Swiss Cheese: Best Dressing Pairings And Recipes

Swiss cheese is a popular ingredient in French, American, and Cuban food. It is nutty, mild, buttery, and savoury, and its mellow taste goes well with almost everything. Swiss cheese is commonly used in sandwiches, dips, and sauces, and it is frequently paired with meats like ham and bacon. So, what dressings go well with Swiss cheese?

Salads

Swiss cheese is a popular choice for salads, sandwiches, dips, and sauces. Its mild, nutty, and buttery flavour, along with its soft and smooth texture, makes it a versatile ingredient. Here are some salad ideas with Swiss cheese and complementary dressings:

Antipasto Pasta Salad

As suggested by its name, this salad features antipasto ingredients such as cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Swiss cheese is an excellent addition to this salad, providing a creamy texture and a mild flavour that complements the other ingredients. A simple vinaigrette dressing or a light Italian dressing would go well with this salad, enhancing the flavours without overwhelming them.

Cubano Tortellini Salad with Mojo Dressing

This salad combines the flavours of Cuba with tortellini pasta. The Swiss cheese adds a creamy texture and a savoury taste, pairing well with the mojo dressing, which is typically made with garlic, olive oil, and citrus juices. The dressing has a tangy and vibrant flavour that brings the entire salad together.

Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a classic dish that can be made in various ways, and Swiss cheese is an excellent addition. Consider a winter fruit salad with Swiss cheese, featuring seasonal fruits like apples or pears, and a poppy seed dressing. The sweetness of the fruit and the tanginess of the poppy seed dressing will contrast nicely with the savoury, nutty notes of the Swiss cheese.

Swiss Cheese and Spinach Salad

For a simple yet tasty salad, combine Swiss cheese with spinach, walnuts or pecans, cranberries or dried cherries, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The sweetness of the dried fruit and the tangy balsamic dressing will create a beautiful contrast with the Swiss cheese, while the nuts will add a nice crunchy texture.

Swiss Cheese and Apple Salad

Another option is to pair Swiss cheese with crisp apples, crunchy walnuts or pecans, and a honey mustard dressing. The sweetness of the apples and the tang of the honey mustard will create a delightful flavour profile, while the Swiss cheese adds a creamy texture and a savoury note.

These salad ideas showcase the versatility of Swiss cheese, which can be paired with various ingredients and dressings to create delicious and satisfying dishes.

Sandwiches

Swiss cheese is a common ingredient in French, American, and Cuban food. It is a mild-flavoured cheese that goes well with roast beef, especially when served on a potato bun with a tangy sauce.

Roast Beef and Swiss Cheese Sandwiches

A quick and easy sandwich, loaded with thinly sliced meat, melted cheese, and tangy sauce.

Ingredients:

• Buns (pretzel buns, Hawaiian buns, or onion with poppy seeds)
• Roast beef (or turkey/ham)
• Swiss cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Onion
• Poppy seeds
• Spicy mustard
• Horseradish
• Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a medium-sized baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Slice the rolls in half and place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet or dish.
• In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, grated onion, poppy seeds, spicy mustard, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Spread the sauce on the bottom half of the buns.
• Top with roast beef and Swiss cheese slices.
• Cover with the other half of the bun.
• Place aluminium foil on top of the baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

Reuben Sandwiches

A classic Jewish-style delicatessen sandwich, the Reuben combines corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on rye bread, slathered with Russian or Thousand Island dressing.

Ingredients:

• Thousand Island dressing
• Swiss cheese
• Corned beef
• Sauerkraut
• Butter
• Rye bread

Instructions:

• Spread dressing on one side of each slice of rye bread.
• Assemble the sandwich with a layer of Swiss cheese, 2 slices of corned beef, sauerkraut, and another slice of Swiss cheese.
• Butter the top of the sandwich.
• Place the sandwich butter-side down on a hot skillet or griddle.
• Butter the other side, then flip when the bottom slice is golden brown.
• Grill until both sides are golden brown.

Grilled Apple and Swiss Cheese Sandwiches

A quick and easy meal with a sweet and savoury flavour.

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat bread
• Olive oil
• Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• Swiss cheese

Instructions:

• Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
• Lightly brush oil onto one side of each bread slice.
• Place one slice, oil-side down, into the skillet.
• Arrange apple slices over the bread, then top with Swiss cheese and the remaining bread slice, oiled-side up.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Grilled Swiss Cheese Sandwiches

A kid's favourite, this sandwich is comforting, tasty, and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Whole grain bread
• Butter
• Swiss cheese

Instructions:

• Heat a grill pan or skillet.
• Spread butter on one side of the bread slices.
• Place the buttered side directly on the skillet.
• Put a slice of Swiss cheese over the bread.
• Butter the second slice of bread and place it on top of the cheese, buttered-side up.
• Flip the sandwich once the first side is browned, and let the other side brown.
• Transfer to a serving plate and serve.

