The Perfect Cheese And Baguette Pairing Guide

A baguette is a type of bread that is typically long and thin with a crispy crust and soft interior. Baguettes are often paired with cheese, and there are many types of cheese that can be used to create a delicious combination. For those who enjoy softer, milder cheeses, options such as mozzarella, burrata, brie, or camembert can be paired with a baguette to create a simple yet satisfying meal. On the other hand, those who prefer stronger, sharper cheeses might opt for cheddar, blue cheese, or gouda. Creating the perfect baguette and cheese pairing is a matter of personal preference, and experimentation is encouraged to find the most mouthwatering combinations.

Mozzarella, basil, olive oil, tomato, and salt

Selecting the Right Ingredients

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• For the tomatoes, you can use ripe heirloom tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes. It's best to use room-temperature tomatoes as they tend to acquire too much liquid when chilled.
• For the mozzarella, opt for fresh, high-quality soft mozzarella. Bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls) or mozzarella pearls are also excellent choices.
• Fresh basil is always preferable, and if you have a basil plant at home, even better! Pick the leaves just before making your dish to maximise freshness.
• For the bread, a French baguette is traditional, but you can also use other types of crusty bread like ciabatta, sourdough, or Italian bread.
• Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil. If you want to save time and avoid manually rubbing the bread with garlic, you can use garlic-infused olive oil.

Preparing the Dish

• Slice the baguette in half lengthwise, creating two long halves.
• Layer thin slices of mozzarella along the bread, cut-side up.
• Broil the bread in the oven for 3-4 minutes or until the mozzarella melts and bubbles slightly.
• Remove from the oven and layer thinly sliced tomatoes on top of the melted cheese.
• Return to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil and a light garnish of salt and pepper, if desired.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• For a more substantial meal, serve the baguette with a tasty pasta salad, grilled ribs, or a bowl of soup.
• To add extra flavour, drizzle cooked-down balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over the dish.
• For a different twist, try spreading garlic butter on the bread before adding the other ingredients.
• If you're serving a crowd, create a "build-your-own" bar by placing the grilled bread slices, marinated tomato mixture, and sliced mozzarella separately. Provide a bottle of balsamic vinegar and extra basil so your guests can customise their own bruschetta.
• For a more indulgent treat, try baking the baguette with slices of Brie cheese and a French onion soup topping.

Boursin, turkey, cucumber, and tomato

Boursin is a soft French cheese with a crumbly texture and built-in seasoning. It is a great option for a baguette as it is very flavoursome on its own.

A refreshing summer snack could be made with Boursin, turkey, cucumber, and tomato. The cucumber can be sliced into bite-sized pieces, with the seeds scooped out and the hollow filled with Boursin. Each piece can then be topped with a basil leaf, a slice of tomato, and secured with a cocktail stick. This combination of ingredients is a great way to showcase the versatility of Boursin, as it can be used as a spread or a topping.

The Boursin, turkey, cucumber, and tomato combination is a great choice for a light and refreshing snack or appetiser. The crisp cucumber and rich, creamy Boursin provide a delightful contrast in textures and flavours. This can be served as a simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a summer gathering or party.

For a more substantial meal, the Boursin, turkey, and cucumber could be served in a baguette, with the tomato acting as a tangy topping. The Boursin would add a creamy texture and a savoury flavour to the sandwich, while the cucumber provides a refreshing crunch. This combination of ingredients showcases the versatility of Boursin and how it can be used to elevate a simple dish.

The Boursin, turkey, cucumber, and tomato combination is a great choice for those seeking a refreshing and tasty snack or meal. It can be easily adapted to suit different occasions, whether a casual gathering or a more formal event. The versatility of Boursin and the simplicity of the ingredients make this a convenient and delicious option.

Goat cheese, roasted veggies, and arugula

A baguette is a sacred object to the French, and it's easy to see why. These light, crisp, chewy loaves are delicious on their own, but they can be taken to the next level with the right ingredients. One mouth-watering combination is goat cheese, roasted veggies, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 ciabatta demi baguette or 3 ciabatta buns
• 4 oz log of goat cheese
• 2 sweet bell peppers (1 red, 1 orange or yellow)
• 2 zucchini
• 1/2 small red onion
• Arugula
• Balsamic vinegar

Optional Ingredients:

• Bacon
• Strawberries
• Candied pecans
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Method:

