Best Cheeses To Pair With Chorizo Sausage

Chorizo is a spiced pork sausage that is a staple in Mexican and Spanish cuisine. There are dozens of different types of chorizo, but the two most common are Mexican chorizo, which is fresh and crumbly, and Spanish chorizo, which is cured and can be sliced and eaten as is. When it comes to cheese, chorizo is already packed with flavour, so a more subtle cheese like fresh mozzarella is a good option. However, there are many other cheeses that pair well with chorizo, such as Emmental, Oaxaca, and goat cheese.

Mozzarella, ciabatta, and pesto mayo

For the chorizo, regular cured Spanish chorizo works great. The outer layer can be peeled away as it may be quite tough unless the chorizo is cooked. If you are using ground chorizo, it is recommended to cook it beforehand by frying it in a pan until crispy.

Ciabatta is the perfect bread for this sandwich. Its light, crusty texture pairs well with the oily, spicy chorizo and melted cheese.

When it comes to cheese, mozzarella is an excellent choice as it has a subtle, creamy flavor that complements the chorizo without overpowering it. Fresh mozzarella is recommended for the best taste and texture.

Pesto mayo is the secret weapon that takes this sandwich to the next level. It adds a delicious flavor boost and a creamy texture. If you're not a fan of mayonnaise, you can simply use pesto by itself.

To assemble the sandwich, slice open the ciabatta roll and add the chorizo slices to one side. Top with mozzarella and place on a baking tray. Grill or broil until the mozzarella begins to melt. If the ciabatta starts to char before the cheese melts, cover it with foil.

Once the sandwich is cool enough to handle, you can add some extra ingredients to take it even further. Fresh tomato slices and rocket/arugula go well with the other flavors. Spread the pesto mayo on the ciabatta, add the remaining ingredients, and enjoy!

Baked cheese with tortillas

Baked Cheese with Chorizo and Tortillas

This recipe is a great option for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that serves 4 to 6 people. It is a foolproof recipe that can be made in just a few minutes and is perfect for informal gatherings with friends or family.

Ingredients:

• Vegetable oil
• 6 ounces of chorizo or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 2 cups grated Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
• 6 flour tortillas, warmed

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Oil a 3 or 4-cup ovenproof baking dish to prevent sticking.

In a dry medium skillet, saute the chorizo over medium-high heat until almost crisp. Remove the chorizo and set it aside on a plate. Add the onion and garlic to the pan juices and cook until soft, which should take about 5 minutes. Return the chorizo to the skillet with the onions and garlic and stir to combine.

Place half of the cheese in the baking dish and sprinkle with half of the chorizo mixture. Repeat this step with the remaining cheese and chorizo mixture.

Bake the dish in the oven until the cheese is bubbling, which should take around 20 minutes. Serve with flour tortillas for soft tacos.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use either Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella cheese for this recipe, depending on your preference and availability.
• If you want to add some extra vegetables, consider serving the dish with a country salad that includes tomatoes, lettuce, olives, potatoes, and eggs.
• For a spicier kick, you can add some chopped jalapenos or other chili peppers to the chorizo mixture.
• If you prefer your tortillas crispy, you can bake them separately in the oven for a few minutes until they reach your desired level of crispness.

Spanish chorizo and queso Manchego

Queso Manchego, often regarded as the crown jewel of Spanish cheeses, boasts a rich history and cultural significance in Spain. Hailing from the La Mancha region, this cheese is crafted exclusively from the milk of Manchega sheep, imparting a distinctive flavour and texture. The aging process, ranging from 60 days to two years, gives rise to varieties such as Fresco, Curado, and Viejo, catering to different palates.

Spanish chorizo, on the other hand, is a cured sausage that can be sliced and eaten as is. It is characterised by its deep paprika flavour and smokiness. When paired with the buttery and slightly piquant taste of Manchego, the result is a symphony of flavours that dance on the palate.

One delightful way to enjoy this combination is on a pizza. Top the pizza dough with caramelized red onions, crumbled chorizo, and grated Manchego. Finish it off with some fresh arugula and additional Manchego shavings for a truly memorable bite.

For a simpler approach, create a charcuterie board featuring slices of Spanish chorizo and queso Manchego. Accompany them with some crusty bread, juicy slices of Jamón Ibérico, and sweet accompaniments like quince paste or honey. This classic Spanish combination is perfect for entertaining or indulging in a quiet evening at home.

Mexican chorizo and Oaxaca cheese

Mexican chorizo is a fresh sausage made from ground pork seasoned with red chile powder and other spices. It is different from Spanish and Portuguese chorizo, which is cured or smoked and seasoned with paprika.

Oaxaca cheese, also known as Queso Oaxaca, is a white cheese from Oaxaca in southwestern Mexico. It has a mild flavour and a stringy texture. It is a popular choice for melting over Mexican chorizo in a dish called Queso Fundido, which translates to 'molten cheese'.

To make Queso Fundido, Mexican chorizo is fried with onions and garlic, then covered in shredded Oaxaca cheese and baked until melted and bubbly. This can be served as an appetizer with flour tortillas or tortilla chips and salsa.

Oaxaca cheese is also a good choice for quesadillas and can be found in Latin grocery stores. If you can't get hold of it, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Muenster, or Colby Jack are good substitutes.

French dried saucissons

Saucissons are a great addition to any charcuterie or cheese board, pairing well with a variety of cheeses and crackers. They can also be used as a topping for pizza or flatbreads, or added to pasta dishes or salads for an extra layer of flavour.

When it comes to specific cheese pairings, fresh mozzarella is a great option to complement chorizo without overpowering its flavour. Bleu des Causses, Pélardon, and Comté are also recommended as unexpected but delicious combinations. For a simple and quick recipe, grated cheese (Emmental or 4 cheese blend) melted with chorizo is a foolproof option that can be served with flour tortillas, corn totopos, or nachos.

So, whether you're a charcuterie enthusiast or just looking for a tasty snack, French dried saucissons are a versatile and flavourful option to elevate any meal or appetizer.

Frequently asked questions