Pork And Cheese: Perfect Pairing For Delicious Meals

Pork and cheese is a classic combination, whether it's a grilled cheese sandwich, a quesadilla, or a sophisticated main course. There are many types of cheese that pair well with pork, including blue cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and fresh cheeses like feta and halloumi. For a simple and tasty option, try a grilled cheese sandwich with pulled pork and cheddar. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can stuff pork tenderloin with cheese—a popular choice is blue cheese, combined with ingredients like pecans, onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.

Blue cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and fresh cheeses pair well with pork

Blue cheese is a good choice for sauces and for mixing with other ingredients. It has a tangy flavor and aroma and a creamy consistency. It is typically made with cow's milk, but goat's milk and ewe's milk can also be used. You can try stuffing pork chops with blue cheese, or use it in a sauce for pork chops. Combine blue cheese with chopped pecans, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt, and stuff this mixture into a pocket in the pork chop. For a sauce, combine blue cheese with chicken broth or white wine, milk, flour, and butter, and add green onion or garlic for extra flavor.

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that tends to have a smooth flavor and works well with many ingredients, including pork. Try making cheddar-and-apple-stuffed pork chops, or create a mixture of breadcrumbs, rosemary, and shredded cheddar cheese and place it on pork chops, broiling in the oven until the topping is golden.

Mild mozzarella cheese is usually made with cow's milk. Shred some mozzarella cheese with onion and place it on pan-fried pork chops, baking until the cheese is melted. You can also sprinkle shredded mozzarella on breaded, baked pork chops with spaghetti sauce, and bake for a few minutes.

Fresh cheeses include chevre (made from goat's milk), feta, and halloumi. Try making quesadillas with pulled pork, sauteed onions and peppers, and chevre on top. Pork tenderloin medallions can be stuffed with fresh cheese and fruit, such as apples and pears. The strong flavor of the cheese will be offset by the sweetness of the fruit.

Other cheeses that pair well with pork include Swiss, gouda, parmesan, and provolone.

Pork tenderloin stuffed with asparagus, stilton, and crab meat

Ingredients

• Pork tenderloin
• Asparagus
• Stilton cheese
• Crab meat
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oil
• Butter

Method

• Butterfly the pork tenderloin and pound it out between two pieces of plastic wrap until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
• Season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Blanch the asparagus and cut into 1/4-inch pieces.
• Spread the asparagus pieces over the pork tenderloin, leaving a 1-inch border.
• Crumble the stilton cheese and mix with the crab meat. Season this mixture to taste.
• Spread the cheese and crab mixture over the asparagus layer, again leaving a 1-inch border.
• Roll the pork tenderloin and tie it closed with kitchen string.
• Sear the pork on all sides in an oven-proof skillet with oil and butter.
• Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
• Rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.

Cheese and Pork

Pork and cheese is a classic combination, with many different types of cheese pairing well with pork. These include blue cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and fresh cheeses like chevre, feta, and halloumi. When choosing a cheese to pair with pork, consider whether you want the cheese to complement or contrast the flavour of the pork. For example, a mild cheese like mozzarella will complement the flavour of the pork without overwhelming it, while a stronger cheese like blue cheese will create a contrast in flavours.

A roasted pork sandwich with provolone cheese

Ingredients

• Pork loin
• Provolone cheese
• Bread
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. caramelised onions, mustard, spinach, broccoli rabe)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Loin

Start by selecting a lean cut of pork loin, which is ideal for roasting and slicing. Rub the pork loin with cooking oil and season it with salt and pepper, or your desired seasonings. You can also try coating the top of the pork loin with brown mustard and Montreal Beef Seasoning for an extra flavour boost.