• Roast your peppers: preheat your oven and place the peppers, skin side up, on a baking sheet. Put them under the broiler until the skin is bubbly and browned. Then, place the peppers in a plastic or paper bag and put them in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
• Slice your onions and zucchini. Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and sprinkle the onion pieces over the top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then place under the broiler until the zucchini is dried and shrivelled but not too browned.
• While the zucchini is cooling, take the peppers out of the fridge and use a sharp knife to peel off the charred skin.
• Prepare your sandwiches: Cut the ciabatta baguette into 2 or 3 pieces, then cut each piece in half from the side and butter both sides.
• On the bottom half, place a generous layer of arugula. Top with a single layer of roasted pepper, then a layer of zucchini slices and a few onion pieces.
• Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and top with crumbled goat cheese.
• Wrap the sandwich tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Place a flat plate or object on top and add something heavy like cans of tomatoes. Allow it to press for 4-6 hours or overnight.
• Once pressed, remove from the fridge, unwrap, and trim the edges if desired. You can pop it into a panini press or grill press to warm and toast lightly, or microwave it for 30 seconds to warm it up.

Tips:

• You can use a panini press, grill press, or a cast iron skillet to press and toast your sandwich.
• If you don't have any of those, a few seconds in the microwave will warm up the filling and cheese.
• Pressed sandwiches keep well in the refrigerator for several days when wrapped tightly.
• You can substitute the goat cheese with crumbled feta cheese.
• Baby spinach is a great substitute for arugula.
• You can also add bacon, strawberries, and candied pecans to your sandwich for extra flavour.

So, there you have it! A delicious and satisfying baguette sandwich with goat cheese, roasted veggies, and arugula. Enjoy!

Brie, apricot preserves, and honey

Baked Brie with Apricot Preserves

This is a simple yet elegant appetizer that can be prepared in just a few steps. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Cut a French baguette into 1" thick slices and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle the slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, according to your taste. Bake for 5 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted.

Once the baguette slices are toasted, spread each slice with a teaspoon of apricot preserves and top with a slice of Brie. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the Brie is warm and begins to melt. This combination of melted Brie and tangy-sweet apricot preserves is a perfect salty-sweet treat.

For a quick and easy snack, try this delicious toast combination. Cut a baguette into slices and toast them to your desired level of doneness. Spread a layer of apricot preserves on each slice, followed by a slice of Brie. Drizzle with honey, and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavours.

French Onion Baked Brie

Take your taste buds on a journey to France with this mouthwatering appetizer. Caramelise some onions and mix them with melted cheese. Spread this mixture on sliced, toasted baguette, and top with another slice of baguette to create a mini sandwich. This combination of sweet onions, melted cheese, and the crispy baguette is a match made in heaven.

For a heartier option, transform the classic combination into a satisfying sandwich. Cut a baguette in half lengthwise and spread a generous amount of apricot preserves on both halves. Layer slices of Brie on one half of the baguette, and drizzle with honey. Close the sandwich, and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and salty flavours in every bite.

Remember, when pairing cheese and bread, it's essential to consider the texture of the baguette and the flavour and consistency of the cheese. Feel free to experiment with different types of honey, such as wildflower, clover, or orange blossom, to find the perfect flavour profile for your palate.

Gruyère, jambon de Paris, cornichons, butter, and Dijon mustard

The classic French ham and butter sandwich, Jambon Beurre, is made with a baguette, cooked ham, and butter. However, variations on the sandwich may include cornichons, a swipe of Dijon mustard, and slices of Gruyère cheese.

Gruyère is a hard, salty, sheep's milk cheese. It is a good pairing with bread, especially a seed- or nut-studded loaf.

Jambon de Paris is a cooked ham, sliced from a bone-in joint. It is a high-quality ham, silky in texture, and is the traditional choice for a Jambon Beurre sandwich.

Cornichons are briny, thinly sliced pickles. They are often served with a Jambon Beurre sandwich, either on the side or inside the sandwich. They cut through the richness of the cheese and ham.

Dijon mustard is another common addition to the sandwich. It, too, cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham.

To make a Jambon Beurre with Gruyère, cornichons, butter, and Dijon mustard, you will need:

• A baguette
• Butter
• Jambon de Paris
• Gruyère
• Cornichons
• Dijon mustard

Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. Spread butter on one cut side and Dijon mustard on the other. Layer the ham, cheese, and cornichons on the bottom half of the baguette. Close the sandwich with the top half of the baguette and press down lightly. Cut crosswise into four equal portions and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions