Best Cheeses To Compliment Dill Rye Bread

Rye bread is a dense and flavorful type of bread that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or dipping. Dill rye bread is a variety of rye bread that includes dill, giving it a unique flavor. But what type of cheese goes well with dill rye bread? Some popular choices include Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, goat cheese, and gouda. These cheeses complement the dill and rye flavors well, creating a delicious combination.

Swiss cheeses like Emmenthal

Emmenthal is a versatile cheese that can complement a variety of dishes, and its nutty flavour adds an interesting depth of taste to the dill rye bread. The cheese is also known for its slightly sweet and fruity notes, which can enhance the overall flavour profile of your meal.

When choosing a Swiss cheese like Emmenthal, look for a high-quality product with a smooth and creamy texture. This type of cheese should also have a light yellow to ivory colour, with a few scattered holes throughout. These holes, or "eyes," are characteristic of Swiss cheeses and are formed during the cheese-making process.

To create a delicious and well-rounded snack or meal, consider spreading some Emmenthal on your dill rye bread and topping it with sliced vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, or even some pickled bologna for an extra tangy kick. You can also experiment with different types of mustard or a thin layer of butter to enhance the flavour of the cheese and the bread.

Additionally, if you're feeling adventurous, you can try other types of Swiss cheeses that fall into the medium-hard category and have similar characteristics to Emmenthal. This can include cheeses like Raclette, which is known for its creamy texture and slightly nutty flavour, or Swiss Gruyere, which has a more pronounced nutty and sweet flavour profile.

Mature cheddars like Cathedral City

Mature cheddars have a medium-hard texture, which provides a nice contrast to the softness of the bread. The sharpness of the cheese also goes well with the slight sweetness of the rye bread, creating a well-rounded flavour profile.

When choosing a mature cheddar, look for a good-quality option, as this will enhance your overall tasting experience. The sharpness and crumbly texture of the cheese will add interest and depth of flavour to your dill rye bread, making it a satisfying and indulgent snack or meal.

You can also experiment with different varieties of mature cheddar to find your favourite. For example, you could try an Irish Swiss or Ancient Cheddar from Kerrygold, which are known for their high quality. Alternatively, you could explore other British cheddars or even international options to discover new flavour profiles that pair well with dill rye bread.

So, if you're looking for a cheese to pair with your dill rye bread, mature cheddars like Cathedral City are an excellent option. With their nutty flavour, crumbly texture, and variety of strengths, they can elevate your bread-eating experience and provide a delicious and satisfying snack or meal.

Goat cheese

This simple yet effective combination involves coating fresh goat cheese with finely chopped fresh dill. The dill adds a beautiful "mossy" coating to the cheese. This can be served with crackers and is an easy, tasty appetiser.

Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese and Dill Rye Bread

A heartier option is to roast beets and serve them with dill rye bread and goat cheese. The earthiness of the beets pairs well with the tangy goat cheese and the dill in the bread adds a nice freshness to the dish.

Sandwiches

Dill rye bread is a great option for sandwiches. You could try a classic combination such as pastrami, corned beef, or a Reuben. Alternatively, a simple grilled Swiss cheese sandwich would also work well. The dill adds a nice tang to the bread which would complement the goat cheese nicely.

Toast

Dill rye bread also makes tasty toast, especially when served with scrambled eggs. You could add some goat cheese on top of the toast for an extra creamy element.

Other Cheeses

If you would like to include other cheeses alongside your goat cheese, feta and cottage cheese are also mentioned as pairing well with dill rye bread.

Vegemite and orange marmalade on toasted rye

Choosing the Right Rye Bread:

Start by selecting a good rye bread as the base for your creation. You can opt for a dense and flavourful homemade rye bread with dill, combining whole wheat flour, rye flour, all-purpose flour, and a touch of brown sugar. This type of bread is perfect for toasting and will provide a rustic charm to your meal. Alternatively, you can go for a sandwich rye bread, which is easier to slice and works well for a variety of toppings.

Preparing the Toast:

When it comes to toasting your rye bread, aim for a golden brown colour. While toasting, you can also consider adding some butter or margarine to enhance the flavour and provide a creamy texture. Just be mindful that the butter can soften your toast, so it's best to move quickly to the next step.

Vegemite and Marmalade Combination:

Vegemite, an iconic Australian spread, is known for its bold and salty umami flavour. A little goes a long way, so it's recommended to start with a light scraping of Vegemite on your toast. You can always add more to suit your taste. As for the orange marmalade, opt for a high-quality brand with flavourful orange peel bits. The combination of Vegemite and orange marmalade will create an intriguing interplay of salty, bitter, and sweet notes.

Additional Toppings:

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding some extra toppings to your creation. A slice of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, can complement the Vegemite and marmalade nicely. For a more indulgent option, spread some cream cheese on the toast before adding the Vegemite for an extra creamy texture. You could also add some sliced avocado or a fried egg for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions:

Young manchego

To make a delicious sandwich, slice the dill rye bread and spread one side with a layer of stone-ground mustard. Top with thin slices of young Manchego, some crisp lettuce leaves, and a few slices of ripe tomato. Sprinkle with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper, then close the sandwich with another slice of bread. This sandwich is best served at room temperature, so the cheese can come out of the fridge about an hour before making the sandwich.

For a heartier meal, the same sandwich can be grilled like a panini. Spread the outside of the sandwich with a little butter and place on a hot panini press or grill pan until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Serve with a bowl of hot soup or a crisp green salad.

Another option is to use the dill rye bread as a base for an open-faced sandwich, or tartine. Spread a slice of the bread with a layer of whole-grain mustard, then top with shaved young Manchego, a few slices of crisp apple, and a handful of baby arugula leaves. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and pepper before serving.

Frequently asked questions