour that pairs well with the saltiness of bacon. It melts easily, making it a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches or other melted cheese applications. Consider pairing Brie with thicker-cut, unsmoked bacon to balance out the creamy texture of the cheese.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It has a rich, creamy texture and melts extremely well, making it an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches or other melted cheese dishes. Gruyere pairs well with smoked bacon, as the smokiness of the meat complements the sweetness of the cheese.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a mild, creamy cheese with a high melting point, making it ideal for dishes where you want the cheese to melt and stretch, such as grilled cheese sandwiches or pizzas. It has a neutral flavour that won't overpower the taste of the bacon, and its stretchy texture can add a fun element to dishes.

Frequently asked questions