The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Ciabatta Bread

Ciabatta is a type of Italian bread that goes well with many types of cheese. The best cheeses to pair with ciabatta are those that are firm to hard in texture, such as cheddar, Gruyere, Romano, or Fontina. When making a ciabatta sandwich, melting the cheese is a popular option, as seen in grilled cheese sandwiches. Ciabatta bread can also be baked with cheese, creating a delicious and comforting dish for cold days.

Characteristics of cheese that goes with ciabatta

Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil

A classic Italian combination, the pairing of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is a popular choice for a ciabatta sandwich. This simple yet delicious trio is a twist on the traditional caprese salad, providing a light yet filling option that's perfect for picnics or beach days.

Ingredients

• Ciabatta bun
• Mozzarella – fresh, buffalo, or fior di latte
• Tomatoes – ripe, in-season, or heirloom
• Basil – fresh leaves, or pesto
• Olive oil
• Balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic clove (optional)

Method

• Slice the ciabatta bun in half and drizzle with olive oil.
• Toast the bread under a grill until golden brown.
• Spread pesto or crushed garlic on the bread, followed by grated mozzarella and sliced tomatoes.
• Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper.
• Place the sandwich under the grill again until the cheese is melted.
• Top with fresh mozzarella and basil leaves.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
• Close the sandwich and slice into portions.

For added flavour, you can also rub the interior of the bread with a garlic clove before adding the other ingredients.

Leerdammer, ham, and dried tomatoes

Ciabatta is a delicious Italian bread that pairs well with a variety of cheeses, meats, and toppings. One mouth-watering combination is Leerdammer, ham, and dried tomatoes. This classic trio creates a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for cold days or whenever you're craving a tasty treat. Here's a detailed guide to crafting this indulgent sandwich:

Ingredients:

• Ciabatta bread: Fresh ciabatta forms the foundation of your sandwich. Look for a loaf with a crispy crust and soft interior.
• Leerdammer cheese: Leerdammer is a semi-hard Swiss cheese with a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavour. Its smooth meltability makes it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Ham: Opt for honey roast ham or Serrano ham for a touch of sweetness. Thinly sliced, high-quality ham will ensure a delicious flavour and tender texture.
• Dried tomatoes: Use sun-dried or oven-dried tomatoes packed in oil for an intense burst of flavour. Drain the tomatoes before adding them to your sandwich.
• Olive oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds moisture and a fruity aroma to your sandwich.
• Fresh rosemary: This aromatic herb complements the other ingredients beautifully. Finely chop the rosemary and heat it with olive oil to infuse the bread with flavour.
• Garlic: Mince or crush a garlic clove and mix it with olive oil for a subtle kick. You can also rub a garlic clove directly onto the bread for a more intense garlic flavour.
• Seasonings: A pinch of chili flakes or chili powder adds a subtle spiciness. You can also season your sandwich with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembly:

• Cut your ciabatta bread in half lengthwise. This will create a sturdy base for your ingredients.
• Drizzle olive oil onto a pan and heat it with finely chopped rosemary. This step infuses the oil with rosemary flavour.
• Brush the rosemary-infused oil onto both cut sides of the ciabatta. This adds flavour and moisture to the bread.
• Drain your dried tomatoes and cut them into strips. You can also use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for an extra flavour boost.
• Layer the ham, dried tomatoes, and Leerdammer cheese onto one half of the ciabatta. Feel free to season with salt and pepper.
• Top the sandwich with the other half of the ciabatta.
• Bake your sandwich in the oven at 200°C until the cheese is melted and gooey. Alternatively, grill it in a panini press or sandwich maker.
• Enjoy your sandwich warm! The combination of melted Leerdammer, juicy tomatoes, and savoury ham is sure to delight your taste buds.

Feel free to customise your sandwich with additional ingredients like fresh basil leaves, olives, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can also serve it with a side of crispy chips or a refreshing salad. Whether it's a comforting meal or a tasty picnic treat, the Leerdammer, ham, and dried tomato ciabatta is sure to impress!

Romano and fontina

Ciabatta is a versatile bread that pairs well with many types of cheese, including Romano and fontina. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating a delicious ciabatta sandwich with these two cheeses:

When using Romano and fontina cheeses, slicing the ciabatta like a hamburger bun is a good starting point. This provides a sturdy base for the sandwich and allows for even toasting. To enhance the flavour, try drizzling extra virgin olive oil on both cut sides of the bread and sprinkling with salt and pepper before toasting. This simple step adds a nice touch of flavour and texture to the sandwich.

