Cheese Sandwiches: The Perfect Pairing Guide

There's nothing more British than a plain cheese sandwich, but what if you're looking to spice up your lunch?

If you're a fan of sweet and savoury, why not try infusing your sandwich with some jam, marmalade, or chutney? The sweetness of the spread will contrast with the savouriness of the cheese, creating a perfect harmony of flavours. Peanut butter is another surprising pairing that goes well with cheese, especially goat's cheese.

If you're looking for something more savoury, try adding some ham, chicken, or tuna to your sandwich. You can also experiment with different types of cheese – a combination of Cheddar and Red Leicester, for example, offers a different pop of colour and flavour.

And don't forget the sides! A grilled cheese sandwich pairs well with tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or a simple green salad. For something more indulgent, serve it with French fries, sweet potato fries, or tater tots.

Soups: tomato, chicken noodle, lentil, roasted red pepper, corn chowder, vegetable, etc

There's nothing more comforting than a hot bowl of soup with a cheese sandwich. Here are some soup and sandwich combinations to try:

Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese

This classic combination is a favourite for a reason. The creamy tomato soup is perfectly complemented by the toasted, crispy, and gooey grilled cheese sandwich. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of both. To elevate the soup, consider adding a swirl of cream and fresh basil. This combination is perfect for chilly days and can be made ahead of time.

Roasted Red Pepper Soup and Grilled Cheese

For a twist on the classic tomato soup, try a roasted red pepper soup. The peppers give the soup a smoky and slightly sweet flavour. Pair it with a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich that has a combination of blue cheese, thick sourdough, bacon, and date jam. This soup and sandwich combination offers a unique blend of flavours that will tantalize your taste buds.

Chicken Noodle Soup and BLT

Sometimes, it's best to stick with the basics. A bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup is comforting and versatile, and it pairs perfectly with a BLT. Keep the BLT simple, or add a light honey and cayenne glaze to the bacon for an extra kick. This combination is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a satisfying anytime meal.

Corn Chowder and Lobster Roll

For a decadent and indulgent pairing, try a creamy corn chowder with a lobster roll. The corn chowder can be made with roasted potatoes, chipotles in adobo sauce, maple syrup, and gouda for added creaminess. The lobster roll is enhanced with a variety of seasonings, such as Old Bay, celery salt, lemon, and parsley, bringing out the richness of the lobster meat. This combination is perfect for a special occasion, but it is time-intensive and may be more expensive due to the cost of lobster.

Lentil Soup and Chicken Salad Sandwich

For something a little different, try a red lentil soup with a chicken salad sandwich. The lentil soup gets a tart twist from the addition of lemon juice and zest, complementing the spices and garlic. The apple pecan chicken salad sandwich is a sweet and light complement to the soup, and it can be made with your choice of bread and cheese. This combination is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a last-minute meal.

Salads: spinach with apples, Caesar, caprese orzo, Waldorf, macaroni, etc

Salads are a great side dish to go with cheese sandwiches. Here are some ideas for salads that can be paired with cheese sandwiches:

Spinach and Apple Salad

This salad combines fresh baby spinach with crisp sliced apples, toasted crumbled walnuts, tangy goat cheese (or feta or gorgonzola), tart dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onions. The salad is dressed with a quick apple cider vinaigrette made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. This salad can be customised by adding farro, grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu, and roasted diced sweet potatoes.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar salad is made with crisp homemade croutons, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and a light Caesar dressing. The croutons are made by tossing sliced baguette in a mixture of olive oil and minced garlic and baking them until crispy. The dressing is made by whisking together garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Caprese Orzo Salad

This salad combines orzo pasta with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. The salad can be served warm or cold and can be paired with chicken, steak, or fish.

Waldorf Salad

A classic Waldorf salad is made with crisp apples, celery, and toasted nuts, and is typically dressed with mayonnaise. This salad can be customised by adding grapes, whipped cream, Greek yoghurt, or sour cream.

Macaroni Salad

A classic macaroni salad is made with cooked elbow macaroni mixed with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, and various seasonings. The salad also includes diced celery, onions, and bell peppers. This salad can be customised by adding hard-boiled eggs, sweet relish, or diced pickles.

Crisps: sweet potato fries, potato chips, tater tots, veggie crisps, etc

When it comes to crisps, there are several options that can accompany a cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas to consider:

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries can be a delicious side dish to a cheese sandwich. They offer a nice crunch and a sweet contrast to the savoury sandwich. Baked rather than fried, they are also a healthier alternative to regular potato fries.

