The Perfect Pairings To Elevate Your Shells And Cheese

Shells and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. It goes well with a variety of proteins and vegetables, such as chicken, ground beef, broccoli, peas, and carrots. It can also be customised with different types of cheese, spices, and herbs.

Herbs and spices

• Basil: This herb is one of the most iconic pairings with mozzarella. It also goes well with feta and ricotta.
• Oregano: Oregano blends well with most Italian cheeses, including mozzarella and ricotta.
• Thyme: This herb is a lovely accompaniment to goat's cheese and is often paired with it in Greek dishes. Thyme also goes well with Alpine cheddar and ricotta.
• Chives: Chives complement the creamy flavour of brie and the sweetness of Swiss cheese.
• Sage: This herb pairs beautifully with cheddar cheese, especially sharp cheddar, and brings out its nutty notes. Sage also goes well with brie and Wensleydale cheese.
• Dill: Dill is a great match for goat's cheese, Swiss cheese, American cheese, Monterey Jack, and cottage cheese.
• Garlic: The strong, pungent flavour of garlic matches well with lite cheddar.
• Rosemary: This herb can be paired with mozzarella, gouda, and horseradish cheddar.
• Paprika and chilli powder: These spices blend well with a number of cheeses found in Latin American or Mexican foods.
• Caraway: This spice pairs well with cottage cheese and other soft, mild cheeses.

Meat

If you want to go for a different type of meat, ground chicken or ground turkey are also viable alternatives. You can even use Italian sausage or ground chicken in place of ground beef.

For a heartier dish, you can add extra meat to the sauce. You can also experiment with different types of meat, such as Italian sausage or ground chicken, to find your preferred flavour.

Vegetables

Shells and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side. Here are some vegetable options that can be added to shells and cheese to enhance its flavour and nutritional value:

Peas, Broccoli, Carrots, Corn, and Green Beans

Frozen peas, steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets, diced carrots, corn, and green beans are all excellent choices to add to shells and cheese. These vegetables provide colour, texture, and a boost of vitamins and fibre. They pair well with the creamy cheese sauce and can be easily mixed into the dish.

Tomatoes

Diced tomatoes, either fresh or canned, can add a burst of freshness and a tangy flavour to the shells and cheese. Tomatoes also provide a good source of vitamins and lycopene, an antioxidant.

Spinach, Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers, and Zucchini

Spinach, mushrooms, onions, red bell peppers, and zucchini are all vegetables that can be finely chopped, sautéed, and added to the shells and cheese. These vegetables will add depth of flavour and a nutritional boost to the dish. Spinach, for example, is a good source of iron and vitamins, while mushrooms provide selenium and B vitamins.

Garlic

Adding garlic to shells and cheese can enhance the flavour of the dish. It can be used in its fresh form, as garlic powder, or as part of a garlic herb seasoning blend. Garlic not only adds a savoury kick but also has potential health benefits, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Avocado

Avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats to shells and cheese. It can be diced or mashed and mixed into the dish, providing a unique flavour and a boost of nutrients like potassium and fibre.

Different types of cheese

There are many different types of cheese that can be used to make shells and cheese. Here are some options:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a popular choice for shells and cheese, as it has a sharp flavour and melts well. It can range in colour from natural white to pumpkin orange, and its texture changes as it ages, becoming drier and more crumbly.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is another good melting cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and a bit of tang. It is commonly used in shells and cheese, as well as on pizza and burgers.

American

American cheese is smooth and creamy, and it melts well. It is often used in shells and cheese, as it adds a gooey texture.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a versatile and delicious cheese with a milky flavour and gooey texture. Fresh mozzarella is packed in water to keep it fresh, while string mozzarella is pulled and kneaded into strands.

Parmesan

Parmesan has a hard, gritty texture and a fruity, nutty taste. It is often grated over pasta or used in soups.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese has a light, slightly tangy flavour and a smooth texture. It spreads easily and can be used in shells and cheese for added creaminess.

Other Cheeses

Other cheeses that can be used in shells and cheese include Gruyere, Gouda, Muenster, Brie, Blue Cheese, and more.

Breadcrumbs

To make the breadcrumbs, melt butter in a pan over medium heat, add the breadcrumbs, and cook while stirring constantly until they are toasted and golden brown. This should take around 4 minutes. You can also add other ingredients to the breadcrumbs to enhance their flavour and texture. For example, a recipe for Baked Shells with Gremolata Breadcrumbs includes parsley, lemon peel, and garlic in the breadcrumbs.

The amount of breadcrumbs used can vary depending on personal preference. Some recipes call for a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs on top of the shells and cheese, while others suggest mixing the breadcrumbs into the pasta. You can also choose to omit the breadcrumbs altogether if you prefer a smoother, creamier texture.

In addition to their role as a topping, breadcrumbs can also be used as a binding agent in meatballs or burgers. They help to absorb moisture and hold the meat together, resulting in a juicier and more tender bite.

Overall, breadcrumbs play a crucial role in the texture and flavour of shells and cheese, adding a satisfying crunch and buttery notes to the dish.

Frequently asked questions