Bushra Griffith
Baked potatoes are a versatile dish that can be loaded with a variety of toppings, but one of the most popular choices is cheese. While cheddar is a classic option, there are many other types of cheese that can be used to elevate this simple dish. From the familiar flavours of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and blue cheese to the more exotic options like Jarlsberg, Cotswold, and Gruyère, the possibilities are endless. For those who like their food spicy, Pepper Jack cheese adds a nice kick, while goat cheese offers a tangy twist. For a truly indulgent experience, loading up on multiple types of cheese can take your baked potato to the next level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Gruyère, Vacherin Mont d'Or, Vacherin Fribourgeois, Raclette, Red Leicester, Colby-Jack, Swiss, Provolone, Pepper Jack, Jarlsberg, Cotswold, Roblochon, Morbier, Blue Cheese, Monterey Jack, Gouda, Muenster, Parmesan |
| Other ingredients | Sour cream, bacon, scallions, chives, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, broccoli, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, thyme, nutmeg, milk, flour, butter |
| Potato type | Russet, Red, Yukon Gold, Sweet |
What You'll Learn
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby-Jack
Baked potatoes are a great comfort food, and cheese is often the perfect topping to make them even more delicious. While there are many types of cheese that can be used, three of the most popular are Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby-Jack.
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for baked potatoes, as its sharp and intense flavour pairs well with the mildness of the potato. It also has a harder and crumblier texture compared to other cheeses, which adds a nice contrast to the soft and fluffy interior of the baked potato.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack cheese, sometimes shortened to Jack cheese, is an American semi-hard cow's milk cheese with a pale yellow colour and a mildly sweet and buttery flavour. Its creamy texture and excellent melting abilities make it a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and nachos. When used on baked potatoes, it adds a subtle tanginess and creaminess that complements the other ingredients well.
Colby-Jack
Colby-Jack cheese is a combination of Colby cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, offering the best of both worlds. Colby cheese is an orange, semi-hard cow's milk cheese that originates from Wisconsin and has a subtle, nutty flavour. When mixed with Monterey Jack, it creates a rich, orange-hued cheese with a slightly sharper taste. Colby-Jack is a versatile cheese that can be used in various dishes, including omelettes, tacos, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
In conclusion, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby-Jack cheeses are all excellent choices for baked potatoes, each bringing its unique flavour and texture to enhance the overall taste and creaminess of the dish. The choice between these three cheeses ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile.
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Mozzarella
How to Make Baked Potatoes with Mozzarella
First, scrub your potatoes and pat them dry. Prick the potatoes with a fork and brush the skin with olive oil and salt for a crispier finish. Bake the potatoes in the oven for about an hour, or until the skins are crispy and the centre is soft.
Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the oven and cut them in half lengthways. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about a quarter of an inch still attached to the skin so that it holds together. Mash the flesh with butter, milk, and rosemary, if you like. Stir in some mozzarella and season with salt and pepper.
Spoon the mixture back into the potato skins and top with more mozzarella. Place the potatoes back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and beginning to turn golden.
Variations
For an extra-indulgent version, try a twice-baked potato with mozzarella, tomato, and basil. Follow the recipe above, but instead of rosemary, stir in chopped cherry tomatoes and basil with the mozzarella. You could also add pine nuts for a crunchy texture.
For a more substantial meal, try a loaded baked potato with mozzarella, broccoli, and bacon. Follow the same method as above, but add steamed broccoli and crispy bacon pieces to the potato mixture. Top with extra cheese and return to the oven to melt. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side.
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Gruyère, Raclette, or Vacherin Mont d'Or
Baked potatoes with cheese are a delicious treat, and there are many types of cheese that can be used to elevate this simple dish. Here is some information about using Gruyère, Raclette, or Vacherin Mont d'Or cheese for your baked potatoes.
Gruyère
Gruyère is a great choice of cheese to use with baked potatoes. Its salty, rich, creamy, and nutty flavour adds a delicious dimension to the dish. A recipe for cheesy Gruyère potatoes includes tossing Yukon gold potatoes in a homemade sauce of shallots, garlic, thyme, and Gruyère cheese. The potatoes are then baked until golden and crispy. This recipe is versatile and can be served as a side dish for a variety of meals.
