Best Cheeses To Pair With Basil

Basil is a herb commonly used in French and Italian cooking. It is a member of the mint family and has a floral aroma with a slight spiciness and sweetness. Basil is commonly paired with tomatoes and olive oil, as in a Caprese salad, but it also goes well with garlic, lemon, and other fruits and vegetables. When it comes to cheese, basil is most often paired with mozzarella, as in a Caprese salad or a grilled cheese sandwich. However, it can also be paired with other cheeses such as cheddar, Gruyere, and fontina.

Mozzarella and basil

Mozzarella, basil, and tomato also feature together in a variety of other dishes, such as pizza, sandwiches, and pasta. For example, a Margherita pizza typically includes these three ingredients, along with a simple tomato sauce and a drizzle of olive oil.

When preparing dishes with basil, it is generally recommended to tear the basil leaves by hand, rather than chopping them with a knife, as the metal can alter the taste of the herb. Fresh basil is also preferred over dried, as it has a stronger flavour and aroma.

Cheddar and basil

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

If you're looking for a tasty and easy lunch option, why not try a grilled cheese sandwich with cheddar and basil? Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• Bread
• Mayonnaise
• Cheddar cheese
• Basil
• Tomato (optional)

Directions:

• Heat a cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
• Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place the bread, mayo-side down, in the hot skillet.
• On one slice of bread, layer cheddar cheese and basil. If you'd like, you can add thinly sliced tomato.
• Top with the other slice of bread.
• Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes.

Cheddar-Basil Biscuits

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 9 tablespoons cold butter, chopped into cubes
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2 1/4 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup roughly torn or chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the butter to the flour mixture and crumble it through the flour with your fingertips.
• Add the buttermilk, 1 1/2 cups of cheese, and basil. Gently mix until the dough starts to come together.
• Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and form it into a ball.
• Pat the dough down until it's about one inch thick.
• Use a cookie cutter or the top of a drinking glass to cut out biscuit shapes. Place them close together on the parchment paper.
• Glaze each biscuit with milk and sprinkle with the remaining grated cheddar.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Parmesan Cheddar Basil Bites

These appetisers are a perfect crispy and tender treat for any party or event. They are also a fun addition to a charcuterie board or wine tasting. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 5 tablespoons half-and-half (or milk and heavy whipping cream)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Beat together cheddar cheese, butter, half-and-half, and salt until blended.
• Gradually add flour, Parmesan cheese, and basil, mixing until combined.
• Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface and divide it into 3 equal portions. Roll each portion out to 1/8 inch thickness.
• Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes and place them 1 inch apart on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 11-14 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool for 30 minutes before serving.

Basil in grilled cheese sandwiches

The addition of basil to a grilled cheese sandwich elevates this classic comfort food to a whole new level. The perfume of fresh basil adds a tantalising aroma and a bright, sweet flavour to the dish.

Basil-Tomato Grilled Cheese

A popular variation of the grilled cheese sandwich is the basil-tomato grilled cheese, which combines the classic pairing of basil and tomato with the gooey goodness of grilled cheese. This Italian-style sandwich is not only delicious but also super-fast to make.

To make this sandwich, layer slices of part-skim mozzarella cheese and plum tomatoes on Italian bread. Sprinkle with minced fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Top with another slice of bread. In a small bowl, combine oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the outsides of the sandwich. Toast the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and the cheese is melted.

Three-Cheese and Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For a more indulgent option, try a three-cheese and basil grilled cheese sandwich. This "grown-up" version of the classic combines multiple cheeses with the fresh flavour of basil.

To make this sandwich, spread mayonnaise on both slices of bread. On one slice, layer jalapeno Jack cheese, thinly sliced Roma tomato, and mozzarella cheese. On the other slice, layer basil and Cheddar cheese. Place the slices of bread, mayo-side down, in a hot skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bread turns golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully invert the slice with the tomato onto the slice with the basil.

Crispy Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich

For an extra crispy treat, try this variation with basil-infused butter. Mix freshly minced basil with softened butter, then spread it on the outside of the bread and fry until crispy and golden brown.

For this sandwich, combine softened butter with minced basil. Spread the basil butter on one side of two slices of sandwich bread. Place the bread, buttered-side down, on a hot griddle or skillet. Top with sliced cheese and another slice of bread, buttered-side up. Cook until golden brown, then flip and brown the second side. Serve with tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and add-ons such as caramelised onions, sliced ham, or crumbled bacon to create your own unique grilled cheese sandwich with a basil twist.

