The Best Cheeses To Top Off Your Gyro

Gyros are a classic Greek dish, traditionally made with pita bread, meat (lamb, chicken, or pork), vegetables, and tzatziki sauce. While the ingredients used can vary, feta cheese is a popular choice for a gyro, adding a salty, tangy flavour. Other cheeses can also be used, such as kasseri or mozzarella, which melt nicely and add a creamy texture. For an extra indulgent option, a gyro grilled cheese sandwich combines the flavours of a traditional gyro with melted cheese.

Feta cheese is a common ingredient in gyros

Feta cheese is a salty and tangy cheese made from sheep or goat's milk. It is usually eaten fresh and adds a unique flavour and texture to the gyro. In a gyro, feta cheese is typically crumbled or shredded and mixed with other ingredients. It can also be combined with other soft cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar to enhance the flavour and creaminess.

The addition of feta cheese to a gyro provides a balance of flavours and textures. Its salty and tangy taste complements the other ingredients, such as the cool and creamy tzatziki sauce, the crisp and fresh vegetables, and the spiced and grilled meat. Feta cheese also adds richness and creaminess to the gyro, making it a more indulgent and satisfying dish.

When assembling a gyro, the pita bread is spread with tzatziki sauce, and then layered with meat, vegetables, and feta cheese. The sandwich is then rolled and wrapped in aluminium foil to hold its shape and keep it warm. This makes it easier to eat and ensures that the flavours and textures of the ingredients blend together harmoniously.

Feta cheese is a key ingredient in the traditional Greek gyro, and its inclusion elevates the dish and makes it a more memorable and enjoyable eating experience. The combination of feta cheese with the other classic gyro ingredients creates a delicious and distinctive flavour profile that has contributed to the popularity of gyros worldwide.

Kasseri is a Greek melty cheese used in gyro grilled cheese sandwiches

Kasseri: The Greek Melty Cheese for Gyro Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Kasseri is a Greek cheese with excellent melting properties, making it the perfect choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, particularly the Greek gyro sandwich.

A gyro is a Greek wrap or sandwich, typically made with pita bread, meat (lamb, chicken, or pork), vegetables, and tzatziki sauce. It is a popular dish worldwide, but the ingredients and preparation methods can vary, especially outside of Greece.

The Role of Cheese in a Gyro

Feta cheese is a common ingredient in a traditional gyro, adding a salty, tangy flavour to the sandwich. However, when it comes to creating a grilled cheese version of the gyro, a different type of cheese is required – one that melts well and complements the other ingredients.

Kasseri Cheese

Kasseri is a Greek cheese made from sheep or goat's milk. It has a semi-hard texture and a mild, buttery flavour. Most importantly, it melts beautifully, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. When making a gyro grilled cheese sandwich, Kasseri cheese is the perfect choice to combine with other ingredients like slow-roasted lamb, juicy tomatoes, sweet onions, garlicky tzatziki, and salty feta.

Preparing the Gyro Grilled Cheese Sandwich

To prepare this sandwich, simply spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread. Sprinkle shredded Kasseri cheese (or mozzarella) on the inside of one slice, followed by crumbled feta, roast lamb, tomato slices, onion, tzatziki, and finally, more Kasseri. Top it off with the other slice of bread, and grill until golden brown and the cheese has melted.

The Result

The Kasseri cheese in this sandwich ensures all the ingredients come together in a delicious, melty package. The gyro grilled cheese sandwich is a hearty and flavourful creation, bringing together the best of two worlds: the classic Greek flavours of a gyro and the comforting, indulgent nature of a grilled cheese sandwich.

Mozzarella is another cheese option for gyro grilled cheese sandwiches

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in numerous dishes, including grilled cheese sandwiches and even Greek gyro sandwiches. Its mild flavour and melting properties make it a suitable option for those who want a change from the more common cheese choices for gyros.

When making a gyro grilled cheese sandwich, mozzarella can be a great alternative to Greek cheeses like feta or kasseri. Its stringy, stretchy texture when melted can add a fun and indulgent element to the sandwich. The cheese's mild flavour also means it won't overpower the other ingredients in the gyro, such as the lamb, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.

To make a gyro grilled cheese sandwich with mozzarella, you can follow a similar process as you would with other cheeses. Start by buttering the outside of each slice of bread. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on the inside of one slice, followed by the other ingredients, and top it off with another sprinkle of cheese before placing the second slice of bread on top.

Grill the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted. This should take around 2-4 minutes per side.

Mozzarella can also be combined with other cheeses to add variety to your gyro grilled cheese sandwich. For instance, you could mix it with feta cheese, which is commonly used in gyros, to get the best of both worlds. The salty, tangy flavour of feta complements the mildness of mozzarella, creating a unique taste profile for your sandwich.

So, if you're looking for a twist on the traditional gyro grilled cheese sandwich, consider using mozzarella. Its melting properties and mild flavour make it a great option for this Greek-inspired dish.

Crumbled feta can be added to a gyro for extra richness

Gyros are a classic Greek dish, with the meat traditionally cooked on a vertical spit and shaved off in individual servings. While this dish is often enjoyed as-is, some people like to add cheese to their gyros for extra flavour and texture.

Feta is a soft cheese with a salty taste and a hint of sourness. It is made from sheep or goat's milk and is usually eaten fresh. Crumbled feta can be added to a gyro for extra richness. It goes well with ground beef and lamb, as well as chicken. Feta is a common ingredient in gyros, and it can be combined with other soft cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for an even more indulgent experience.

Feta cheese and cherry tomatoes are a classic combination that works well in almost any dish. The two ingredients create a fresh and light taste with a slight tang and a hint of sweetness. Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to this combination results in an incredibly tasty sandwich that will leave you wanting more.

If you're looking for a true Greek gyros experience, you need tzatziki sauce. This sauce is made from Greek yogurt, dill, cucumbers, and garlic. However, if you want to switch things up, you can add a twist of mint to your tzatziki sauce for a refreshing change.

Gyros can be served with a side of fries

Gyros are a classic Greek dish, traditionally made with pita bread, meat (lamb, chicken, or pork), vegetables, and tzatziki sauce. While the ingredients used can vary, authentic Greek gyros typically include feta cheese and sometimes a few French fries.

When it comes to serving gyros, they are usually rolled and wrapped in aluminium foil to help hold their shape and keep them warm. Gyros can be a tasty and filling meal on their own, but if you want to make it a more substantial dish, serving them with a side of fries is a great option.

The addition of fries not only makes the meal more hearty but also provides a contrast of textures and flavours. Crispy, golden fries can be a perfect complement to the soft pita bread and juicy meat of the gyro. They also add a bit of crunch and a different flavour profile to the mix.

Moreover, fries are a common side dish in Greece, so including them with gyros can give your meal an even more authentic feel. Whether you choose classic French fries or opt for Greek-style seasoned fries, they are sure to enhance your gyro-eating experience.

So, if you're looking to elevate your gyro game, don't hesitate to serve them with a side of fries. This combination will not only satisfy your hunger but also provide a delightful blend of flavours and textures that will leave you craving more.

Frequently asked questions