Raclette
Raclette is a Swiss melting cheese with a rich, creamy, and nutty flavour. It is an excellent choice for baked potatoes, especially when combined with a classic hasselback potato. The crevices of the potato can be stuffed with nutty, gooey raclette cheese, and the whole potato can be drizzled with a garlicky brown butter sauce. This creates a crispy, gooey, and cheesy side dish that is sure to impress.
Vacherin Mont d'Or
Vacherin Mont d'Or is a Swiss or French cheese that can be used as an alternative to the traditional Swiss cheese in a raclette dish. It is a ripe, washed rind cheese that is softer and more digestible than traditional raclette cheese. A recipe for baked Vacherin Mont d'Or involves baking the cheese in its wooden box, then serving it with potatoes, gherkins, and French bread for dipping. This indulgent and fun dish is perfect for sharing.
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Red Leicester and Mozzarella
Red Leicester, Mozzarella, and Baked Potatoes
Red Leicester is a hard English cheese with a rich, slightly nutty flavour. It is often used as a substitute for cheddar, which is the classic cheese to add to baked potatoes. Mozzarella, on the other hand, is a mild-flavoured Italian cheese that is known for its stretchy, melty texture when cooked.
When making a baked potato with these cheeses, it is best to bake the potato first and then add the cheese towards the end of the cooking process. This will ensure that the potato is cooked through and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Prick a large baking potato all over with a fork and wrap it tightly in foil.
- Bake the potato for about an hour or until tender.
- Unwrap the potato and cut a lengthwise slit in the top.
- Carefully scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving about a quarter-inch of flesh attached to the skin.
- Add your desired fillings to the bowl of potato flesh. This could include butter, sour cream, chives, scallions, or bacon bits. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the fillings and potato flesh together and spoon the mixture back into the potato skin, mounding it on top.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Red Leicester and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Place the potato back into the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve immediately.
Feel free to get creative with your fillings and toppings. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes and cheeses to find your perfect combination. Enjoy!
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Brie or Blue Cheese
Overview
Baked potatoes are a great dish to experiment with, as they go well with many different types of cheese. Blue cheese and brie are two such cheeses that can be used to create delicious baked potatoes with distinct flavours and textures.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a strong and distinct flavour that works well with potatoes. Its tangy and smoky taste adds a unique twist to the classic baked potato. The cheese also blends well with other ingredients, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
Recipe Ideas
A simple recipe for blue cheese baked potatoes involves mixing the cheese with sour cream and smoked paprika and then spooning it over halved baby potatoes. This can be served as a side dish or tapas-style appetiser.
For a heartier meal, try twice-baked potatoes stuffed with blue cheese, sour cream, butter, garlic, and bacon. The key to this recipe is to ensure the blue cheese is blended well with the potato to create a smooth and creamy texture.
Brie
Brie is a softer, milder cheese that can add a creamy texture to baked potatoes. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of recipes, including baked potatoes.
Recipe Ideas
For a simple yet delicious option, bake potatoes and then stuff them with brie, butter, chives or green onions, and pepper. This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
For a more indulgent option, try baked potatoes with brie and bacon. After baking the potatoes, split them open and spoon in the brie, then sprinkle with chopped scallions and bacon. This recipe is quick and easy, taking only about 15 minutes of prep time and 50 minutes of cook time.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many cheese options that work well with baked potatoes, including sharp cheddar, gouda, Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, Colby Jack, blue cheese, smoked gouda, and pepper jack.
For a vegetarian option, you can swap out the bacon for plant-based bacon or pan-fried soy chorizo.
Some good toppings to pair with cheese on a baked potato include butter, sour cream, chives, and bacon.
Starchy potatoes such as russets and sweet potatoes are best for baking. These types of potatoes work well with the dry heat of an oven and result in a fluffy center.
To achieve a crispy skin, it is recommended to not wrap the potatoes in foil. Instead, coat the potatoes in olive oil and salt, and place them directly on a baking sheet.
