Mouth-Watering Melty Cheese Combinations For The Ultimate Indulgence

Melted cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create indulgent, comforting dishes. From savoury to sweet, there are endless combinations and recipes to explore. Whether you're a fan of oozy, gooey, or stringy cheese, there's a melted cheese dish for everyone. So, what goes well with melted cheese?

Breads and baked goods

Breads

Bread is a classic pairing with melted cheese, and for good reason. The starchiness of bread is a great foil for rich, savoury melted cheese. Breads with a chewy texture or a crispy crust are particularly good for dipping into melted cheese, and the holes in a bagel make it perfect for this. Breadsticks are another great option for dipping, and you can even wrap them in pancetta for an extra indulgent treat.

French baguettes, sourdough, pretzels, and croutons are all excellent choices for dipping into melted cheese. Toasting the bread slightly first will help it stand up to the cheese. For an extra special treat, try a baked brie wrapped in crisp, golden brioche and prosciutto.

Baked Goods

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, there are plenty of baked goods that go well with melted cheese.

The ultimate grilled cheese sandwich is a classic for a reason—the oozy, gooey cheese is comfort food at its best. For something a little more fancy, try a brie and prosciutto panini with fig jam and caramelised onions.

For a sweet and savoury option, an ultimate grilled cheese sandwich with mango and sharp cheddar is a winning combination. Or, for a spicy kick, try a kimchi double-cheese toastie.

If you're serving melted cheese as a fondue, you can't go wrong with garlic bread to dip into it. The garlicky, buttery bread is the perfect vessel for scooping up melted cheese.

For a more substantial option, a cheesy beef-stuffed pasta shell or a cheesy chicken pasta served in a bread bowl will satisfy any cheese craving.

Fruits and vegetables

Apples

Apples and melted cheese is a classic combination. The crisp, crunchy texture and tartness of an apple perfectly complement the creamy, salty cheese. Cut apples into slices and offer them alongside a melted cheese dip, such as fondue, or include them on a cheese board for a delightful contrast in flavours and textures.

Pears

Pears are another fruit that pairs beautifully with melted cheese. Try baking Camembert with a topping of sliced pears, walnuts, and honey. Serve it with some bread or crudités for a romantic dinner for two or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be served raw or lightly steamed alongside melted cheese. It adds a fresh and healthy kick to your cheesy feast. Try dipping broccoli florets into a fondue or cheese sauce for a satisfying and tasty treat.

Peppers

Peppers are a colourful and flavourful addition to any dish with melted cheese. Slice them into thin, long strips to make them easier to dip. Green, red, and yellow peppers will not only add a burst of colour to your plate but also a sweet and tangy flavour that pairs well with melted cheese.

Potatoes

Potatoes are a starchy delight when paired with melted cheese. Try baking potatoes and filling them with melted cheese and other tasty ingredients, such as bacon, cream, and parsley, for an indulgent treat. Alternatively, make homemade French fries, roasted potatoes, or potato chips and dip them into a fondue for cheesy, savoury goodness.

Meat and seafood

Meatballs:

Meatballs are a versatile option that can be dipped into a cheese fondue or topped with melted cheese to create a delicious, cheesy meatball delicacy.

Sausage:

Sausage is an excellent meat option for fondue, especially authentic sweet Italian sausage. You can easily cut the sausage into smaller pieces for dipping. For extra flavour, consider using chorizo or spicy chicken sausage.

Chicken:

Poached chicken can be a great way to add protein to your cheesy dish. You can dip chicken pieces into a cheese fondue or bake them with cheese. Add herbs and spices to the chicken for extra flavour, and serve with a side of vegetables.

Steak:

If you're a fan of cheesesteaks, try dipping steak strips or bites into melted cheese. You can even create mini cheesesteak sliders by adding a piece of bread.

Pork Chops:

Easy Cheesy Pork Chops are a quick and easy option. Simply make a cheese sauce and spoon it over your pork chops. You can also add mashed potatoes on the side for a hearty meal.

Beef:

Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Pasta Shells are a tasty option that will make your kitchen smell amazing. This dish combines beef, pasta, and cheese for a classic Italian flavour profile.

Seafood:

For seafood lovers, consider combining your favourite seafood with cheese fondue or melted cheese. Shrimp, in particular, is an excellent choice and can be roasted, sauteed, fried, or grilled to pair with the cheese. Monkfish, prawns, and fresh herbs are also delicious additions to a cheesy dish, as seen in the Mac 'n' Cheese Fish Pie.

Pasta and potatoes

Baked Pasta with Ricotta and Spinach

This is a perfect family meal as it can be prepared ahead of time and then baked in under half an hour for dinner. This version contains tomatoes and spinach and is covered with not one, but two types of cheese.

Mac 'n' Cheese

There are many variations of this classic comfort food, but a popular one is the "Grandma's Macaroni and Cheese" recipe. This recipe is "cheesy and stick-to-your-ribs good".

Cheese and Potato Pie

This puff pastry pie neatly fuses tartiflette, fondue, and baked camembert. It's served with a tangy chicory salad to balance out the richness of the dairy.

Next-Level Tartiflette

Tartiflette is a rib-sticking dish from the French Alps made from potatoes, Reblochon cheese, lardons, and onions. To take it to the next level, add a grating of nutmeg and dry white wine.

Fondue Baked Potatoes

The trick to giving these après-ski-worthy spuds a real wow factor is to choose a good European melting cheese like Reblochon, raclette, or gruyère. The subtle nuttiness of the cheese combined with salty bacon, double cream, and parsley is a miraculous flavour combination.

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages

Wine is widely considered the best alcoholic drink to pair with cheese. However, other alcoholic drinks like whiskey and beer are also popular pairings. When pairing alcoholic drinks with cheese, it's important to consider the flavours and characteristics of both the drink and the cheese. For example, a strong-flavoured drink like whiskey may overwhelm a mild cheese.

• A sweet sparkling cider pairs well with blue cheese.
• A crisp cider goes well with decadent cheeses like Camembert and Brie.
• A glass of white wine is a common companion for a cheese tasting, but a full-bodied red wine can also be a good match.
• A strong black tea, such as an oolong tea or a fermented Pu'er tea, can stand up to the strong flavours of aged gouda.

Non-alcoholic beverages

For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, there are also many drinks that pair well with melted cheese. Here are some examples:

• Cider is a natural partner for cheese, especially thick and rich varieties. The carbonation and fruity sweetness of cider help to cut through the fattiness and saltiness of the cheese.
• Tea, specifically black tea or oolong tea, contains tannins that give a tart, astringent flavour similar to wine. These teas can pair well with mild cheeses like goat cheese, especially when paired with honey.
• Coffee, particularly espresso, has rich, chocolate notes that complement creamy goat cheese. A nutty Brazilian coffee blend also pairs well with aged gouda.
• Fruit juices, such as apple or grape juice, can be a good match for creamy and rich cheeses like Camembert or Brie. Adding a carbonated cider or sparkling pear juice can also enhance the pairing.
• Sparkling water, especially with a high TDS (total dissolved solids), can be a good palate cleanser when enjoying cheese.
• Natural sodas with subtle flavours can also pair well with cheese, as the carbonation lifts the fat from the tongue and refreshes the palate.

Frequently asked questions