Delicious Food Pairings For Swiss Cheese Perfection

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient with a nutty, bittersweet taste that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its ability to melt beautifully and its mild flavour makes it a popular choice for sandwiches, dips, and fondues. It is also commonly used in French onion soup, quiche, and Reuben sandwiches. Here are some specific examples and recipes that use Swiss cheese:

- French onion soup: Swiss cheese is often used as a topping for this classic soup, providing a delicious, gooey texture.

- Fondue: A decadent treat, fondue can be made by simmering white wine and melting Swiss cheese, along with other ingredients, in a fondue pot.

- Sandwiches: Swiss cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, especially when paired with ham, turkey, avocado, or mushrooms.

- Dips: Swiss cheese can be used to create creamy and dreamy dips, such as the one by Rachael on Food Network.

- Mac and cheese: Adding Swiss cheese to your favourite mac and cheese recipe can give it an extra punch of flavour.

- Crepes: Try spreading Swiss cheese on crepes, such as the rosemary seared pear crepes by Jesse Brune on Food Network.

- Burgers: Swiss cheese is a great addition to burgers, especially when paired with mushrooms.

Foods That Go Well with Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese with crackers, grapes and relishes

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to casseroles to soups. Here are some ideas for how to serve Swiss cheese with crackers, grapes, and relishes:

Swiss Cheese Board

Create a beautiful cheese board with Swiss cheese as the star. Add an assortment of crackers, grapes, and relishes, such as cornichons, olives, and charcuterie meats. You can also include other complementary cheeses, such as Gouda or Gruyere, to create a well-rounded board. Don't forget to pair it with your favourite wine or beer!

Swiss Cheese and Grape Bites

For a simple yet elegant appetiser, pair Swiss cheese with crackers and grapes. Start by spreading a thin layer of Swiss cheese on your favourite crackers. Top each cracker with a slice of grape and a small dollop of relish, such as onion or tomato relish. This combination of sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours will delight your taste buds.

Swiss Cheese and Cracker Stackers

Take it up a notch by creating mini stackers with Swiss cheese, crackers, and grapes. Alternate layers of crackers, Swiss cheese, and grapes, securing each layer with a toothpick. You can also add a spread, such as a tangy mustard or herbed cream cheese, to the crackers for added flavour. These stackers make for a delicious and impressive appetiser or snack.

Swiss Cheese, Grape, and Relish Skewers

Thread cubes of Swiss cheese, grapes, and relishes onto skewers for a fun and interactive way to enjoy these flavours together. You can use a variety of relishes, such as pickled onions, sweet peppers, or even cornichons. This presentation is perfect for a party or picnic, offering a bite-sized taste of each component in every mouthful.

Swiss Cheese, Cracker, and Grape Platter with Dips

Present a platter with Swiss cheese, crackers, and grapes, accompanied by a selection of dips. You can include relishes in the form of dips, such as a tangy onion dip or a sweet and sour cranberry dip. Provide a variety of crackers, such as water crackers, rye crackers, or even pita chips, for a textural contrast. This option allows your guests to create their own flavour combinations and explore different tastes.

Swiss cheese fondue

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, but one of the most popular ways to enjoy it is in a classic Swiss cheese fondue. Fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and has since become a beloved comfort food. It is said to have originated in the Alpine farms as a way to feed families inexpensively. The original version was simply stale bread dipped in melted Gruyère, but over time, it evolved into a decadent blend of cheeses and seasonings.

To make Swiss cheese fondue, you'll need a mix of Swiss cheeses such as Gruyère, Emmentaler, Appenzeller, and Raclette. You'll also need a dry white wine, such as kirsch, cornstarch, fresh lemon juice, and seasonings like nutmeg, salt, and white pepper. Here's a step-by-step guide to making classic Swiss cheese fondue:

Step 1: Prepare the Pot

Start by rubbing the inside of a heavy-bottomed pot or a fondue pot with a garlic clove. This adds a subtle garlicky flavour to the fondue. Once you're done, discard the garlic clove.

Step 2: Make the Fondue Base

In the pot, add the dry white wine and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. The wine forms the base of your fondue and adds a depth of flavour.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Gradually add the grated cheese to the pot, a few ounces at a time. Use a combination of Gruyère, Emmentaler, and Appenzeller cheese for a classic Swiss fondue. Make sure to add the cheese in batches, being careful not to boil it. Stir continuously and allow each batch to melt fully before adding the next. This ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.

Step 4: Thicken and Season

Once all the cheese has melted, it's time to thicken and season the fondue. Add a few teaspoons of cornstarch to the mixture, stirring well to combine. This will help give the fondue a thicker, more dip-able consistency. Then, add a splash of kirsch, a clear brandy that pairs perfectly with the cheese. Season the fondue with freshly grated nutmeg, salt, and white pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the fondue to a fondue pot or a small caquelon placed over a burner to keep it warm and melted. Fondue is best enjoyed as a communal meal, so gather your dipping items and dig in! Traditional dipping items include cubed crusty bread, steamed new potatoes, roasted cauliflower, and sliced sausage. You can also dip apples, pears, cornichons, pickled onions, and salami. Just be careful not to lose your garnish in the pot, as you may have to buy a round of drinks or clean up after the meal!

