Cheese And Scrambled Eggs: The Perfect Pairing

what cheese to use for scrambled eggs

There are many types of cheese that can be used to make scrambled eggs, with some of the most popular being cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese. The key to achieving the perfect cheesy scrambled eggs is to use a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavour that can stand up to the eggs. Some other types of cheese that can be used include feta, goat cheese, Swiss cheese, mascarpone, and Gruyère. When preparing cheesy scrambled eggs, it is important to cook the eggs on low heat to ensure that the cheese melts properly and does not split. Additionally, using a spatula to make large circular motions during cooking will create soft and velvety scrambled eggs.

Characteristics Values
Cheese type Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Mascarpone, Gruyere, Feta, Goat cheese, Cream cheese, Provolone, Asiago, Ricotta, Comte, Parmigiano Reggiano, Ossau Vielle, Fontina, Swiss, Gouda, Blue, Pecorino
Cheese texture Creamy, mild, punchy, salty, shredded, thick, sharp, extra sharp, smooth, sweet, savoury, fluffy, fine, rich, buttery, semi-firm, crumbly, soft, mild
Serving suggestions Chives, black pepper, toast, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, ham, green peppers, spinach, thyme, paprika, sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, olive salad, artichoke hearts, tomato sauce, fruit

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Melting cheese

When making scrambled eggs, the key is to cook them slowly on low heat. This gives the eggs a richer flavour and a smoother, more velvety texture. It is also important to use a spatula to make big circular motions, as opposed to lots of tiny rapid ones, to create large soft curds.

When adding cheese to scrambled eggs, it is best to choose a variety that is either creamy and mild or punchy and a bit salty. It is also important to select a cheese with good meltability. Some good melting cheeses to consider are:

  • Cheddar: This is a popular choice for scrambled eggs due to its salty, punchy flavour and meltability. It is best to shred or grate the cheese to help it melt more easily into the eggs.
  • Monterey Jack: This cheese is similar to cheddar in terms of its melting properties and can help create creamy, cheesy eggs.
  • Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese to the pan before pouring in the beaten eggs creates a subtle cheesy flavour and a creamy texture.
  • Mascarpone: This Italian cheese has a high butterfat content, so a little goes a long way. It adds a creamy finish and a sweet, slightly tart taste to scrambled eggs.
  • Provolone: This cheese pairs well with fruit and can be added to scrambled eggs along with a splash of tomato sauce to balance its salty creaminess.
  • Gruyere: This classic melting cheese is just as effective on eggs as it is on burgers.
  • Fontina: When melted, this cheese loses its mildness and becomes rich and savoury, but not too strong.

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Creamy and mild

When making scrambled eggs, you might want to opt for a creamy and mild cheese that will melt smoothly into the eggs without overpowering their flavour.

A mild cheddar is a great option for this, as it melts quickly and has a mild flavour that will not mask the taste of the eggs. Monterey Jack is another mild cheese that melts beautifully and is perfect for scrambled eggs. If you want to add another dimension of flavour, you could try Pepper Jack or Colby Jack.

Mascarpone is another indulgent option for creamy scrambled eggs. Its high butterfat content means a little goes a long way, and it adds a luxurious finish to the dish.

For something a little different, cottage cheese is a surprisingly good choice. It adds a subtle creaminess to the eggs without being overpowering.

Finally, if you're looking for a cheese that will truly become "one with your eggs", you could try Comte, a semi-firm cheese with a buttery flavour, or Ossau Vielle, a sweet and floral sheep's milk cheese without the typical "sheepy funk".

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Punchy and salty

If you're looking for a punchy and salty cheese to add to your scrambled eggs, there are several varieties that will do the trick. Here are some options:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice for scrambled eggs due to its salty, punchy flavour and its meltability. Mild cheddar is a good option as it melts quickly and has a creamy texture, adding to the flavour of the eggs without overpowering them.

Gouda

Gouda is another excellent choice for a salty and punchy addition to scrambled eggs. It has a creamy texture and can be added to scrambled eggs in the same way as other cheeses. For an extra special treat, try serving your scrambled eggs on top of a slice of gouda toast.