Inside-Out Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

A fun twist on the classic grilled cheese, this sandwich features Swiss cheese, ham, and a few key add-ons.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Bakery Pullman bread
• Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Swiss cheese (preferably Gruyère)
• Ham
• Dill pickle slices (optional)
• Dijon mustard
• Apricot preserves

Instructions:

• Butter each slice of bread and sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
• Invert the slices onto a work surface, cheese-side down.
• Top four of the slices with Swiss cheese, ham, and pickles (if using).
• Mix the mustard and apricot preserves, and spread on the remaining four slices of bread.
• Close the sandwiches and griddle over moderate heat until golden-crisp on the outside and melted inside, about 3 minutes.

Dips

Swiss cheese is a popular choice for dips, sandwiches, and fondues. Its mild, nutty, and buttery flavour, along with its soft and smooth texture, makes it a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are some dip ideas that feature Swiss cheese:

Vidalia Onion Dip

This dip is a tasty combination of Parmesan cheese, Swiss cheese, Vidalia onion, and mayonnaise. It is a perfect party snack and goes well with bread slices, potato chips, nachos, and even chicken wings.

Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip

This dip is a cheesy delight, with cream cheese, sour cream, spinach, artichoke hearts, Swiss cheese, and Parmesan cheese. It is an excellent choice for parties, and your guests will surely enjoy dipping their bread or chips into this creamy and tasty dip.

Slow Cooker Reuben Dip

A spin on the classic Reuben sandwich, this dip includes corned beef, sauerkraut, cream cheese, Swiss cheese, and thousand island dressing. Scoop it up with some toasted rye bread pieces for a complete sandwich experience.

Cranberry and Bacon Swiss Cheese Dip

A warm and creamy dip, this one is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It combines Swiss cheese with bacon and cranberry for a unique flavour profile. Serve it with thin, crunchy slices of French bread for the ultimate appetizer.

Swiss Cheese Fondue

A classic way to enjoy Swiss cheese, fondue is a fun and interactive meal. Melt Swiss cheese with other cheeses, such as Gruyère and Emmental, and add nutmeg and garlic cloves for extra flavour. Dip bread or vegetable cuts into this communal pot of cheesy goodness.

Soups

Swiss cheese is a popular ingredient in many soups, and its mild, nutty, and buttery flavour makes it a great choice for adding a creamy texture and savoury taste to a variety of dishes. Here are some soup recipes that feature Swiss cheese:

French Onion Soup

This classic soup is a perfect match for Swiss cheese. The rich, savoury flavour of the cheese complements the sweetness of the onions, and its melting texture makes it ideal for topping the dish. A traditional French Onion Soup typically includes caramelised onions simmered in a beef broth, topped with toasted bread and melted cheese.

Swiss Potato Soup

For a hearty and comforting option, Swiss Potato Soup is a delicious choice. This soup combines the mild flavour of Swiss cheese with potatoes and other ingredients like milk, butter, and herbs. The result is a creamy, cheesy soup with a smooth texture and a satisfying flavour.

Chicken and Swiss Stuffing Bake

This casserole-style soup combines seasoned white meat chicken with a rich Swiss cheese sauce and a topping of casserole stuffing. It's a comforting and indulgent option, perfect for a cosy night in. Serve it with a green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Broccoli Cheese Bake

While not technically a soup, this dish has a similar comforting quality. Broccoli Cheese Bake combines the mild flavour of Swiss cheese with broccoli, butter, flour, eggs, and milk. The result is a creamy, cheesy dish that even those who don't typically enjoy broccoli will find irresistible.

Swiss Cheese Fondue

While fondue may be more commonly associated with a social appetizer or main course, it can also be enjoyed as a hearty soup. A traditional Swiss cheese fondue typically includes Gruyère and Emmental cheeses, garlic, and nutmeg, creating a rich and indulgent flavour profile.

Pastries

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of pastries, both sweet and savoury. Here are some ideas for pastries that feature Swiss cheese:

Savoury Pastries:

• Quiche: Swiss cheese is a popular choice for quiche, especially when paired with ham, vegetables or other cheeses. Try a Ham and Cheese Quiche or a Swiss Cheese and Broccoli Quiche.
• Croissants: Combine Swiss cheese with ham, Dijon mustard and a drizzle of honey for a delicious croissant sandwich.
• Puff Pastry Slab Pie: Fill a buttery puff pastry with Swiss cheese, ham and caramelised onions for a decadent savoury treat.
• Stromboli: Roll up Swiss cheese, deli ham, bacon and onions inside a French loaf for a fun, crowd-pleasing pastry.
• Enchiladas: Stuff corn tortillas with a creamy chicken and Swiss cheese mixture, then top with a thick cheese sauce.
• Sliders: Top mini sandwiches with Swiss cheese, ham, ranch dressing or Dijon mustard for a tasty appetiser or snack.
• Crescent Rolls: Combine Swiss cheese with ham, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and onions inside crescent roll dough for a quick and tasty treat.
• Pull-Apart Bread: Combine Swiss cheese, mushrooms, green onions, poppy seeds and Dijon mustard for a lip-smacking pull-apart bread that's perfect as an appetiser.

Sweet Pastries:

Hard Apple Ale Bread: This crusty, yeast-free bread has a slightly sweet taste and is fluffy and soft, with a generous amount of Swiss cheese.

Frequently asked questions