The Perfect Pairings For Emmental Cheese

Emmenthal, or Emmentaler, is a semi-hard Swiss cheese with a distinctive nutty, fruity, and sweet flavour. It is known for its large holes, or eyes, and is often used in cooking due to its good melting properties. So, what foods does it pair well with? Emmenthal is commonly melted with white wine to make a classic Alpine fondue and is also grated onto gratins and casseroles. It can be used in sandwiches, such as the croque monsieur, and in quiches. It is also used in French onion soup and pairs well with white or light red wines from Southeastern France.

Wine pairings

Emmental cheese has a savoury yet mild taste and is considered a semi-hard cheese. It is a good match for wines with medium body and fruity notes. Here are some wine pairings to consider:

Chablis

Chablis is a French wine made from Chardonnay grapes. It is known for its citrus notes and light creamy finish, making it an ideal pairing for Emmental cheese. The citrus flavours of Chablis complement the nutty and buttery characteristics of the cheese.

Zweigelt

Zweigelt is a red wine that pairs well with Emmental cheese. It has a good amount of aroma and complexity, with red berry fruit flavours that complement the savoury and mild taste of the cheese.

Gamay

Gamay is a fruity red wine with notes of red berries and cherries. It provides a nice contrast to the relatively mild, nutty flavour of Emmental cheese. This pairing is especially recommended if you spot Emmental on a charcuterie board.

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a versatile wine that can be paired with Emmental cheese. It has a buttery-basted fruit character that can shine alongside the cheese. Chardonnay is also recommended for semi-hard cheeses like Emmental.

Beaujolais

Beaujolais is a light and bright red wine with delicate red berry notes. It is a good choice for pairing with Emmental cheese, as its acidity and fruitiness can complement the cheese's savoury and mild taste. Beaujolais is also suggested for semi-hard cheeses.

Grilled cheese

Emmental and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese

This classic combination is a match made in heaven. The sweet, sticky caramelized onions complement the nutty, buttery flavour of the Emmental, creating a hearty and comforting grilled cheese experience. For an extra depth of flavour, add some sautéed mushrooms and a sprinkle of thyme.

Emmental, Crispy Bacon, and Arugula

For a gourmet twist on the traditional grilled cheese, try pairing Emmental with crispy bacon and fresh arugula. The saltiness of the bacon and the peppery notes of the arugula will contrast beautifully with the creamy, nutty cheese.

Emmental and Pesto

Sun-dried tomato, emmental cheese, and pesto puff pastry tarts are another delicious option. The bright, herbal flavours of the pesto will cut through the richness of the Emmental, creating a flavourful and satisfying bite.

Emmental and Sweet Condiments

Emmental's mild, nutty flavour also pairs well with sweet condiments like fruit chutney or fig jam. Try spreading a thin layer of your favourite sweet condiment on one slice of bread before adding the Emmental for an unexpected flavour combination that's sure to impress.

When making grilled cheese sandwiches with Emmental, it's important to note that this cheese has excellent melting properties due to its semi-hard texture. This makes it ideal for creating a creamy, melted layer in your grilled cheese. Experiment with different bread types, such as rye or sourdough, and don't be afraid to mix and match your ingredients to create unique flavour profiles.

So, get your grill pan ready, and start crafting your own Emmental grilled cheese creations!

Fondue

Bread, Crackers, and Chips

Bread is the most popular dipper for cheese fondue as it soaks up the warm cheese and creamy flavours. French bread, breadsticks, croutons, bagels, sourdough, rye, and pretzels are all excellent choices. Toasting the bread slightly before dipping is recommended to prevent it from falling apart.

Vegetables

Vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini are excellent choices to dip into fondue. They can be roasted, steamed, or served raw. If you're looking for something quick and raw, try celery, fennel spears, carrots, or cherry tomatoes.

Meat and Seafood

Meat and seafood options can add protein to your fondue meal. Steak, poached chicken, meatballs, and cured meats like salami and sausage go well with fondue. For seafood lovers, shrimp is an excellent choice to pair with the cheese.

Fruits

While it may seem like an unusual pairing, fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes can complement the cheese fondue with their crisp and tart flavours.

Salads

Emmentaler Salad with Tomato and Mustard Sauce

This salad features the classic combination of Emmentaler cheese and tomatoes. The creamy texture of the cheese complements the juicy tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. To elevate this dish, a tangy mustard sauce is added, bringing a burst of flavour to the salad. The sauce is prepared by mixing mayonnaise, cream, mustard, and vinegar, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Freshly chopped parsley adds a touch of herbiness to the dish. The cheese is cubed and plated, topped with quartered cherry tomatoes and the dressing, making it a simple yet delectable option.

Summer Salad

For a refreshing summer salad, Emmental cheese can be combined with an array of fresh ingredients. This salad includes watermelon, spinach, rocket, red onion, almonds, and basil, creating a colourful and nutritious dish. The balsamic and red wine vinegars in the dressing add a tangy twist, while olive oil and black pepper enhance the flavours. The low-sodium content of the cheese also helps to balance the overall flavour profile. This salad is a delightful option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

ADOM Salad

The ADOM salad is another flavourful option that incorporates Emmental cheese. This salad features a unique combination of ingredients, including tuna, sweetcorn, spinach, spring onions, avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, and eggs. The lemony mustard mayo sauce brings all the elements together, creating a cohesive and tasty dish. The versatility of this salad allows for easy customisation to suit individual preferences.

Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Spinach and Emmental Cheese

For a heartier salad option, chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and Emmental cheese can be served on a bed of greens. The savoury duxelles of mushrooms, spinach, and cheese create a juicy and flavourful centre, while a mayonnaise and garlic powder mixture adds a creamy touch. The dish is completed with a golden, crunchy coating of panko breadcrumbs. This salad offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavours.

Emmental cheese adds a unique savoury note to salads, and its melting qualities make it an excellent choice for warm salad options as well. Its versatility allows it to pair well with a variety of ingredients, making it a delightful addition to any salad creation.

Baking

Emmental cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baked dishes. Its excellent melting qualities and mellow flavour make it a popular choice for baking. Here are some ideas for using Emmental cheese in baking:

Gratins, Casseroles, and Pasta Bakes

Emmental cheese is a classic choice for gratins, casseroles, and pasta bakes. Its smooth, semi-hard texture and good melting properties make it ideal for these dishes. Simply grate the cheese and sprinkle it over your chosen dish before baking.

Quiches

Emmental cheese can add a delicious, subtle flavour to quiches. Try using it as the cheese layer in a quiche Lorraine or combining it with other cheeses like Gruyère or Cheddar for a more complex flavour.

Hot Sandwich Fillings

The mild, nutty flavour of Emmental cheese pairs well with a variety of sandwich fillings. Create a classic grilled cheese sandwich or experiment with paninis loaded with meat, vegetables, or other savoury ingredients. Its melting qualities will ensure a tasty, gooey sandwich.

Egg-based Dishes

Emmental cheese is a great choice for omelettes and frittatas. Its mild flavour and melting properties make it a versatile ingredient that won't overpower other flavours in your egg-based dish.

Baked Desserts

While savoury dishes are more common, Emmental cheese can also be used in sweet baked dishes. Try pairing it with firm and slightly tart fruits like pears, apples, or berries for a unique dessert. Its subtle sweetness and fruity notes can complement these flavours well.

When baking with Emmental cheese, remember that it has a relatively low melting point, so it's important to keep an eye on your dish to avoid overcooking. Additionally, pre-grating or shredding the cheese can help ensure even melting and avoid lumps.

Frequently asked questions