Feta

Feta is a salty and flavourful cheese that originated in Greece. It has a crumbly, open texture and can be crumbled into scrambled eggs. As feta is a salty cheese, you may not need to add extra salt to your scrambled eggs.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a creamy and soft cheese with a tangy and tart flavour. It comes in a spreadable form or in crumbles, and can be added to scrambled eggs for an elevated take on this classic breakfast dish.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is a mild and nutty cheese that pairs well with scrambled eggs. It can be added to the eggs towards the end of the cooking process, allowing it to melt and combine with the eggs.

When preparing scrambled eggs with cheese, it is generally recommended to cook the eggs on low heat and add the cheese towards the end to prevent it from splitting. Additionally, freshly grated cheese is preferred over pre-shredded cheese, as it melts more easily and cohesively into the eggs.

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Toppings and sides

While cheese is a great addition to scrambled eggs, there are many other toppings and sides that can be added to elevate the dish.

Fresh herbs like chives and parsley can add a pop of colour and a hit of flavour. Chives, in particular, pair beautifully with both eggs and cheese. You could also add a dash of paprika or a splash of hot sauce like sriracha or Worcestershire sauce for a spicy kick.

If you're looking for something more indulgent, you could add a slice of buttered toast to your plate. Whole-grain toast is a good option as it has a higher fibre content and will keep you full for longer. You could also add a slice of crispy bacon, sliced avocado, or tomatoes on the side.

For a more sophisticated take on scrambled eggs, consider adding toppings that highlight the cheese's origins. For example, if using provolone, add a splash of tomato sauce to your scrambled eggs, or chop up some olive salad and artichoke hearts as a garnish.

Finally, if you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination. Some popular options include cheddar, Monterey Jack, feta, goat cheese, and cream cheese.

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Cooking methods

When it comes to cooking methods for cheesy scrambled eggs, there are a few different approaches you can take. Here are some detailed instructions for preparing this delicious dish:

Melting the Cheese

One popular method is to melt the cheese directly into the eggs. Start by cracking your desired number of eggs into a bowl and whisking or beating them until smooth. You can add a pinch of salt at this stage if you like. For a creamier texture, you can also add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a generous amount of butter. Then, heat a non-stick pan to medium or low heat and melt your grated or shredded cheese in the pan. Spread the cheese across the pan, then pour in your beaten eggs. You can sprinkle more cheese on top at this point.

Scrambling the Eggs

Use a spatula to gently stir the eggs. It's important to note that you should avoid making quick, tiny movements with the spatula. Instead, make long strides or big circular motions to create larger curds and a smoother texture. Keep the heat low to prevent overcooking and to give the eggs a richer flavour and smoother texture. Continue stirring until the eggs reach your desired level of doneness. For soft, creamy scrambled eggs, take them off the heat when they are still slightly runny, as they will continue to cook from the residual heat.

Final Touches

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove them from the heat and add your desired toppings. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley, ground black pepper, and a dash of paprika or hot sauce can enhance the flavour. If your cheese hasn't fully melted yet, cover the pan for a few seconds to help it along. Finally, serve your cheesy scrambled eggs on a bed of toast, preferably whole-grain or sourdough, for a hearty and tasty breakfast.

Choosing the Right Cheese

The key to delicious cheesy scrambled eggs is choosing a cheese with good meltability. Cheddar is a popular choice, as it adds a sharp, salty flavour and melts well when shredded or cut into small cubes. Other similar options include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and American cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try using Gruyère, goat cheese, feta, or even cream cheese. Just remember to adjust the saltiness of your eggs if you're using a saltier cheese like feta or pecorino.

Cheese Types: The Ultimate Guide

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Frequently asked questions

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of the two are the most recommended cheeses for scrambled eggs.

Yes, there are many other cheese options that can be used for scrambled eggs, including but not limited to: feta, goat cheese, cream cheese, mascarpone, Gruyère, Parmesan, and American cheese.

To make creamy scrambled eggs, use a cheese with a creamy finish such as mascarpone or cream cheese. Adding butter to your scrambled eggs can also make them creamier.

The best method for adding cheese to scrambled eggs is to finely grate the cheese and add it to the eggs while they are still cooking. This will help the cheese melt into the eggs more easily.

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