Kamil Perry
There are countless ways to prepare eggs, and just as many cheeses to choose from. So, when it comes to selecting the perfect full-bodied cheese for your eggs, it's important to consider the type of dish you're preparing and the specific flavour profile you're aiming for. Do you want the cheese to enhance the eggs or be the star of the show? Do you want a creamy, buttery texture or a sharp, salty kick?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese for omelettes | Feta, goat cheese, cheddar, provolone, Swiss, pepperjack, Gruyere, Ossau Vielle, Fontina |
| Cheese for quiche or frittata | Parmesan, Swiss, Gruyere |
| Cheese for sunny side up eggs | Goat cheese, parmesan |
| Cheese for scrambled eggs | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, feta, goat cheese, pecorino, cream cheese, American, Kerrygold Dubliner, pepper jack, Colby, gouda, provolone, cottage cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar, feta, goat cheese, pecorino, and cream cheese
Cheddar is a popular choice of cheese to pair with eggs, as it has a strong, salty flavour that can enhance the taste of eggs. It can be used in scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or omelettes. When making scrambled eggs with cheddar, it is best to grate the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese has a coating that makes it harder to melt.
Feta is another suitable cheese to use with eggs, as it has a salty and complex flavour. It is particularly good when used in a feta fried egg, where it is cooked until bubbling and browned before an egg is cracked into the centre. Feta can also be used in scrambled eggs or omelettes.
Goat cheese is a creamy and luxurious option to pair with eggs, especially in scrambled eggs. It is a good choice for those who want a sophisticated flavour without overwhelming the taste of the eggs. Goat cheese can also be used in combination with other ingredients, such as spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, to create a more complex dish.
Pecorino is a sharp and salty cheese that can be used to enhance the flavour of scrambled eggs. It is particularly good when paired with pepper, creating a simple yet memorable dish.
Cream cheese is a unique option to use with eggs, as it can be mixed with herbs, scallions, and chives to create a flavourful addition to scrambled eggs. It can be added directly to the eggs while cooking or smeared on the plate before serving. Cream cheese provides a special twist to a simple egg dish, making it perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast.
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Gruyere, Ossau Vielle, and Fontina
When it comes to full-bodied flavoured cheeses that go well with eggs, Gruyere, Ossau Vielle, and Fontina are excellent choices.
Gruyere is a classic melter, making it a great choice for eggs, burgers, sandwiches, and pasta bakes. It is a hard Swiss cheese with a creamy, nutty flavour that melts beautifully. When making scrambled eggs, gently push the egg mixture towards the centre from the edges of the pan, and once the eggs are softly scrambled, fold in the grated Gruyere cheese. It will melt with the residual heat.
Ossau Vielle, also known as Ossau-Iraty, is a well-known French cheese with a distinctive appearance and a natural, brushed, and rustic rind. It has a firm and smooth interior, ranging in colour from ivory to pale yellow. This cheese has a sweet, milky, and floral flavour, without the sheepy funk that sheep milk cheese often has.
Fontina is a semi-soft Italian cheese with a smooth and velvety texture that has gained international recognition. It has a nutty flavour with hints of earthiness and a gentle sweetness. When melted, Fontina becomes rich and savoury, making it perfect for eggs. It is commonly used in traditional Italian dishes such as Fonduta, where it is combined with eggs and butter to form a velvety dipping sauce, and Polenta Concia, where it is layered with creamy polenta. Fontina is also a popular choice for modern dishes like carbonara, mac and cheese, sandwiches, and burgers, where it adds a delightful stringiness and mildness.
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Parmesan and Swiss cheese
Parmesan cheese is a popular choice for adding flavour to eggs. It can be used to make a crispy, golden brown layer on fried eggs, omelettes, or scrambled eggs. To make crispy Parmesan eggs, sprinkle Parmesan cheese in an even layer in a pan, cook for a few minutes until it starts to melt, then crack eggs onto the cheese and cook until the eggs are set. You can also add Parmesan to scrambled eggs along with milk, salt, and pepper, and cook on low to medium heat until fluffy.
