Best Cold Cuts: Roast Beef And Cheese Perfection

A roast beef sandwich is a delicious meal, but what cold cut goes with roast beef and cheese? The answer depends on your preference. Some popular choices for cheese are provolone, Swiss, cheddar, Havarti, blue cheese, and gouda. As for the cold cut, roast beef is a classic option, but you could also try pastrami, turkey breast, or corned beef for a unique twist. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite!

Best bread for roast beef and cheese sandwiches

There are many types of bread that go well with roast beef and cheese sandwiches. The best bread for you will depend on your personal preference, but here are some options to consider:

Kaiser buns

Kaiser buns are a type of bread that is commonly used for sandwiches. They are typically round, crusty rolls with a soft interior. Kaiser buns have a dense texture that can hold up to the weight of the roast beef and cheese. They also have a neutral flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients in the sandwich.

Multi-seed bread

Multi-seed bread, also known as multi-grain bread, is a hearty and healthy option for roast beef and cheese sandwiches. The seeds add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavour to the sandwich. This type of bread is often dense and filling, making it a good choice for a satisfying lunch.

Artisan bread

Artisan bread is a broad term for bread that is crafted by hand using traditional methods. It often has a thick crust and a chewy texture. The flavour and texture of artisan bread can vary depending on the specific type of bread, but it generally has a more complex flavour than mass-produced bread.

Homemade pita bread

Pita bread is a soft, Middle Eastern flatbread that can be used to make pocket sandwiches. It is a good option for roast beef and cheese sandwiches because it is easy to fill and eat. You can also make your own pita bread at home to ensure it is fresh and tasty.

Other options

Other types of bread that can be used for roast beef and cheese sandwiches include white, whole wheat, sourdough, pumpernickel, and rye. These options offer a variety of flavours and textures that can complement the roast beef and cheese.

Best cheese to pair with roast beef

When it comes to creating the ultimate roast beef sandwich, one often overlooked yet crucial element is the cheese. The right choice of cheese can elevate the flavours and textures, turning a simple snack into a gourmet experience. The primary goal is to complement the rich, savoury flavours of roast beef without overpowering them. Here are some options to consider:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a timeless and sharp option that brings a tangy kick to your roast beef sandwich. It has a bold flavour that seamlessly cuts through the beef's richness, delivering a perfectly balanced bite. Aged white cheddar or extra sharp orange cheddar are particularly good options.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is another excellent match for roast beef, thanks to its distinct nutty and slightly sweet flavours. Its firm yet creamy texture melts nicely, binding the ingredients together. Try it in a warm roast beef melt for an exceptionally tasty sandwich.

Provolone

For roast beef sandwiches with an Italian flair, provolone cheese is the perfect choice. Its smooth, mild flavour blends wonderfully with the roast beef without overpowering it. Slightly sweet and very creamy when melted, provolone is a natural fit for paninis, melts, or even your standard sliced sandwich.

Blue Cheese

For a bolder flavour experience, add some crumbled blue cheese. The tangy, creamy characteristics of blue cheese can give your roast beef a gourmet upgrade. It adds a whole new dimension of flavour, taking a straightforward dish to the next level.

Gruyère

Gruyère makes an excellent pairing for roast beef, similar to Swiss cheese but with a deeper, sweeter, and more complex flavour. The nuttiness and hint of fruitiness in Gruyère work well with the hearty beef. It's a great choice for a gourmet roast beef and cheese melt.

Havarti

With its creamy texture and mild taste, Havarti proves a versatile companion for roast beef. It graciously melds with the beef, adding a velvety touch without overshadowing the star of the show. Horseradish-flavoured Havarti is also a great option, as the fiery kick of the horseradish plays well off the richness of the beef.

Monterey Jack

When making a hot roast beef dish, Monterey Jack is an excellent choice. Its creamy texture and mild flavour melt beautifully, creating a luscious cheesy experience. It's a great choice for a cheesy roast beef baked pasta, nachos, or cheesesteak-style sandwich.

Manchego

For a pairing that's outside the box, try Spanish Manchego cheese. Made from sheep's milk, Manchego has a distinctive nutty, sweet and caramel-like flavour that makes a sophisticated match for roast beef. It's a wonderful choice for a unique take on roast beef sandwiches or salads.

Camembert

Soft, creamy cheeses like Camembert provide a luxurious contrast to hearty roast beef. The smooth, rich Camembert almost melts away in your mouth, providing a wonderful textural balance to tender slices of beef. It's an excellent choice for an amazing roast beef sandwich, especially when paired with the earthy, mushroom notes of the classic French cheese.

Parmesan

While Parmesan is not typically sliced and paired with roast beef, grated Parmesan can add a wonderful salty, nutty kick to roast beef entrees. Sprinkle it over pasta dishes, risotto, soup, or a roast beef salad for added richness.