Romano cheese, known for its sharp and salty flavour, pairs well with the creamy and mildly nutty taste of fontina. When preparing the sandwich, layer 4-5 slices each of Romano and fontina cheese on the bottom slice of the ciabatta. The combination of these two cheeses creates a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.

For added flavour and richness, consider spreading butter on the bread before assembling the sandwich. You can also add toppings such as fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to complement the cheeses and enhance the overall taste experience.

Once you have added the cheese and any desired toppings, place the top slice of ciabatta on top and heat the sandwich in a pan or oven until the cheese is melted. This will create a warm and toasty sandwich with a delightful combination of flavours and textures from the Romano and fontina cheeses.

Blue cheese, turkey, and bacon

Ciabatta is a versatile bread that pairs well with various cheeses, and one mouth-watering combination is blue cheese, turkey, and bacon. This savoury trio creates a delicious and indulgent sandwich that's perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty snack. Here's a detailed guide to crafting the ultimate blue cheese, turkey, and bacon ciabatta sandwich:

Ingredients:

• Ciabatta bread: Look for a fresh, crusty ciabatta loaf from your local bakery.
• Blue cheese: Opt for a creamy, mild blue cheese like Maytag blue cheese, or choose a stronger variety if you prefer a more pungent flavour.
• Turkey: Go for thinly sliced, oven-roasted turkey breast for that tender, juicy texture.
• Bacon: Select applewood-smoked bacon for a subtle smoky flavour. Cook it until it's crispy and golden.
• Lettuce: Crisp, fresh lettuce adds a nice crunch to your sandwich.
• Tomato: Ripe, juicy tomatoes bring a burst of freshness.
• Mayonnaise: Use regular mayonnaise or, if you're feeling adventurous, make a chipotle mayo by mixing in some chipotle sauce.
• Butter (optional): A little butter can add richness and help your sandwich grill to a golden brown.

Assembly:

• Start by toasting your ciabatta bread. This adds a nice texture and prevents your sandwich from becoming soggy.
• Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on one slice of bread. If you're using butter, spread it on the other slice.
• Layer on the lettuce, followed by slices of turkey, tomato, and crispy bacon.
• Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top. The cheese will start to melt slightly, binding all the ingredients together.
• Top it off with the second slice of bread, butter-side up if you're grilling the sandwich.
• If you're grilling, melt a little butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place your sandwich in the skillet and cook until it's lightly browned, about 4 minutes per side.
• Cut your sandwich in half and serve it warm.

Feel free to add other ingredients to this sandwich, such as avocado, radicchio, or even a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. This sandwich is a hearty meal that combines the creaminess of the blue cheese with the savouriness of bacon and the lean protein of turkey, all nestled between the airy pockets of a crusty ciabatta loaf. Enjoy!

Cheddar, bacon, and ranch dressing

Ciabatta is a crusty bread that goes well with a variety of cheeses, meats, and sauces. One mouth-watering combination is Cheddar, bacon, and ranch dressing. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of these ingredients with ciabatta:

Chicken Avocado and Bacon Sandwich

This delicious sandwich is a complete meal in itself. The ingredients include chicken breasts, kosher salt, dried tarragon leaves, cracked black pepper, dried thyme leaves, granulated garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, applewood smoked bacon, ciabatta bread, ranch dressing, white Cheddar, and avocado. The chicken is seasoned with herbs and spices, then baked. The sandwich is assembled by spreading ranch dressing on the ciabatta, adding sliced chicken, Cheddar, and bacon, then baking it until the cheese melts and the bread toasts. The top piece of ciabatta is coated with more ranch dressing, and avocado slices are added before serving.

Hot Ranch Chicken and Bacon Sandwich

This sandwich is an explosion of flavours. It starts with a ciabatta loaf, homemade ranch dressing, salsa verde, pepperjack, and Havarti cheese. The chicken is roasted with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. To assemble, spread the ranch dressing on the ciabatta, layer with Havarti and pepperjack cheese, sliced chicken, and salsa. Bake until the cheese melts, then add arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, bacon, and more dressing. Top with the other half of the ciabatta and bake for a few more minutes.

Chicken Bacon Ranch on Ciabatta

This is a quick and easy option for a tasty meal. The sandwich includes chicken, bacon, ranch dressing, and ciabatta bread. You can add your choice of vegetables, such as lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and pickles. This sandwich is a good source of protein, calcium, and iron.

So, whether you're looking for a hearty lunch or a quick bite, these Cheddar, bacon, and ranch dressing ciabatta sandwiches are sure to satisfy your cravings!

Frequently asked questions