Swiss cheese is also a good option for adding flavour to eggs, as it has a mild, creamy taste that can enhance the flavour of the eggs without being too overpowering. It is often used in omelettes, quiches, or frittatas, and can be paired with a variety of ingredients such as ham, onions, and spinach. Swiss cheese can also be melted on top of eggs to create a creamy, savoury flavour.
Both Parmesan and Swiss cheese have distinct flavours and textures that can enhance the taste and texture of eggs. Parmesan cheese is known for its salty, crispy texture when cooked, while Swiss cheese has a more mild, creamy, and savoury flavour. The choice between the two cheeses depends on the desired flavour profile and texture of the dish.
When choosing between Parmesan and Swiss cheese for eggs, consider the other ingredients and flavours in the dish. Parmesan cheese pairs well with ingredients such as asparagus, herbs, and lemon, while Swiss cheese goes well with ham, onions, and spinach. The saltiness of Parmesan can enhance the flavour of eggs and create a crispy texture, while Swiss cheese can add a creamy, savoury element to the dish. Ultimately, both cheeses can be excellent choices for adding flavour to eggs, and the decision depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile of the dish.
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American cheese
When making scrambled eggs, it is recommended to add American cheese when the eggs are still liquid. This allows the cheese to mix well with the eggs and ensures that the cheesy flavour comes through. Adding shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on top can create a gooey, indulgent texture.
While American cheese is versatile and well-suited for egg dishes, it is important to note that the type of cheese used ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile. Some people may prefer sharper or more distinctive cheeses, while others may opt for milder or creamier varieties.
In conclusion, American cheese is an excellent option for adding flavour to eggs, especially scrambled eggs and omelettes. Its melting properties and familiar flavour make it a popular choice, but ultimately, the best cheese for eggs is subjective and depends on individual taste preferences.
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Monterey Jack
When it comes to choosing a full-bodied flavoured cheese to pair with eggs, Monterey Jack is an excellent option. This versatile cheese can be used in a variety of egg dishes, from scrambled eggs to omelettes and frittatas.
When adding Monterey Jack to scrambled eggs, it is recommended to shred the cheese before mixing it in. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and creates a creamy, gooey texture throughout the eggs. You can also add a small dollop of sour cream to your scrambled eggs for extra creaminess and season them with salt and pepper after cooking to enhance the flavour.
For omelettes and frittatas, Monterey Jack can be used as a base cheese, providing a creamy texture and subtle flavour that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. For example, you could create a Tex-Mex-inspired omelette with Monterey Jack, chopped peppers, chorizo, and onions. Or, for a more sophisticated option, try sautéed spinach and mushroom with a touch of Gruyere, another classic melting cheese.
In addition to its melting properties, Monterey Jack is also a great choice for egg dishes where the cheese is the star, such as casseroles and sandwiches. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of spices and meats, such as chorizo and pepper jack for a spicy kick or shrimp for a mild, fresh-tasting dish.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several cheeses that can be paired with eggs, depending on the desired flavor profile. For a creamy and mild flavor, cheeses like Comte, Gruyere, Fontina, and cream cheese are good options. For a punchy and salty flavor, cheddar, feta, goat cheese, pecorino, or blue cheese are ideal.
It is recommended to add shredded cheese to the eggs once they are slightly cooked. This ensures that the eggs remain scramble-able and the cheese melts well.
Using a fine microplane to grate the cheese will result in light, fluffy shavings that will melt easily and evenly into the eggs.
Fresh, free-range eggs are ideal for scrambled eggs with cheese.
In addition to cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper, and adding butter are essential for enhancing the flavor of scrambled eggs. Using a non-stick pan over medium heat and a rubber spatula for folding the eggs are also recommended.
