Andy Montoya
Pork tenderloin and cheese is a tasty duo. The rich, savoury flavour of pork is a perfect canvas for cheeses of all varieties. Blue cheese is a popular choice, offering a pungent flavour that balances the richness of the pork. Other cheeses that pair well with pork tenderloin include Swiss, Feta, Goat, Gouda, Pepper Jack, Provolone, and Havarti. When choosing a cheese to pair with pork tenderloin, it is essential to consider the intensity of the cheese and the richness of the pork cut.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Blue Cheese, Swiss Cheese, Feta, Pepper Jack, Goat Cheese, Gouda, Provolone, Havarti, Gruyère, Fontina, Muenster, Parmesan, Cheddar, Cream Cheese, Peppercorn Cheese, Halloumi, Camembert, Gorgonzola, Ricotta Salata, Brebis Basque Cheese, Chèvre, Brie, Queso Fresco, Queso Blanco |
| Flavour | Mild, Tangy, Creamy, Sweet, Spicy, Sharp, Savory, Bold, Pungent, Salty, Smoky |
| Texture | Oozy, Melty, Crunchy |
| Other | Avoid very sweet cheeses like mascarpone |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola, is a popular choice
Blue cheese is a versatile option that can be used in a variety of ways when cooking with pork tenderloin. It can be stuffed inside the pork tenderloin to create a flavourful and juicy centre. Alternatively, it can be crumbled over the cooked pork tenderloin, adding a creamy texture and a tangy taste. Another option is to use blue cheese as a component of a sauce or glaze, which can be drizzled over the pork tenderloin to enhance its flavour.
When choosing a blue cheese, consider the intensity of flavour that will best complement the pork tenderloin. For a milder option, a soft blue cheese such as Gorgonzola or Cambozola can be a good choice. These cheeses have a creamy texture and a more subtle flavour that won't overpower the pork. Harder blue cheeses, such as Stilton or Roquefort, have a stronger flavour and a crumbly texture, making them ideal for adding a punch of flavour to the dish.
Additionally, blue cheese pairs well with other ingredients that are commonly used with pork tenderloin. For example, sweet and tangy flavours like apples, cranberries, and honey can complement both the pork and the blue cheese. Herbs and spices such as sage, rosemary, and pepper can also enhance the flavour profile of the dish.
When serving blue cheese with pork tenderloin, consider the presentation and portion size. Blue cheese can be a strong and distinct flavour, so a little can go a long way. You may want to serve it as a side dish or topping rather than incorporating it directly into the pork tenderloin. This way, your guests can adjust the amount of blue cheese to their preference.
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Swiss cheese is a milder option
Another option is to use Swiss cheese as a topping for pork tenderloin. In this case, the Swiss cheese can be melted over the pork, creating a creamy texture and a mild flavour that won't overpower the pork. This technique can be applied to breaded pork cutlets or sandwiches, such as a Cuban or Reuben.
Swiss cheese also pairs well with other ingredients that complement pork tenderloin. For example, it can be used in combination with garlic, cilantro, and lime to create a flavourful marinade for the pork. Additionally, Swiss cheese can be served alongside roasted hazelnuts, providing a salty and nutty contrast to the sweetness of the pork.
When choosing Swiss cheese to pair with pork tenderloin, consider the intensity of the cheese. As a milder variety, Swiss cheese is well-suited to subtle cuts of pork like tenderloin. Its creamy texture and gentle flavour won't overwhelm the natural taste of the meat, creating a harmonious dish.
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Goat cheese is tangy and creamy
If you want to try something different, you can also stuff your pork tenderloin with cheese. Some recipes suggest using Swiss cheese, while others recommend blue cheese, feta, or cream cheese. You can also try a combination of cheeses. For example, one recipe includes cheddar cheese, cream cheese, green onions, bacon, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Another recipe uses Swiss cheese, peppercorn cheese, and chorizo.
If you're looking for a side dish to accompany your pork tenderloin, you can try mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or sweet potatoes. You can also experiment with different types of salads, such as a green bean salad or a salad with pear, candied nuts, gorgonzola, and spinach.
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Halloumi stuffed pork chops
When it comes to pork tenderloin, there are many types of cheese that can be paired with it. Blue cheese is a popular choice, with its bold, pungent flavour offering a punchy contrast to the richness of the pork. Other cheeses that pair well with pork include goat cheese, gouda, pepper jack, provolone, havarti, gruyère, fontina, muenster, and parmesan.
Now, for a unique and delicious take on pork chops, try this recipe for Halloumi-stuffed pork chops. Halloumi is a Cypriot cheese known for its smooth, slightly springy texture and salty flavour. When grilled, it develops a deliciously crispy exterior while retaining its creamy interior.
Ingredients
- 4 center-cut pork loin chops
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese, 1/4-inch thick slices
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves
- Lemon wedges and zest for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat an oven-proof skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Sear the chops in the skillet for 2 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, approximately 10 minutes.
- Remove the chops from the skillet and let them rest.
- In the same skillet, add the capers and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Fry the capers for about 1 minute, until they are slightly darkened.
- Spoon the capers over the pork chops.
- Add butter, halloumi slices, honey, and oregano to the skillet. Fry the cheese until golden, about 1 minute per side.
- Add lemon juice to the skillet and mix with the pan juices.
- Top the pork chops with the fried halloumi and drizzle with the lemon-butter sauce.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and zest.
Serve these Halloumi-stuffed pork chops with a side of asparagus and tomato couscous for a truly memorable meal. Enjoy!
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Cheddar cheese is a common choice for grilled cheese sandwiches
There are many types of cheese that can be paired with pork tenderloin, including blue cheese, Swiss cheese, and Fontina. One recipe for a cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin includes cheddar cheese, green onions, bacon, cream cheese, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Cheddar cheese is also used in other grilled cheese sandwiches, such as those made with pineapple chile pulled pork or root beer-glazed pulled pork. These sandwiches can be made in the oven or with a slow cooker. The pork is shredded and stuffed into the sandwich, creating a gooey and melted texture.
In addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, cheddar cheese can be used in other recipes that pair well with pork tenderloin. For example, cheddar cheese can be added to mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. It can also be included in a French toast or waffle dish, topped with ham and more cheddar cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular cheeses that go well with pork tenderloin include Swiss, blue, pepper jack, cheddar, gouda, provolone, and goat cheese.
One recipe for a cheese-stuffed pork tenderloin includes combining cheddar cheese, green onions, chorizo, cream cheese, spinach, mushrooms, garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper. The mixture is then spread onto a pounded tenderloin, which is then rolled jelly roll style and coated with bread crumbs before being baked in the oven.
When pairing cheese with pork tenderloin, it's important to match the intensity of the cheese with the subtlety or richness of the pork cut. For example, milder cheeses go well with tenderloin, while stronger cheeses pair better with richer cuts like pork shoulder. It's also a good idea to contrast textures, such as pairing breaded cutlets with melted cheese, and accent flavors, like using a sharp cheese to cut through the fat of the pork.