Potato Chips/Crisps

Potato chips, or crisps as they are known in the UK, can be the perfect partner to a cheese sandwich. The key is to choose a crisp that is not too thick, as you want to avoid a crunchy texture. Light and crispy varieties like Walkers, which come in a range of flavours, work well. Salt and Vinegar, Cheese and Onion, Ready Salted, and Prawn Cocktail are popular crisp flavours that can enhance your sandwich experience.

Tater Tots

Tater tots, small, bite-sized grated potato nuggets, can be a fun and tasty addition to a cheese sandwich. They can be baked or fried, and their soft, fluffy interior and crispy exterior provide a nice textural contrast to the sandwich.

Veggie Crisps

For a healthier option, veggie crisps made from ingredients like kale, beetroot, or parsnips can add a nutritious crunch to your cheese sandwich. These crisps often have interesting flavours, such as salt and vinegar or cheese and onion, which can complement the sandwich.

Tips for the Perfect Crisp Sandwich

When creating a crisp sandwich, it's important to use soft, medium-sliced white bread. Thicker slices can overwhelm the crisps, while thinner slices may get lost. Butter is essential, and some even suggest adding a slather of mayonnaise to one slice for an indulgent twist. When adding the crisps, avoid crushing them first; the experience of crunching down and crushing the crisps is part of the appeal. Finally, slice the sandwich in half, not in triangles, and prepare for a shower of crumbs!

So, whether you opt for sweet potato fries, potato crisps, tater tots, or veggie crisps, there are plenty of crunchy, savoury, and sweet options to elevate your cheese sandwich experience.

Pickles: dill, piccalilli, jalapenos, onions, etc

Pickles are a great addition to a cheese sandwich, and they come in many varieties. The most popular type of pickle for a cheese sandwich is a pickled vegetable chutney, such as Branston Pickle. This sweet, vinegary chutney perfectly complements the salty, fatty flavour of the cheese.

When it comes to cheese, mature cheddar is the classic option, but you can also add red Leicester or another type of cheddar for more flavour. Grating the cheese will give you better coverage, but slicing it into wedges creates a more aesthetically pleasing sandwich.

If you want to add some extra crunch to your sandwich, you can include salad items such as lettuce, rocket (arugula), or thinly sliced red onion. You can also add some protein with slices of fresh deli-style ham.

To make your sandwich even more indulgent, butter the outside of the bread and fry it over medium heat until both sides are golden and the centre is gooey—a cheese and pickle toastie! This type of sandwich goes well with ready-salted crisps and a bowl of tomato soup on the side.

If you're looking for a more refreshing option to go with your rich cheese and pickle sandwich, a dill pickle has a wonderful tart flavour that will cut through the savouriness of the sandwich. You can make your own dill pickles by cutting cucumbers and red onions, tossing them in a jar with a vinegar and water mixture, and adding salt, pepper, and dill fronds. Refrigerate for at least four hours, and you'll have the perfect side to go with your sandwich.

Condiments: ketchup, mustard, jam, ranch, etc

Condiments can make or break a sandwich, adding moisture, flavour, and spice. Here are some condiments that go well with cheese sandwiches:

Ketchup

Ketchup is a famous condiment for hamburgers and hot dogs, but it can also be used in a wide range of sandwiches. Ketchup's sweetness and tanginess can complement a cheese sandwich, especially when paired with other savoury ingredients like ham.

Mustard

Mustard is another classic condiment that is well-known for its use on hot dogs. However, it is also a versatile sandwich condiment. There are many types of mustard to explore beyond the typical yellow mustard, such as spicy brown, whole grain, Dijon, Sriracha mustard, dill mustard, and sweet mustard. Mustard can be paired with sharp cheddar or Alpine cheeses like Gruyere and Emmental.

Jam

The sweet, tart, and fruity flavours of jam, jelly, and fruit butter can beautifully complement cheeses, from mild types like chevre to pungent blues. When using jam, it is essential to match the intensity of the preserves with the cheese so that neither overpowers the other. Seasonal fruits, such as thinly sliced apples and pears, can also add a touch of sweetness to a grilled cheese sandwich.

Ranch

Ranch dressing is a creamy and tangy sauce that can be used as a dip or spread in a cheese sandwich. It is typically made by mixing mayonnaise, buttermilk, and herbs such as parsley or dill. For an extra kick of flavour, garlic or onion powder can be added to the mix.

Other condiments that can be explored with cheese sandwiches include hot sauces, pesto, hummus, chutneys, and more. Experimenting with different condiments and finding the right balance of flavours is key to creating the perfect cheese sandwich.

Frequently asked questions