Basil pesto and cheese

Mozzarella and Basil: The Holy Grail of Cheese and Herb Pairings

One of the most classic and well-known combinations of cheese and herb is the pairing of mozzarella and basil. The fresh, milky flavour of mozzarella goes hand in hand with the floral, slightly spicy and sweet aroma of basil. This combination is famously used in the Caprese salad, where basil leaves are layered over tomato slices and mozzarella, drizzled with olive oil.

For a fun twist on this classic, you can try stuffing mozzarella and basil into wonton wrappers to make crispy, gooey appetizers. Another creative option is to make Caprese salad skewers, where the salad is arranged on a toothpick for easy snacking.

Grilled Cheese with Basil

Basil is a popular addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, adding a unique flavour to this comfort food. For a simple yet delicious option, try a basil grilled cheese sandwich with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyere, fontina, or jalapeno Jack, to find your favourite combination.

Other Cheeses that Pair Well with Basil

While mozzarella and basil are a classic duo, there are several other cheeses that also complement the flavour of basil quite nicely. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Feta and Oregano: The woodsy flavour of oregano helps to tame the briny taste of feta. Try a Feta Oregano Salad or use the duo to add a Mediterranean twist to roast chicken.
• Parmesan and Garlic: Along with basil, these ingredients are commonly used to make pesto. You can also blend them into a vinaigrette for salads, pasta, and veggies.
• Cheddar and Sage: The rich, earthy flavour of sage complements the sweet, nutty notes of cheddar. Try Apple, Sage, and Cheddar Biscuits or a Butternut Squash Gratin with Poblano Chilies, Cheddar, and Fromage Blanc Custard.
• Monterey Jack and Dill: The creamy, mild nature of Monterey Jack pairs well with the slightly bitter, herbaceous flavour of dill. Try it with smoked salmon on a cucumber round for a refreshing snack.
• Alpine Cheddar and Thyme: Thyme's gentle earthiness and subtle citrus notes accent the Swiss-inspired flavour of Alpine Cheddar. Top an apple slice with Alpine Cheddar, chopped thyme, and a drizzle of honey for a savoury-sweet treat.

Tips for Using Basil

When cooking with basil, it is generally recommended to tear the leaves rather than chopping them, as the metal from the knife can alter the taste. Fresh basil is also preferable to dried basil, as it provides a brighter, sweeter flavour.

So, whether you're whipping up a classic Caprese salad, experimenting with grilled cheese sandwiches, or creating your own unique combinations, basil and cheese are a match made in culinary heaven.

Basil in salads with cheese

The classic combination of basil and cheese is a timeless pairing enjoyed by cultures around the world. The sweet, spicy, and floral aroma of basil, along with its slight spiciness and sweetness, make it a versatile herb that enhances the flavour of cheese.

One of the most well-known dishes that combines basil and cheese is the Caprese salad. This simple salad consists of basil leaves layered over tomato slices and mozzarella cheese, drizzled with olive oil. For a vegan option, you can use vegan mozzarella. To add a twist to the classic Caprese salad, you can also try stuffing the ingredients into wonton wrappers to create crispy, gooey appetizers.

Another delicious salad option is to combine watermelon, red onion, lime juice, fresh basil, and mint. Drizzle with olive oil and top with Vegan Almond Feta for a refreshing and tasty salad.

For a heartier option, you can create a salad with mixed greens, romaine lettuce, red leaf lettuce, frisee, or watercress. Tear basil into shreds or chop it roughly, and add it to the salad along with your favourite cheese. Some cheese options that pair well with basil include cheddar, Gruyere, fontina, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

When pairing basil with hard cheeses like cheddar, it is recommended to choose a thick and flavorful herb that can stand up to the strong flavours of the cheese. Herbs such as sage and thyme complement the sweet and nutty notes of cheddar, especially when combined in baked goods or apple slices.

In addition to salads, basil and cheese can also be combined in sandwiches and grilled cheese. A classic grilled cheese sandwich can be elevated by adding sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, cooked until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as Italian bread or sourdough, and add additional fillings like avocado, arugula, or red onion.

Whether you're enjoying a classic Caprese salad or getting creative with your own basil and cheese combinations, the pairing of these two ingredients is a delicious way to enhance your culinary creations.

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