Frederic Melton
BBQ beef and cheese is a classic combination, but which cheese is best? There are so many varieties and flavour profiles that the combinations of food, drink, and cheese pairings are nearly infinite. However, there are a few popular options. For example, cheddar is a comforting staple found in most households and is versatile, ranging from young and creamy to aged and tangy. BBQ beef grilled cheese sandwiches are also delicious when made with white cheddar and shredded slow cooker BBQ beef. Provolone is another option, pairing well with beef when melted over a traditional cheesesteak. Spicy, salty, and grilled foods also go well with provolone. If you're looking for something more gourmet, try filling your burger with Comte or Old Amsterdam Gouda.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | American, cheddar, smoked mozzarella, provolone, gouda, havarti, comte, old amsterdam gouda, brie, haloumi, kefalotyri, provoleta, juustoleipa |
| Cheese texture | Firm, soft, creamy, silky, crumbly, smooth |
| Cheese flavour | Sharp, nutty, buttery, tangy, salty |
| Meat type | Beef |
| Meat preparation | Slow cooker, shredded |
| Bread type | White bread, focaccia, semmel roll, panini, flatbread |
| Bread preparation | Buttered, oiled, mayonnaise on the outside |
| Toppings | Onions, basil, pesto, tomato, sauerkraut, mustard, mint, oregano, hot pepper flakes, bacon, caramelized onions |
| Other dishes | Quesadillas, macaroni and cheese, cheesesteak, burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese-stuffed burgers, nachos, stuffed mushrooms |
| Sauce | BBQ sauce, cheese sauce |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
BBQ beef grilled cheese sandwiches
Ingredients
- Bread of your choice (white, sourdough, focaccia, etc.)
- Butter
- Mayonnaise
- Cheese (cheddar, American, Gruyere, Swiss, Fontina, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any good melting cheese)
- BBQ beef (shredded or sliced)
- Optional: sliced tomato, onions, pickles, etc.
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Spread one side of both pieces of bread with butter or mayonnaise – just enough to coat the surface or each with a thin layer.
- Lay one slice of bread in the hot skillet, buttered/mayo side down.
- Add your chosen cheese, then the BBQ beef, and then the remaining cheese.
- Top with the second slice of bread, buttered/mayo side up.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low. When the cheese looks about halfway melted, use a spatula to flip the sandwich over in the pan.
- Cook the sandwich until both sides are golden and the cheese is melted.
- Slice the sandwich in half and serve.
Tips
- If you want to add toppings like raw onion, garlic, or mustard, consider using Havarti or gouda cheese.
- For a more gourmet sandwich, try using Comte or Old Amsterdam Gouda.
- If you're using leftover brisket, slowly warm it up in a pan on the stovetop before making your sandwich.
- You can also make these sandwiches in a panini press for 3-5 minutes.
Cheese Options for Green Bean Casserole: A Quick Guide
You may want to see also
BBQ beef and cheddar
One popular way to enjoy BBQ beef and cheddar is in a sandwich. This can be a simple combination of shredded BBQ beef and cheddar on a bun, placed under the broiler to melt the cheese. For an extra indulgent touch, a garlic butter sauce can be added, along with sautéed onions and beer cheese. Another option is to use leftover roast beef, warmed up and shredded, mixed with BBQ sauce, and topped with cheddar.
For those who enjoy a heartier meal, a one-pot dish combining BBQ beef, cheddar, pasta, and barbecue sauce is a perfect choice. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and tangy, and can be customised with additional ingredients such as corn or peas. It is also a quick and easy option, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when feeding a large group.
When it comes to selecting the right cheddar for your BBQ beef dish, medium and old cheddars are ideal. These cheddars are creamier and slightly sharper, allowing them to melt more easily than a very mature cheddar. However, ultimately, the choice of cheese is a personal preference, and there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to pairing cheese with BBQ beef. So, feel free to experiment and find the combination that suits your taste buds the best!
The Finest French Cheeses: A Guide
You may want to see also
Grilled cheese with BBQ sauce
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, and there are many ways to elevate them. When it comes to BBQ beef, there are several types of cheese that can be paired with it. The rule is that there is no rule—you can eat your favourite cheese with your favourite food. However, there are some combinations that work better than others.
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches with BBQ beef. It has a range of flavours, from young and creamy to aged and tangy. Medium and old cheddars are creamier and melt more easily, while still offering a sharper taste. You can make a delicious BBQ grilled cheese sandwich by melting garlic butter in a skillet over medium heat, adding red onion and cooking until caramelized. Spread BBQ sauce on two slices of bread, add the caramelized onions, and place two slices of cheddar on the other slices. Put the sandwich together and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Other cheeses that go well with BBQ beef include American, Gruyere, Swiss, and Fontina. Salami, ham, or other meat fillings can also be added. For a Wisconsin grilled cheese sandwich, use cheddar, sliced grilled bratwurst, sauerkraut, and mustard on a semmel roll.
