The Best Cheeses To Compliment Pork Chops

Pork chops are a versatile dish that can be cooked in many ways and paired with a variety of cheeses. The bone-in pork chop, located at the top part of the pig, is a leaner and more affordable option with a richer flavour due to the fat content. When it comes to choosing a cheese to accompany pork chops, options include blue cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, Gruyere, and fresh cheeses.

One recipe for pork chops with cheese involves pan-searing the meat and topping it with a mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. Another option is to bake the pork chops in the oven with mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings. For a French classic, try pairing bone-in pork chops with a creamy cheese sauce made from Gruyere, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream.

Mozzarella and Parmesan

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need:

• Boneless pork chops, about 3/4" to 1" thick
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder or granulated garlic
• Green onion or parsley

Method

Firstly, pat your pork chops dry and season with salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and Italian seasoning. Heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat and add olive oil. Place the pork chops in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. The bottom of the chops will turn white, and golden brown on the other side.

After turning the chops over, cook for another minute, then heap the cheese mixture on top. Cover the skillet and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. The cheese should be melted, and the meat cooked through. The pork is done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Remove the chops from the skillet and let them rest for at least 3 minutes. Top with freshly chopped green onion or parsley.

Tips

You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or try other cheeses like cheddar or blue cheese. You can also substitute chicken for the pork.

Cheddar cheese soup

A blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, sautéed onions, and fresh vegetables make this soup a comforting and quick-to-make meal. It's perfect for a cozy dinner or a hearty lunch.

Ingredients

• Onion: A small yellow or white onion, roughly chopped.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to sauté the onions, ensuring you have full control over the soup's saltiness.
• Flour: All-purpose flour creates a roux, giving the soup a smooth and thick consistency.
• Seasonings: A blend of salt, garlic powder, and pepper add a subtle depth of flavor.
• Milk: Use 2% milk for the optimal texture—not too thick or thin.
• Broth: Homemade chicken or vegetable broth adds a lot of flavor to the base. Look for reduced sodium if store-bought.
• Carrots: Shredded carrots add a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Celery: Finely chopped celery brings a mild, aromatic flavor and a bit of crunch.
• Cheddar Cheese: For a strong cheese flavor, use a high-quality aged sharp cheddar, grated fresh from a block.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Part-skim mozzarella melts smoothly, adding a mild, creamy texture without too much fat.
• Chives (optional): Minced chives provide a fresh, oniony finish.

Method

• In a large saucepan, sauté the onion in butter until tender.
• Add the flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper, stirring until smooth.
• Gradually add the milk, cooking and stirring over medium heat until thickened.
• In a separate saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Add the carrot and celery, simmering until tender.
• Add the vegetables to the milk mixture and stir until blended.
• Add the cheeses and cook, stirring, until melted. Do not boil.
• Garnish with chives if desired.

Tips

• For extra protein, add shredded chicken, ground beef, bacon, or cubed ham.
• For a broccoli cauliflower cheese soup, add small florets to the broth with the carrots and celery.
• Adjust the seasonings with red pepper flakes, roasted garlic, or fresh herbs. A dollop of Dijon mustard adds tang.
• To store, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Freezing is not recommended due to dairy separation.

Boursin cheese

One recipe for Boursin cheese-stuffed pork chops suggests cutting a pocket into each chop and filling it with a mixture of Boursin cheese and diced apples. The chops are then seasoned and fried for a couple of minutes on each side before being cooked in the oven for around 25-30 minutes.

Another recipe takes a similar approach, but wraps the stuffed pork chops in bacon before frying and baking, securing the bacon with a toothpick.

A third recipe takes a different approach, creating an artichoke crust with Boursin cheese, dijon mustard, rosemary, and breadcrumbs. The crust is then baked onto the pork chops, creating a flavoursome topping.

All three recipes are simple to make and are sure to impress at any social gathering or intimate dinner.

Gruyere

When pairing Gruyere with pork chops, it is important to use a good-quality cheese to create the desired zing and avoid a poor-quality cheese that may not deliver the intended flavour.

Blue cheese

For a simple, yet impressive weeknight meal, try this blue cheese-crusted pork chop recipe. The crumbly, tangy blue cheese topping adds a "fancy" touch to your dinner. The topping is made by mixing breadcrumbs, blue cheese, parsley or green onions, salt, and pepper, with olive oil to bind it all together. Season your pork chops with salt and pepper, spread the crumb mixture on top, and pat it down. Cook the chops in an oven-proof skillet for 2 minutes, then transfer to an oven preheated to 400°F for 6-8 minutes. Finish by broiling for a few minutes until the topping is golden brown.

For a truly indulgent dish, smother your pork chops in a creamy blue cheese gravy. This recipe involves frying the chops in butter, then making a gravy by adding whipping cream and blue cheese to the pan. The gravy is then poured over the chops. This dish is best served with mashed potato and vegetables, or even noodles, to soak up all that delicious sauce.

For a quick and easy meal, top your pork chops with a mixture of blue cheese, Dijon mustard, and herbs. This combination of flavours is simple to prepare and will impress your family and friends.

For a more indulgent take on the above recipe, add some mozzarella to the blue cheese and mustard mixture. This combination of cheeses will result in a rich, gooey topping that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

For an extra cheesy twist, pair blue cheese with cheddar. This combination can be used in a variety of ways, such as a sauce, a topping, or even stuffed inside the pork chops. Get creative and experiment with different recipes!

Frequently asked questions