Cheese And Roast Turkey: The Perfect Pairing

Turkey and cheese is a classic combination, and for good reason. The savoury depth of cheese complements the mild flavour of turkey, creating a pleasing contrast that always hits the spot. But what type of cheese goes best with roast turkey?

When it comes to choosing the right cheese for a roast turkey sandwich, it's important to consider the strength of its flavour and texture. You don't want a cheese that's too overpowering, but you also don't want one that's too mild. A semi-firm or soft cheese that melts well is usually a safe bet.

Some popular choices for turkey sandwiches include gouda, provolone, Emmental, and Monterey Jack. These cheeses offer a range of flavours, from smoky and nutty to mild and creamy, that pair perfectly with the delicate taste of turkey. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try something like gorgonzola dolce, cambozola, or even parmesan.

So, the next time you're making a roast turkey sandwich, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and find the perfect combination for your taste buds!

Cheese for a hot turkey sandwich

A hot turkey sandwich is a great way to use up leftover turkey from a roast dinner, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. Adding cheese to a hot turkey sandwich creates a whole new taste sensation, transforming it into an oozy, gooey, cheesy treat.

When choosing a cheese for your hot turkey sandwich, you should consider the strength of its flavour and its texture. You want a cheese that is robust but not overpowering, and that will melt well.

Gouda

Gouda is a semi-firm cheese with a creamy, mild flavour and a stretchy texture. It is the perfect partner for turkey in a sandwich, both hot and cold. It works well with crisp lettuce and slices of cucumber and tomato. For a more adventurous combination, try adding peppery arugula and sweet, crisp slices of apple.

Provolone

Provolone is an aged stretched-curd cheese from Italy with a mild nutty flavour and a hint of spiciness. It pairs well with roasted turkey breast, adding new levels of taste without being overpowering. This cheese is best served cold, on light whole grain or white bread. For some added zing, add a dollop of pesto mayonnaise and some fresh baby spinach leaves for extra crunch.

Emmental

Emmental is a firm and stretchy cheese with a distinctive fruity flavour and notes of hazelnut. It works well with darker leg and thigh meats and is best served cold. This combination is enhanced by the addition of crisp pickled gherkins, crunchy iceberg lettuce, and zingy Dijon mustard.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a classic grilled sandwich cheese and is the cheese of choice for a hot turkey sandwich. It has a mild buttery flavour that complements the delicate taste of turkey, and its creamy texture melts beautifully under the grill. Keep it simple by adding a few slices of avocado and pickled jalapenos. For an extra salty kick, top it with grilled bacon.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a strong and pungent hard and crumbly cheese. It works well with smoked turkey, where its sharpness brings out the taste of the cooked meat. For a touch of crunch and sweetness, add some thinly sliced red onion. Serve with a few cherry tomatoes on the side for a refreshing hit of sweet, juicy flavour.

Brie

Brie is a soft, mild, and delicate cheese with a creamy, buttery flavour. It is best suited for those who prefer a very subtle cheese. It pairs well with thin slices of cooked turkey breast. A classic holiday combination is a sandwich with turkey, cranberry jelly, and brie.

Cheese for a cold turkey sandwich

The best cheese for a cold turkey sandwich will complement the flavour of the turkey without overpowering it. It should be robust but not overwhelming. If you're making a grilled sandwich, you'll also want to consider a cheese that melts well.

Some popular cheeses for a cold turkey sandwich include:

• Gouda: This semi-firm cheese has a creamy, mild flavour that accentuates the delicate taste of turkey. It works well with crisp lettuce, cucumber, and tomato. For a more adventurous combination, try adding peppery arugula and sweet, crisp slices of apple.
• Provolone: A mild, nutty, slightly spicy, and subtly smoky Italian cheese. It pairs well with roasted turkey breast, adding flavour without being overpowering. It's best served cold on a light whole grain or white bread roll. For added zing, try adding pesto mayonnaise and fresh baby spinach leaves.
• Emmental: A punchier and more robust cheese with a distinctive fruity flavour and notes of hazelnut. It works well with darker leg and thigh meats. This combination is enhanced by crisp pickled gherkins, crunchy iceberg lettuce, and zingy Dijon mustard.
• Monterey Jack: A classic grilled sandwich cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It complements the delicate taste of turkey and melts well. It pairs well with avocado and pickled jalapenos. For an extra salty kick, add grilled bacon.
• Cheddar: A strong, pungent cheese that pairs well with smoked turkey, bringing out the taste of the cooked meat. Add thinly sliced red onion and cherry tomatoes for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
• Brie: A soft, mild, and delicate cheese with a creamy, buttery flavour. It's best suited for thin slices of cooked turkey breast. Brie, cranberry jelly, and turkey is a classic holiday leftover dish.
• Parmesan: A hard Italian cheese with a strong, nutty, sweet, and salty flavour. A light sprinkling adds a lot of flavour without adding too many calories. It works well in a hot toasted panini with herby marinara sauce and slices of cooked turkey breast.
• Edam: A smooth, salty cheese that's often overlooked as a sandwich cheese. It's a great choice for a club sandwich served inside a crusty baguette or thick slices of artisan bread. Pair it with crisp bacon, fresh salad leaves, sliced pickles, and honey and mustard spread.
• Colby Jack: A mild, nutty American cheese that melts well and stands up to stronger flavours. It pairs well with leftover beef chilli and fresh jalapenos for a spicy kick.

Best bread for a turkey and cheese sandwich

The bread you choose for your turkey and cheese sandwich is just as important as the cheese itself. The bread should complement the cheese and turkey, adding to the overall taste sensation.

Soft White Bread

A soft white bread is a good option for a turkey and cheese sandwich. It will hold all the ingredients together, especially if it has a thick crust. This type of bread is also ideal if you plan to toast or grill your sandwich, as the thick crust will add a nice texture.

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread is another great choice, especially if you're looking for a healthier option. It has a nutty flavour that can enhance the taste of the cheese and turkey. Like soft white bread, whole wheat bread holds up well to toasting or grilling, creating a crunchy texture.

Sourdough Bread

For a more robust flavour, sourdough bread is an excellent choice. Its tangy, slightly sour taste will complement the turkey and cheese without overwhelming them. Sourdough also has a nice, chewy texture that adds substance to the sandwich.

Brioche Bread

If you want a touch of sweetness to your sandwich, brioche bread is a perfect choice. Its soft, rich texture and subtle flavour will enhance the other ingredients without overpowering them. Brioche is also strong enough to hold up well to grilling or toasting.

Rye Bread

Rye bread is a hearty, flavourful option that pairs exceptionally well with certain cheeses, such as Gouda. It has a strong, distinct taste that can stand up to the other ingredients in the sandwich. Rye bread also has a dense texture that will keep your sandwich together.

French Bread

French bread, or a baguette, is a classic choice for a sandwich. It has a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior that can accommodate a variety of fillings. Toasting or grilling French bread will give it a nice crunch while maintaining its light texture.

In conclusion, the best bread for a turkey and cheese sandwich depends on your personal preference and the specific ingredients you plan to use. Experiment with different types of bread to find the perfect combination that elevates your sandwich-making experience.

Best condiments for a turkey and cheese sandwich

The humble sandwich is a staple in many households, and a turkey and cheese sandwich is a classic combination. But what takes this sandwich to the next level are the condiments. Here are some ideas to elevate your sandwich-making game:

Butter or Mayonnaise

Start with the basics—the spread that will hold your sandwich together. Butter or mayonnaise are the traditional choices, and it really comes down to personal preference. Butter lends a rich, creamy texture and enhances the flavours of the turkey and cheese. Mayonnaise, on the other hand, adds moisture and is a great vehicle for other flavours to shine.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a must-have condiment, especially if you're using leftover turkey from a holiday feast. It adds a nice sweetness and a touch of moisture to your sandwich. If you don't have any cranberry sauce on hand, forest berry jams or preserves can also work well. Just be sure not to spread it on too thickly.

Bacon

Bacon is the perfect savoury, smoky addition to your sandwich. Its crunchy texture and salty taste work exceptionally well with almost all types of cheese. It adds a whole new dimension of flavour and texture to your sandwich.

Avocado

Avocado provides a nice contrast in texture to the bacon. Its soft, buttery flavour doesn't overpower the other ingredients and adds a touch of creaminess and a burst of healthy goodness. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on your avocado slices to bring their flavours alive!

Lettuce and Tomato

No sandwich is complete without some fresh, crispy lettuce and ripe, juicy tomato slices. They add a refreshing crunch and a contrast to the rich, creamy cheese and succulent turkey slices.