Swiss cheese on French onion soup

French onion soup is a classic, comforting dish that is surprisingly simple to make at home. This flavourful soup is a perfect starter for a holiday meal or special occasion. It pairs well with Swiss cheese, which can be melted on top of the soup or used as a garnish on garlic toast.

To make French onion soup, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Butter
• Olive oil
• Onions (sweet onions are best, but yellow onions can be used in a pinch)
• Garlic
• Beef broth (opt for good-quality, low-sodium broth)
• Port wine or dry sherry (for an alcohol-free alternative, use beef broth with a splash of vinegar)
• Baguette
• Gruyere or Swiss cheese

First, heat butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, stirring occasionally. This should take around 10 to 13 minutes.

Next, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are deep golden brown. This step should take around 30 to 40 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional two minutes.

Then, stir in the wine and bring to a boil. Cook until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the broth, pepper, and salt, and return the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally.

While the soup is simmering, prepare the baguette. Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides of the baguette slices with olive oil and bake until toasted, which should take around three to five minutes on each side. Rub the toasted baguette slices with halved garlic cloves to add a mild garlic flavour.

Finally, it's time to assemble and serve the soup. Ladle the soup into broiler-safe bowls or ramekins, adding two baguette slices to each bowl. Top with grated Swiss cheese and broil about four inches from the heat source until the cheese is melted.

If you don't have broiler-safe bowls, you can simply melt the cheese directly on the baguette slices and use them as a garnish for the soup. Enjoy!

Swiss cheese in mac and cheese

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to add flavour and texture to a variety of dishes, including mac and cheese. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating Swiss cheese into your mac and cheese:

Choosing the Right Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese has a nutty, bittersweet taste and a distinctive appearance due to the holes, often referred to as "eyes," formed during the cheese-making process. When selecting Swiss cheese for mac and cheese, consider the following:

• Age and flavour: A longer aging process at a higher temperature results in more pronounced flavour and larger holes. Amish Swiss cheese is known for its intense flavour due to extended ageing.
• Varieties: Baby Swiss, made with water instead of milk whey, has smaller holes and a milder flavour. Lacy Swiss is produced with low-fat milk, while smoked Swiss offers a distinct smoky flavour.

Incorporating Swiss Cheese into Mac and Cheese

Swiss cheese can enhance the flavour and texture of mac and cheese in several ways:

• Grated Swiss cheese can be added directly to the mac and cheese mixture, contributing a nutty flavour and creamy texture.
• Breadcrumb topping: Grated Swiss cheese can also be mixed with breadcrumbs to create a crunchy, cheesy topping for your mac and cheese.
• Fondue-style: For an indulgent twist, try a fondue-inspired approach. Combine melted Swiss cheese with white wine and flour, seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Toss your cooked macaroni in this rich, creamy sauce for an extra indulgent dish.

Pairing Swiss Cheese Mac and Cheese

When serving Swiss cheese mac and cheese, consider pairing it with complementary dishes or beverages:

• Side dishes: A crisp, green salad or crunchy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich mac and cheese.
• Beverages: Swiss cheese pairs well with a variety of drinks. For wine lovers, a Merlot or Pinot Noir (red) or a Chardonnay or Riesling (white) can complement the cheese's flavour. If you prefer beer, try a lager, pale ale, or Weiss beer with your Swiss cheese mac and cheese.

Swiss cheese and apricot jam with salmon

Pan-fried Salmon with Swiss Cheese and Apricot Jam

This dish is a unique and tasty way to enjoy salmon. The key is to cook the salmon fillet to perfection, ensuring it is moist and flaky. Start by seasoning the salmon fillet with your choice of spices. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with herbs and spices like dill, paprika, or garlic powder.

Heat some oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the salmon fillet in the pan, skin-side down if it has skin. Sear the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillet. For a thicker fillet, you may need to lower the heat and cook it a bit longer to ensure it cooks through.

Adding the Swiss Cheese

Once the salmon is almost cooked to your desired doneness, it's time to add the Swiss cheese. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the salmon fillet in the pan. Cover the pan to help the cheese melt evenly. If you don't have a lid that fits your pan, you can use a larger pot lid or even a baking sheet to trap the heat and melt the cheese.

Finishing Touches with Apricot Jam

Once the Swiss cheese has melted to your liking, transfer the salmon fillet to a serving plate. Top the cheesy salmon with a dollop of apricot jam, spreading it evenly over the cheese. The sweet and tangy apricot jam complements the savoury Swiss cheese beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

To complete this dish, consider serving it with a side of collard greens or a bean sprout-heavy salad. The collard greens can be steamed or sautéed with a little garlic and a splash of lemon juice. For the bean sprout salad, toss the sprouts with a light vinaigrette dressing and some chopped nuts or seeds for added crunch.

This dish is sure to impress with its unique combination of flavours and textures. The salty, nutty Swiss cheese pairs surprisingly well with the sweet apricot jam, and the salmon provides a hearty and healthy base. Enjoy experimenting with this delightful culinary creation!

Frequently asked questions