Cheese And Chili: Perfect Pairing For A Warming Dish

There are many types of cheese that can be paired with chili, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and feta. The type of cheese you choose depends on your personal preference for spice and tanginess. For example, pepper jack is a good option if you want your dish to be spicy, while Monterey Jack is ideal for those who prefer a milder taste. Cheddar is a popular choice, with options ranging from mild to sharp in flavour.

Cheddar cheese: mild, medium or sharp

Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese to serve with a bowl of chilli. The variety of cheddar cheese to be used depends on personal preference. For instance, if you like your chilli with a bit of a kick, extra sharp cheddar will give it some "oomph".

On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavour, a mild or medium cheddar is a better option. Mild cheddar has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste, while medium cheddar is stronger in flavour and more crumbly in texture.

When choosing between mild, medium, or sharp cheddar for your chilli, consider the other ingredients in your dish and your desired level of cheesiness. For a more subtle cheese flavour, opt for mild cheddar. If you want a balance of creaminess and sharpness, medium cheddar is a good choice. But if you're looking for a bold, pungent flavour that will stand out against the spices in your chilli, go for sharp cheddar.

In addition, the texture of the cheese is an important factor to consider. If you want your cheese to melt smoothly into your chilli, shredded cheddar is a good option. However, if you prefer your cheese in chunks or slices, you can cut the cheddar accordingly.

Monterey Jack

For those who like a spicier chilli, Pepper Jack is a similar cheese that will add a bit of a kick. However, if you're after that classic chilli heat and flavour, Monterey Jack is a great option. It's a good choice for those who like a more mild, creamy flavour, and its melting ability makes it perfect for those who like a good, stringy cheese pull.

Pepper Jack

The addition of peppers and spices gives Pepper Jack its distinctive flavour and a touch of spiciness. The most common types of peppers used are jalapeño peppers, which provide a mild to medium heat. However, other peppers such as serrano or habanero peppers may also be included to increase the heat. The peppers also contribute to the cheese's signature marbled appearance, with colourful specks of red and green throughout.

When used in chilli, Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick to the dish. It can be shredded and sprinkled on top of the chilli or melted into the chilli for a creamy and spicy texture. The level of spiciness can vary depending on the brand and recipe of the cheese, so it is important to choose one that suits your taste preference.

In terms of nutrition, Pepper Jack is a good source of protein and calcium. However, it has a high-fat content, so it should be consumed in moderation. It pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, champagne, or a light wheat beer.

Feta

Another option is to marinate feta with herbs and chilli. For this, you can infuse olive oil with garlic by combining crushed garlic with oil and letting it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, cut the feta into bite-sized cubes and place them in a serving dish. Scatter herbs, chilli, lemon rind, and black pepper on top, and pour the infused olive oil over. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week, but it is best served fresh as the herbs will lose their colour and brightness over time.

You can also add feta to chilli as a topping. For example, you can serve chilli in tortilla shells and sprinkle feta and parsley on top. Alternatively, you can add a squeeze of lime, a scoop of sour cream, and a generous amount of cilantro along with the feta.

Blue cheese

There are several blue cheese varieties to choose from when making blue cheese chilli, each with its own nuances. For example, Danish blue cheese is a popular choice, as its strong, tangy flavour can stand up to the other robust ingredients in the dish. It has a soft, crumbly texture that can be easily mixed into the chilli, creating a creamy, indulgent consistency. Danish blue is also a good melting cheese, so it can be used to make a delicious, oozy chilli cheese toastie or grilled chilli sandwich.

Another option is to use a blue cheese like Treasure Cave®, which is a stronger, more pungent variety. This type of blue cheese is often used in recipes that require a more intense flavour, and its sharp, salty taste can complement the spices and heat of the chilli. This variety also has a creamy texture, so it will melt and blend well into the chilli, adding a luxurious, smooth element to the dish.

When adding blue cheese to chilli, it is usually crumbled or cubed and stirred through the chilli just before serving. This way, the cheese adds a creamy texture and flavour without becoming completely melted and losing its distinctive character. However, if a completely melted cheese is desired, blue cheese can also be used as a topping for chilli con carne, creating a rich, indulgent dish.

Frequently asked questions