Muenster Cheese: Perfect Pairing Ideas For Your Next Dish

Muenster cheese is a mild, semi-soft white cheese with a reddish-orange rind. It is made in Germany, France, and the United States. Its mild, buttery flavour and smooth, creamy texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. So, what foods go well with Muenster cheese?

Muenster cheese on burgers

Muenster cheese is a great choice for burgers. Its mild, buttery flavour and semi-soft texture make it an excellent topping for a variety of burger recipes. Here are some tips and ideas for using Muenster cheese on burgers:

Choosing and Preparing the Cheese

Muenster cheese has a creamy, mild flavour that can become sharper and tangier as it ages. When selecting Muenster cheese for your burger, consider the level of sharpness you prefer. If you want a milder taste, go for a younger cheese, while an aged Muenster will offer a more pronounced flavour.

Muenster cheese is known for its melting properties due to its semi-soft texture and high moisture content. When heated, it softens and melts smoothly, making it ideal for burgers. However, it can become greasy if overheated or melted for too long, so it's best to melt it slowly over low to medium heat and monitor it closely.

Burger Recipes with Muenster Cheese

The versatility of Muenster cheese allows it to pair well with various burger ingredients. Here are some specific burger recipes and combinations to try:

• Green Chilli and Bacon Burger with Muenster Cheese: Combine the spicy kick of green chillies with the smoky flavour of bacon and the creamy texture of Muenster cheese.
• Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and Muenster Cheese Grilled Cheese on Soft Pretzel: This combination brings together the savoury flavours of bratwurst and sauerkraut with the melted Muenster cheese, all served on a soft pretzel bun.
• Muenster, Apple, and Maple Bourbon Bacon Grilled Cheese: This sweet and savoury option features the crispness of apples and the indulgent flavour of maple bourbon bacon, complemented by the melted Muenster cheese.
• Muenster, Cabbage, and Apple Sandwiches: Try this unique combination of ingredients, where the sweetness of apples and the crunch of cabbage meet the creaminess of Muenster cheese.

Beverage Pairings

To enhance your Muenster cheese burger experience, consider pairing it with a suitable beverage. Muenster cheese often goes well with beer, especially a Pilsner. If you prefer wine, opt for a light Pinot Noir or Zinfandel for reds, or a Riesling for a white wine option. These beverage pairings can elevate your burger meal and provide a well-rounded dining experience.

Grilled cheese sandwiches

The Classic Muenster Grilled Cheese:

Start with two slices of your favourite bread. Butter the outside of each slice lightly. On the inside, layer on thin slices of Muenster cheese, allowing the cheese to peek out from the sides for that gooey, crispy edge. You can add a slice of tomato and a sprinkle of oregano for a subtle flavour boost. Grill the sandwich in a pan over medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

The American Muenster:

This sandwich combines the creaminess of Muenster cheese with the sharpness of American cheese. Layer both cheeses between two slices of bread, buttered on the outside. For an extra kick, add sliced onions. Grill the sandwich until the bread is toasted and the cheeses have melded together.

Raspberry Muenster Grilled Cheese:

This sweet and savoury combination is a delightful surprise. Spread butter on the outside of two slices of sourdough bread. On the inside, layer Muenster cheese with a generous amount of fresh raspberries. You can also add a sprinkle of oregano. Grill the sandwich until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, being careful not to burn the raspberries.

Muenster, Apple, and Maple Bourbon Bacon:

This sandwich is a flavour explosion. Start with a slice of multigrain bread and spread a generous amount of maple syrup on the inside. Layer on crispy bacon, thin slices of Muenster cheese, and finish with thin apple slices. Grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and Muenster Grilled Cheese:

This sandwich is a hearty, savoury delight. Start with a soft pretzel roll, buttered on the outside. Layer sliced bratwurst, sauerkraut, and Muenster cheese inside. Add a dash of mustard to taste. Grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the roll is toasted.

