Turkey's Cheesy Partners: Perfect Cheese Pairings For Your Meat

Turkey and cheese is a classic sandwich combination, but which type of cheese works best? The answer depends on the flavour of your turkey and your personal preference. If your turkey is packed with flavour or is smoky, a mild, young cheese is the best pairing. Edam, Monterey Jack, and Havarti are great choices, but to truly elevate your sandwich, opt for Provolone Dolce. If your turkey is more subtle, you can add a slightly more complex cheese, such as Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or Pepper Jack. For an extra kick, try a mild blue cheese like Gorgonzola Dolce or Cambozola.

Swiss, provolone, and cheddar

Swiss cheese is a versatile choice that pairs well with most meat sandwiches. It has a mild, nutty flavour with savoury undertones and a sweet finish. Swiss cheese can be used in a variety of ways, either melted or unmelted, and is a popular choice for those who enjoy a simple, classic sandwich.

Provolone, on the other hand, is an Italian pasta filata (stretched curd) cheese made with full-fat cow's milk. It has a unique shape and appearance due to the way it is hung and matured. Provolone has a mild, nutty flavour with savoury notes, making it an excellent choice for Italian-style sandwiches. It pairs well with turkey, especially when sliced thin and fresh.

Cheddar is a well-loved and versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of sandwiches. It has a sharp, tangy flavour that can complement the turkey without overwhelming it. Cheddar can be used in both hot and cold sandwiches and is a popular choice for those who prefer a more robust cheese flavour.

When creating a turkey sandwich, it is essential to consider the quality of the ingredients and their proportions. The type of bread, condiments, and additional toppings can greatly enhance the overall taste experience. Soft white bread or wholemeal bread with a thick, dense texture works well to hold all the ingredients together. Condiments such as mayonnaise or butter add moisture and enhance the flavours. Adding leftover cranberry sauce or forest berry jams can provide a nice touch of sweetness to the sandwich.

Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Pepper Jack

Monterey Jack, sometimes shortened to Jack, is a Californian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk. It has a mild flavour and slight sweetness. It is a good melting cheese and is often used in quesadillas, burritos, and grilled cheese sandwiches. It is also a recommended cheese for migraine sufferers due to its low tyramine content. When paired with turkey, it can be used in sandwiches, paninis, or burgers.

Colby Jack is a marbled combination of Monterey Jack and Colby cheese. It is a good source of protein and calcium and can be used in sandwiches and paninis with turkey. The Kitchen Cravings brand offers a turkey with Colby Jack cheese sandwich on a French roll, containing 280 calories with a macronutrient breakdown of 50% carbs, 23% fat, and 27% protein.

Pepper Jack is a derivative of Monterey Jack flavoured with chilli peppers, bell peppers, and herbs, giving it a spicy kick. It pairs well with smoked turkey in a panini, especially when combined with basil and tomatoes. The spiciness of the Pepper Jack cheese can be balanced with a milder cheese, such as Muenster or mild cheddar.

Mozzarella, American cheese, and cream cheese

For those who enjoy a classic combination, a turkey sandwich with American cheese is a go-to option. This pairing is straightforward and satisfying, especially when the cheese is melted. The mild flavour and creamy texture of American cheese complement the turkey without overwhelming its delicate taste. This combination is a favourite for a reason, providing comfort and familiarity in every bite.

Cream cheese, a versatile and creamy cheese, is another excellent choice to pair with turkey. Its mild flavour and smooth texture make it a perfect match for a variety of turkey dishes. For a festive twist, a turkey cranberry cream cheese sandwich is a delightful option. The cream cheese adds a rich and creamy element to the sandwich, balancing the tartness of the cranberry sauce. This combination is a fun and easy way to elevate leftover turkey during the holiday season.

Mozzarella cheese, in its fresh form, is sometimes considered too mild to pair well with turkey. However, when melted, it can be a delicious addition to a hot turkey sandwich. The key is to use "wet" or fresh mozzarella, which has a softer texture and a more subtle flavour than its aged counterpart. This type of mozzarella can add a delightful creamy element to a warm, toasty sandwich, creating a comforting and indulgent meal.

When it comes to creating delicious flavour combinations, mozzarella, American cheese, and cream cheese each have their unique qualities that complement turkey. Whether it's the simplicity of American cheese, the creamy texture of cream cheese, or the versatility of mozzarella, these cheeses can elevate a variety of turkey dishes, from sandwiches to festive meals.

Blue cheese

Sandwiches

Meatballs

For a unique twist on a classic, try making meatballs with ground turkey and blue cheese. You can add some onion, jalapeno peppers, and a variety of seasonings to create a flavourful, tantalizing dish.

Other Options

If you're looking for something a little different, you can also pair blue cheese with turkey in other ways. For instance, you could make a turkey burger with blue cheese, or even a turkey and blue cheese pizza. You could also try a salad with turkey, blue cheese, and a variety of vegetables and greens.

Gruyère, Raclette, and Fontina

Gruyère

Gruyère is a Swiss cheese with a sweet and slightly salty taste. It has a distinctive flavour that can enhance the taste of turkey. Gruyère is a good melting cheese, so it can be used in grilled turkey sandwiches or burgers. When making a sandwich, try layering Gruyère with turkey, tomato, and lettuce on whole grain bread. You can also add condiments like mayonnaise, pesto, or chipotle for extra flavour.

Raclette

Raclette, though Swiss in origin, is a popular dish in France. It is traditionally served by melting the cheese and pouring it over boiled potatoes and charcuterie (salt-cured hams). This combination of melted Raclette cheese with potatoes and ham can be a delicious side dish or a unique twist to a meal featuring turkey as the main protein. Raclette is also commonly served with cornichons or gherkin pickles to add a tangy flavour after the cheese.

Fontina

Fontina is an Italian cheese produced in the Aosta valley, made from the milk of Valdostana cows. It has a rich and creamy texture with sweet and pungent flavours, including notes of butter and roasted nuts. Fontina can be a great addition to a turkey sandwich, providing a savoury and slightly nutty taste. It can also be melted on top of dishes featuring turkey, such as a turkey casserole or grilled turkey dishes.

Frequently asked questions