If you're looking for something different, try a quesadilla—Mexico's grilled cheese sandwich. Coarsely grate the cheese so it melts more evenly, then grill between tortillas with chiles. You can also try grilling halloumi, a firm, salt-brined cheese from Cyprus. Slice it into slabs, brush with olive oil, and grill over medium-high heat until browned.
For a tangy, spicy BBQ sauce, a creamy cheese like brie or gouda is a good pairing. Havarti and gouda also go well with burgers that have toppings like raw onion, garlic, or mustard.
Cheese Diet: Best Low-Calorie Cheeses to Eat Guilt-Free
You may want to see also
Explore related products
BBQ beef and gouda
When it comes to BBQ beef, there are many types of cheese that can be paired with it. One of the most popular cheeses to pair with BBQ beef is gouda.
Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that originates from the Netherlands. It is known for its sweet and nutty flavour, which can complement the smokiness of BBQ beef. When melted, gouda becomes creamy and can add a rich texture to BBQ beef dishes.
One popular dish that combines BBQ beef and gouda is the BBQ Gouda Juicy Lucy, which is a take on the classic Minnesota burger. This dish consists of ground beef patties stuffed with smoked gouda and topped with BBQ sauce and crispy fried onions. The gouda adds a creamy and delicate flavour to the burger, while the BBQ sauce and fried onions provide a tangy and crunchy contrast.
Another way to enjoy BBQ beef and gouda is in the form of a burger or sandwich. Smoked gouda can be melted over a beef patty and paired with toppings such as bacon, caramelized onions, and barbecue sauce. The sharpness of the gouda can cut through the richness of the beef and enhance the overall flavour of the dish.
In addition to burgers and sandwiches, gouda can also be used in BBQ beef sausages. Homemade beef sausages with jalapeño and gouda have been praised by BBQ enthusiasts for their flavourful combination. The heat of the jalapeño is balanced by the creamy texture and mild flavour of the gouda, creating a unique and tasty sausage.
Overall, gouda is an excellent cheese to pair with BBQ beef due to its versatility and distinct flavour. Whether melted on top of a burger, stuffed inside a sausage, or paired with BBQ beef in a sandwich, gouda adds a creamy texture and nutty flavour that enhances the overall taste experience.
Meats and Cheeses: Charcuterie Essentials
You may want to see also
Grilled cheese: grilling techniques
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a delicious comfort food, but there are some tips and tricks to elevate your grilled cheese game.
Firstly, the cheese. While pre-grated cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheese is the way to go for the ultimate grilled cheese experience. Pre-grated cheese is coated with anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting evenly. Freshly grated cheese will give you a smoother, softer melt. The best cheeses for grilled cheese are those that melt well, such as American, cheddar, pepper Jack, Havarti, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or provolone. For a more complex flavour profile, try using two types of cheese—one for stretch, like mozzarella, and another for flavour, like Gruyère or vintage cheddar.
Next, the bread. While any bread will work, it's important to ensure the slices aren't too thick so that the sandwich gets crispy. Sourdough is a popular choice for grilled cheese, as it adds a tangy flavour that pairs well with rich, melted cheese. Regular white bread, brioche, and focaccia are also good options.
Now, the cooking method. Grilled cheese is typically cooked on a stove in a skillet, griddle, or pan. A cast-iron skillet is ideal as it heats evenly and browns food well. To get that golden, crispy exterior, spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread. Mayonnaise adds an extra layer of creaminess and saltiness to the sandwich, while softened butter will give you a crispier exterior. If you're using butter, salted butter is preferable, but if you're feeling adventurous, you can add a light sprinkle of salt to unsalted butter.
Finally, the assembly. Finely grate your chosen cheese and shred your favourite bread. Butter one side of each slice of bread and arrange them buttered side down. Top the bread slices with cheese, and if you're feeling adventurous, add some veggies, fruit, or pickles. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up, to form the sandwich. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook over medium heat until golden and the cheese starts to melt. Flip the sandwich and cook until the other side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
And there you have it—a delicious, crispy, and gooey grilled cheese sandwich!
Vegan Cheeses: The Ultimate Guide to Dairy-Free Deliciousness
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
BBQ beef grilled cheese sandwiches are a popular comfort food, and the best cheese to use is shredded white cheddar cheese.
White bread is the classic choice, but you could also use focaccia, panini, or a semmel roll.
Some people prefer to butter the outside of the bread, while others use mayonnaise.
Onions are a popular choice, including haystack onions, onion straws, and caramelized onions. You could also add pickles or mustard.
BBQ beef and cheese sandwiches often use cheddar, but you could also use American cheese, gouda, or provolone.