Muenster cheese's mild, buttery flavour and excellent melting ability make it a perfect choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Experiment with different combinations and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Macaroni cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and using Muenster cheese is a great way to elevate this dish and give it a more sophisticated appeal. Muenster is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and a slightly tangy finish, making it an excellent choice for a creamy and mild mac and cheese. Here is a recipe and some tips for making delicious Muenster mac and cheese:

Ingredients:

• Elbow macaroni pasta
• Butter
• Flour
• Salt
• Milk
• Shredded Muenster cheese
• (Optional) Cream cheese, dry mustard, paprika, and panko breadcrumbs

Method:

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions to al dente.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and salt and continue whisking until thickened.
• Slowly whisk in the milk and continue whisking until it starts to thicken again.
• Turn the heat to low and stir in the shredded Muenster cheese until melted. You can also add in some cream cheese for extra creaminess.
• Once the pasta is cooked and drained, stir it into the cheese sauce.
• Butter an 8-inch baking dish and pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into it.
• Top with more shredded Muenster cheese and optional breadcrumbs.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

Tips:

• Muenster cheese melts well due to its semi-soft texture and high moisture content. However, it can become greasy if overheated, so melt it slowly over low to medium heat.
• For extra flavour, you can add other types of cheese such as Swiss, Gouda, Havarti, or cheddar.
• To make it a more well-rounded meal, serve the Muenster mac and cheese with a side of roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or fried chicken.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days and reheated in the microwave.

Pizza

Muenster cheese is a mild, semi-soft, white cheese with a reddish-orange rind. It is made from cow's milk and is known for its excellent melting properties. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a great choice for pizza as it adds texture and flavour without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Muenster Cheese on Pizza

When using Muenster cheese on pizza, it is best to blend it with other cheeses to balance out its fattiness and prevent the pizza from becoming too greasy. A 50-50 blend of Muenster and part-skim mozzarella is a popular choice and results in a gooey, delicious pizza. If you are looking for a healthier option, you can also try blending Muenster with skim mozzarella.

Toppings

Muenster cheese is very versatile and can be paired with a variety of toppings. It goes well with vegetables, meats, and herbs. Some specific topping ideas include:

• Spinach
• Charcuterie
• Potatoes
• Ham
• Caramelized onions
• Pulled pork
• BBQ chicken
• Arugula
• Basil
• Oregano
• Black olives
• Bell peppers

Other Cheeses

If you are looking for other cheeses to pair with Muenster on your pizza, there are several options that work well:

• Mozzarella
• Provolone
• Swiss
• Sharp cheddar
• Parmesan
• Havarti
• Gouda

Tips

When making a pizza with Muenster cheese, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Muenster cheese melts very well, so be careful not to overcook your pizza to prevent the cheese from becoming too greasy.
• If you are using fresh herbs, add them after the pizza is cooked to preserve their flavour and texture.
• If you are using a blend of cheeses, shred the cheeses before mixing them to ensure even melting.

Baked potatoes

Muenster cheese is a great option for a baked potato filling. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a delicious addition to this classic comfort dish. Here are some ideas and tips for making the most of this combination.

Preparing the Potato

Start by selecting a potato variety suitable for baking, such as Russet or King Edward potatoes. Scrub the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Prick each potato a few times with a fork to create small holes that will allow steam to escape during baking. This will prevent the potatoes from bursting in the oven.

Baking the Potato

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and position a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips. Bake for about an hour, or until the potatoes are tender. You can determine their doneness by inserting a knife or skewer into the centre of the potato; it should go in easily. Another sign of a perfectly baked potato is a slightly shrivelled skin.

Adding the Cheese

Once the potatoes are baked, carefully remove them from the oven and place them on a plate or cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make a cut along the top of each potato and gently squeeze the ends towards the centre to open it up. Add a generous amount of grated or shredded Muenster cheese to each potato. You can also mix the cheese with some chopped herbs, such as chives or parsley, to add extra flavour.

Twice-Baked Option

For an even cheesier dish, consider making twice-baked potatoes. After the initial baking, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a bowl, being careful to keep the skins intact. Mash the potato with butter, cream, and Muenster cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. Scoop the mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins and place them on a baking sheet. Return to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Frequently asked questions