Cheese Bread: The Perfect Pairing For A Delicious Bite

There are many delicious options to pair with cheese bread, depending on the type of cheese and bread used. For instance, cheddar pairs well with the sweeter notes of white bread, while mozzarella goes well with the grainy, nutty taste of wholemeal bread. If you're making a sandwich, American cheese is perfect for grilled cheese, especially if you're using day-old bread. For a more complex combination, try a zesty marinated feta with tangy sourdough, or a nutty cheese like Comte with a seed- or nut-studded loaf.

If you're making Brazilian cheese bread, or Pão de queijo, it can be served as a snack, breakfast, or side dish. It goes well with grilled steak, eggs, fried pork, grilled corn on the cob, or as part of a tapas meal. It can also be served with fruits and ice cream, or coffee as a dessert.

Brazilian cheese bread

There are several ways to make pão de queijo. One method includes cooked potatoes, and another is similar to pâte à choux, where you cook the dough first. The quickest and easiest method is to put all the ingredients in a blender, pour them into a mini-muffin tin, and bake.

The basic ingredients for Brazilian cheese bread are tapioca flour, olive oil or butter, milk or soy milk, eggs, cheese, and salt. You can use any type of cheese, but stronger-flavoured cheeses will result in a more flavourful bread. You can also add herbs or spices to taste.

• Grilled Corn on the Cob: A classic summer favourite that is loved by both kids and adults. It is easy to make and can be flavoured with salt, pepper, butter, and cayenne powder for an extra kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Soup: A flavoursome soup that goes well with the cheese bread. You can use a variety of mushrooms and add ingredients like heavy cream, butter, broth, shallots, white wine, garlic, oil, and fresh herbs to enhance the texture and flavour.
• Green Salad: A light and nutritious option to balance out the richness of the cheese bread. Include veggies like lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula, and add cucumbers and onions for a crunchier texture. A lemon vinaigrette, Italian, or Greek salad dressing will complement the flavours nicely.
• Marinara Sauce: A tasty and convenient dip for the cheese bread. It is easy to make with ingredients like white wine, olive oil, onion, garlic, dried oregano, and canned or fresh tomatoes.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: A hearty and flavourful side dish that pairs well with the cheese bread. Try roasting potatoes, parsnips, beets, sweet potatoes, carrots, and onions with seasoning like salt, pepper, olive oil, and fresh rosemary.
• Black Beans: A filling and delightful option that is commonly served in Brazil. You can use canned or dried black beans, and add ingredients like cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, and cilantro for garnish.

Grilled cheese sandwiches

Choosing the Right Cheese

The type of cheese you choose will depend on your taste preferences and the bread you are using. Here are some popular options:

• American Cheese: This is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It has a gooey texture and a mild flavour, making it perfect for those who don't like their sandwiches too sharp.
• Cheddar: Cheddar has a tangy taste that pairs well with sweeter white bread. It melts easily, making it ideal for grilled sandwiches.
• Mozzarella: The grainy, nutty flavour of mozzarella goes well with wholemeal bread. For a healthy and tasty sandwich, top it with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.
• Emmental: This cheese has a touch of sweetness, making it a great choice for deli meat sandwiches. You can also grate it with cheddar and use it in grilled sandwiches.
• Blue Cheese (Roquefort & Gorgonzola): Blue cheese has a strong, distinctive flavour that pairs well with grilled steak or chicken sandwiches. For vegetarians, try it with a grilled portobello mushroom.

Selecting the Perfect Bread

The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is to choose a bread that complements the cheese. Here are some options:

• White Bread: The sweetness of white bread goes well with the tanginess of cheddar cheese.
• Wholemeal Bread: The nutty, grainy taste of wholemeal bread is a perfect match for mozzarella cheese.
• Sourdough: Sourdough has a tangy flavour that pairs well with marinated feta cheese. The contrast between the smooth cheese and the springy, crunchy bread is delightful.
• Baguette: A baguette with a proper snap to its crust is best suited for runny, yeasty cheeses like Epoisses or a salty smear of Roquefort.
• Cinnamon Raisin Bread: The slight earthiness and sweetness of this bread go wonderfully with fresh goat cheese.

Additional Tips

• Get creative and experiment with different combinations of cheese and bread to find your favourite pairing.
• Don't be afraid to add additional ingredients to your grilled cheese sandwich, such as tomatoes, basil, avocado, or cucumbers, to create a more complex and nutritious dish.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches are a great way to use up day-old bread, as the grilling process can give new life to slightly stale loaves.

Salads

Green Salad

A green salad is a classic choice to accompany any meal, and it goes especially well with Brazilian cheese bread, also known as Pão de Queijo. This type of salad typically includes a variety of leafy greens such as romaine, red leaf and green leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, and arugula. For added crunch and texture, you can include cucumbers and onions. To dress your green salad, a lemon vinaigrette, Italian, or Greek salad dressing will taste delightful. You can also add dried fruits like cherries or cranberries for a touch of sweetness.