Step 2: Roast the Pork

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned pork loin in the oven and roast it for about an hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, you can grill the pork loin for a more flavourful option.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

While the pork is roasting, prepare your desired toppings. Caramelised onions go particularly well with this sandwich, adding a touch of sweetness. You can also sauté or grill the onions if you prefer. Stone ground honey mustard is another excellent condiment option, or you could make a balsamic peppered mayo sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Let the roasted pork rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it thinly. Slice open your chosen bread, such as a crusty French roll, and lightly toast the interior. Place the sliced pork on the bread, followed by a generous amount of provolone cheese. Briefly place the open-faced sandwich under a broiler to melt the cheese.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Remove the sandwich from the broiler and add your desired toppings. For a classic combination, try caramelised onions and honey mustard. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect blend of flavours and textures!

Variations

While provolone cheese is an excellent choice for this sandwich, you can also experiment with other cheeses. Swiss cheese is a tasty alternative, especially when paired with homemade sauerkraut. If you're feeling adventurous, try aged provolone for a sharper flavour, or mix and match cheeses to create your own unique combination.

Pulled pork grilled cheese sandwiches

Ingredients:

• Pulled pork (use pork leg or pork shoulder for the best shredding and a juicy texture)
• BBQ sauce (local or store-bought, depending on your preference)
• Bread (brioche, sourdough, or your favourite variety)
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any melting cheese like fontina, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack)
• Mayonnaise
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Optional: onion straws, sliced pickles, or other toppings of your choice

Instructions:

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a clove of minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in your pulled pork and BBQ sauce, mixing well. Cook this mixture until it's heated through and fully combined, then remove it from the heat.

Now it's time to assemble the sandwich. Layer your bread slices with cheese, pulled pork, and any desired toppings. Don't overstuff the sandwich—keep it relatively thin for easier flipping and melting. Spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread—this will give it a beautiful golden colour and a hint of tanginess.

Heat another large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Once the skillet is hot, place your sandwiches inside and cook them in batches. Each sandwich should toast for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of browning.

Serving Suggestions:

These sandwiches are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of onion rings, French fries, coleslaw, or a refreshing cucumber or corn salad. For an extra indulgent treat, serve them with a cheeky bit of coleslaw inside the sandwich—just be prepared for a messier eating experience!

Pork and cheese combinations for a sandwich: halloumi, swiss, gouda, parmesan, feta, and brie

There are many types of cheese that go well with pork, and some of the most popular ones are blue cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and fresh cheeses. Here are some specific pork and cheese combinations for a sandwich, featuring halloumi, Swiss, gouda, parmesan, feta, and brie:

Halloumi

Halloumi is a salty and firm cheese that originated in Cyprus. It is often made with cow's milk, but can also be made with goat or sheep's milk. Halloumi is a great choice for a pork sandwich as it has a high melting point and gets crispy when cooked. Try pan-frying slices of halloumi and adding them to a sandwich with a balsamic glaze and sliced tomatoes for a unique twist on a grilled cheese sandwich.

Swiss

Swiss cheese is a classic choice for sandwiches and pairs well with pork. For a tasty combination, try a Medianoche sandwich, which features roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on a sweet roll. The sweetness of the roll and the tanginess of the mustard complement the Swiss cheese perfectly.

Gouda

Gouda is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different types of sandwiches. For a hearty option, pair gouda with pork and scrambled eggs. The melted gouda adds a creamy texture and a savoury flavour to the sandwich.

Parmesan

While parmesan may not be the first cheese that comes to mind for a sandwich, it can be a great way to add a salty, savoury kick to a pork sandwich. Try using a parmesan crisp or shaving parmesan over a pork sandwich for a unique flavour combination.

Feta

Feta is a tangy and salty cheese that is often used in Greek cuisine. For a refreshing and flavourful sandwich, pair feta with tomatoes, olive oil, and basil on toasted sourdough bread. The combination of juicy tomatoes, salty feta, and aromatic basil creates a delightful summer sandwich.

Brie

Brie is a soft and creamy cheese that can add a touch of elegance to a pork sandwich. Try pairing brie with ham, apricot preserves, and Dijon mustard on Italian bread. The sweetness of the apricot preserves and the tanginess of the mustard complement the richness of the brie beautifully.

Frequently asked questions