Best condiments for roast beef and cheese sandwiches

There are many different condiments that can be used to elevate a roast beef and cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sauces and Spreads

A creamy horseradish sauce is a popular choice to complement the beef and add a bit of a kick. You can make your own by mixing mayonnaise, horseradish, and green onion, or simply use prepared horseradish from a jar. If you like it hot, add more horseradish to your sauce. For a simpler option, a generous layer of good-quality mayonnaise is a great base for your sandwich. You could also add some Dijon mustard, either on its own or mixed with the mayonnaise. If you're looking for something a little different, try bacon jam—it adds a sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with beef and cheese.

Vegetables

Lettuce, such as arugula, micro-greens, Boston lettuce, or Romaine lettuce, provides a nice crunch and freshness to the sandwich. You can also add sliced red onions, radishes, and tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. If you like roasted vegetables, try adding roasted red peppers—just drain them of excess oil first to avoid making a mess.

Cheese

There are several types of cheese that go well with roast beef. Monterey Jack, cheddar, Gouda, provolone, and Havarti are all great choices. If you want a stronger flavor, blue cheese crumbles can add a nice tanginess to the sandwich.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of condiments, vegetables, and cheeses to find your perfect roast beef and cheese sandwich!

How to make roast beef at home

Ingredients:

• 1 French Roast (or top round or top sirloin roast), about 1.75kg | 3.85lb
• 1 tbsp salt (preferably Himalayan salt)
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tbsp olive oil or enough to generously coat all sides

Method:

• Mix all the spices in a small container and then rub this spice mix all over the roast.
• Cover the roast tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator until the next day. It would be a good idea to place your roast in a rimmed plate or baking dish to collect any juices.
• The next day, remove your roast from the fridge and take off the plastic wrap.
• Preheat your oven to 325°F and heat a few tablespoons of healthy cooking fat or oil in a heavy skillet on high heat.
• When the pan is nice and hot, sear the roast on all sides until a nice golden crust forms, about 1 minute per side. Don't forget the ends!
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the roast uncovered for about 12 minutes per pound or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast reads 130°F to 160°F, depending on your desired level of doneness:

• 130°F for rare
• 145°F for medium-rare
• 160°F for medium

• When the roast has reached the desired temperature, take it out of the oven and return it to the rimmed plate or baking dish. Promptly place your cooked roast in the refrigerator just like that, uncovered, for about an hour.
• After an hour, cover your roast with plastic film and let it cool completely overnight.
• On the third day, transfer your chilled roast to a cutting board, remove the twine, and carve it as thinly as you can.

Tips:

• For the best results, use a meat thermometer to test the doneness of your roast.
• For a crisp, beautifully browned crust, start the roast in a hot oven and then lower the temperature to roast it low and slow.
• For a tender roast, go for a more expensive cut such as a rump roast, round roast, or sirloin tip.
• If you're looking for a more affordable option, try an eye of round roast, top sirloin roast, or bottom round roast.
• Look for a cut with some fat and visible marbling for better flavour.
• A tied roast cooks more evenly, so ask your butcher to tie it for you or tie it yourself with kitchen twine.
• If your roast doesn't have any fat, you can rub it with butter or olive oil, or top it with bacon.

How to store roast beef

Storing roast beef is a simple process, but it is important to follow some key steps to ensure the meat stays fresh and safe to eat. Here is a detailed guide on how to store your roast beef to maximise its shelf life:

Refrigerating Roast Beef:

• After cooking your roast beef, let it cool down to room temperature. This will take around 1-2 hours. During this time, you can leave the roast beef uncovered.
• Once the meat has cooled, wrap it tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap. Make sure the wrapping is airtight to prevent bacteria from reaching the meat.
• Place the wrapped roast beef in the refrigerator. It is best to store it in a shallow container to maximise airflow and further extend its shelf life.
• Properly stored roast beef will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days to 5 days if cooked to temperature.

Freezing Roast Beef:

• If you wish to store your roast beef for longer, freezing is a great option. Before freezing, wrap the meat tightly with a double layer of protection. First, wrap the roast beef in foil or plastic wrap, then place it inside a heavy-duty freezer bag or an airtight container.
• Clearly label the storage container with the date and contents.
• Roast beef can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months and will remain safe beyond that time. However, it is best to consume it within this timeframe for optimal quality.
• To defrost frozen roast beef, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight before you plan to use it. Alternatively, you can use quick defrost methods if you need to cook it sooner.

Food Safety Tips:

• Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature, so it is important not to leave cooked roast beef out for more than 2 hours.
• To check if your roast beef has gone bad, use your senses of smell and sight. Bad beef will have a sour smell and a slimy texture. If it looks or smells off, discard it immediately without tasting it.

Frequently asked questions