Mustard

A tangy condiment like mustard can really take your sandwich to the next level. From classic yellow mustard to spicy brown or smooth Dijon, there are many options to choose from. It adds a nice zing to your sandwich and pairs well with the other ingredients.

Pickles

Pickles, especially dill pickles, are a great way to add a tangy, crunchy element to your sandwich. They can be sliced or whole, and they provide a nice contrast to the other ingredients.

Pesto

If you're looking for something a little different, pesto is a great option. It adds a burst of flavour and pairs well with the turkey and cheese. You can also mix it with mayonnaise for a unique spread.

Hot Sauce

For those who like it spicy, adding a dash of hot sauce can really kick things up a notch. It complements the cheese and turkey beautifully and adds an extra layer of flavour.

Honey

A drizzle of honey can add a touch of sweetness to your sandwich. It pairs well with the savoury flavours of the turkey and cheese and creates a delightful combination of sweet and savoury.

Remember, the key to a great sandwich is balancing flavours and textures. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different condiments and ingredients to find your perfect combination!

Best cheese for a leftover turkey sandwich

A turkey sandwich is a classic, and a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Making it a hot turkey and cheese sandwich takes it to a whole new level!

When it comes to choosing the best cheese for a turkey sandwich, you'll want to consider a few things. Firstly, look for a cheese that is robust but not overpowering in terms of flavour. Secondly, think about the texture – do you want something firm and crumbly, or soft and mouldable? And finally, consider the flavour profile – do you want something mature and nutty, or young and tangy?

Gouda

Gouda is often overlooked as a sandwich cheese, but it is the perfect partner for turkey in a sandwich, both hot and cold. It has a semi-firm texture that moulds around the cooked meat, and a creamy, mild flavour that accentuates the delicate taste of turkey.

Provolone

Provolone is an aged stretched-curd cheese that originates from Italy. It has a mild nutty flavour with delicate smoky undertones. This pairs perfectly with roasted turkey breast, adding new levels of taste without overpowering the cooked meat. It works best in a cold turkey sandwich on a light whole grain or white bread roll.

Emmental

If you're looking for something a little punchier and more robust, Emmental is a good choice. It has a distinctive fruity flavour with notes of hazelnut, which work well with darker leg and thigh meats. This combination is enhanced by the addition of crisp pickled gherkins, crunchy iceberg lettuce, and zingy Dijon mustard.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is the classic grilled sandwich cheese, so it's an excellent choice for a hot turkey sandwich. It has a mild buttery flavour that complements the delicate taste of turkey, and its creamy texture melts perfectly under the grill. Keep it simple with a few slices of avocado and pickled jalapenos, or add grilled bacon for an extra salty kick.

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is not for the faint-hearted, but if you like your food punchy and packed with flavour, give it a try. We think it works best with smoked turkey, where the sharpness of the cheese brings out the taste of the cooked meat. Add some thinly sliced red onion for a touch of crunch and sweetness, and serve with cherry tomatoes on the side for a refreshing hit of juicy flavour.

Brie

Brie is a soft, mild cheese that is very delicate in flavour, so it's a good option if you like your cheese subtle. It will add a hint of creamy, buttery flavour to your turkey, especially if you have thin slices of cooked turkey breast. A turkey, cranberry, and brie sandwich is a classic holiday leftover dish that many people look forward to.

Parmesan

If you're looking for an intense flavour, try Parmesan. This hard Italian cheese is aged for a long period, giving it a strong nutty flavour that is sweet, salty, and very strong. A little goes a long way, so it's ideal if you don't want to load your sandwich with fatty cheese. Parmesan works well in a hot toasted panini with herby marinara sauce and slices of cooked turkey breast.

Edam

Edam is another cheese that is often overlooked as a sandwich filler, but it's a great choice if you're creating the ultimate club sandwich. Its smooth texture and salty taste are ideal served inside a crusty baguette or thick slices of artisan bread. Add crisp bacon, fresh salad leaves, sliced pickles, and a honey and mustard spread to complete the perfect combination.

Colby Jack

Colby Jack cheese is a mix of Colby and Monterey Jack, and it originates from the US. It has a mild, nutty flavour and melts very easily, making it a popular choice for grilled turkey sandwiches and sliders. Try adding a spoonful of beef chilli and a few thin slices of fresh jalapenos to your hot turkey sandwich for a spicy kick.

Frequently asked questions