Vegetable Salad

If you're looking for a more substantial salad, you can create a vegetable salad with vegetables that pair well with cheese. Some great options include spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and asparagus. These vegetables will provide a nice contrast in texture and flavour to your cheese bread. You can serve this salad as a side dish or even include some sliced cheese bread as croutons.

Feta Cheese Salad

Feta cheese has a crumbly and briny taste that goes exceptionally well with vegetables. Create a nutritious salad with feta cheese and vegetables such as lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. The saltiness of the feta will complement the sweetness of the vegetables, creating a well-rounded and satisfying salad.

Fruit Salad

For a sweeter option, you can pair your cheese bread with a fruit salad. Fresh fruits such as apples, berries, and oranges will provide a refreshing contrast to the savouriness of the cheese bread. You can also include nuts and a drizzle of honey to enhance the flavour profile of your salad.

Grilled Vegetable Salad

If you want to add a smoky flavour to your salad, consider grilling your vegetables. Grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions can be a delicious addition to your cheese bread meal. You can serve this salad warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile option.

Remember, when creating these salads, feel free to get creative and add your own twist. You can experiment with different ingredients, dressings, and seasonings to find the perfect combination that suits your taste preferences.

Soups

Brazilian cheese bread, or Pão de queijo, is a snack or breakfast food in Brazil. It is made of cheese, corn, and spices, and is often served with other dishes. Here are some soup ideas that go well with Brazilian cheese bread:

Creamy Mushroom Soup

A flavoursome and popular soup that goes well with Brazilian cheese bread is creamy mushroom soup. The main ingredients for this soup are mushrooms, heavy cream, butter, broth, and shallots. For texture and flavour, add salt, pepper, white wine, garlic, oil, all-purpose flour, and fresh herbs. You can use one type of mushroom or a variety, such as button, portobello, and cremini. This soup is a delicious and satisfying option to pair with the cheese bread.

Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a classic cold soup from Spain and Portugal that also pairs well with Brazilian cheese bread. It is made from fresh, ripe tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onion, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. All the ingredients are mixed and served chilled, often in small cups with a spoon. Gazpacho is a refreshing and light option, perfect for a hot summer day. It can be served as a first course, appetizer, or snack.

Tomato Soup

A simple and classic option to pair with Brazilian cheese bread is tomato soup. You can add some extra protein to the soup by mixing in cottage cheese. The combination of the warm, cheesy bread with the tomato soup creates a comforting and tasty meal. This pairing is also great for dipping the bread into the soup for a hearty and satisfying dish.

Black Bean Soup

A heartier option that goes well with Brazilian cheese bread is black bean soup. This soup is filling and flavourful, and it is easy to make. The main ingredients are beans, cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, and cilantro for garnish. You can use canned beans or dried black beans that have been soaked overnight for the best results. Black bean soup is a delicious and nutritious option to pair with the cheese bread.

Sauces

Cheese bread is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or side. Here are some sauce options that can elevate your cheese bread:

Marinara Sauce

A classic, bright, tangy sauce with a hint of herb spice. Marinara sauce is perfect for dipping and can easily be made with a handful of ingredients.

Mustard

Spread some mustard on your cheese bread, especially if you're using sharp cheddar or Alpine cheeses like Gruyere and Emmental. Dijon, spicy brown, or whole-grain mustard will all work well.

Hot Sauce

Add a few lashings of hot sauce to your cheese bread for a tangy, spicy kick. Try sriracha, sambal, harissa, or other hot pepper-based condiments.

Jam or Preserves

The sweet, tart, and fruity flavours of jams, jellies, and preserves can offset the cheese beautifully. Match the intensity of the preserves to that of the cheese so that one flavour does not overwhelm the other.

Fresh Herbs

Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to your cheese bread for a burst of flavour. These herbs can also be blended into compound butters, infused oils, or sauces like pesto.

Garlic Sauce

A simple, flavour-packed sauce made with margarine, garlic powder, and salt. It's a great way to add some pizzazz to your cheese bread.

Bread Dipping Oil

This classic dip is made with olive oil, herbs, spices, and cheese, resulting in a mouthwatering combination of flavours and aromas.

Honey Mustard Sauce

A classic, sweet, and tangy sauce with a kick of spice. Honey mustard sauce is a perfect contrast to the saltiness of pretzels and other types of bread.

Garlic Parmesan Dip

A creamy, savoury dip with notes of heat from spices and herbs. This dip is a perfect pairing for cheese bread, chicken nuggets, chips, and more.

Experiment with different sauces and adjust the spices and ingredients to your taste. Enjoy your cheesy creation!

Frequently asked questions