Cheese And Corned Beef: The Perfect Pairing

Corned beef sandwiches are a popular choice for a hearty meal, and there are several types of cheese that pair well with corned beef. Swiss cheese is a traditional choice for corned beef sandwiches like the Reuben, known for its gentle tang and creaminess. Other options include provolone, which is a nice mild complement to the beef, and Havarti, which offers a similar tang to Swiss cheese. For those who want a sharper flavour, cheddar cheese, especially an Irish cheddar, would be a tasty option.

Swiss cheese is a popular choice for a corned beef sandwich

When making a corned beef sandwich, Swiss cheese can be used as a gentle tang and creamy alternative to other cheeses. It is a good option for those who want a more subtle flavour without compromising on texture and taste. Swiss cheese also offers a nice mild complement to the beef and mustard that are typically used in corned beef sandwiches.

The type of Swiss cheese used can vary depending on preference. Regular Swiss cheese provides a gentle tang and lots of creaminess, while baby Swiss has a similar flavour profile but is slightly milder. When making a corned beef sandwich, it is important to consider the other ingredients being used and choose a cheese that will complement them.

Swiss cheese is a versatile option that can be used in different variations of the corned beef sandwich. For example, it can be used in a traditional Reuben sandwich or a grilled corned beef sandwich. It can also be substituted with other cheeses such as havarti, fontina, white cheddar, or muenster cheese, depending on personal preference.

Overall, Swiss cheese is a popular and traditional choice for corned beef sandwiches due to its creamy, tangy flavour and versatility. It pairs well with the other typical ingredients in a corned beef sandwich and can be customised to suit different taste preferences.

For a traditional Reuben sandwich, use Russian or Thousand Island dressing

Russian dressing is the traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich, but Thousand Island dressing is a common alternative. You can make your own Russian dressing, or opt for a store-bought version. The key ingredients of a Russian dressing are a creamy base, such as mayonnaise or sour cream, with added sharpness from pickles or relish. It also includes a touch of heat from paprika or chipotle, and a tangy flavour from lemon or red wine vinegar.

Russian dressing is a great choice for a Reuben sandwich as it adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour that pairs well with the saltiness of the corned beef and the sourness of the sauerkraut. The dressing also helps to bind the sandwich together, creating a cohesive and indulgent eating experience.

Thousand Island dressing is another popular option for a Reuben sandwich. It typically includes similar ingredients to Russian dressing, such as mayonnaise, relish, and lemon juice, but with the addition of ketchup for extra sweetness and tanginess. This dressing also has a creamy texture and a tangy flavour profile that complements the other components of the sandwich.

For a different flavour, try a sandwich with coleslaw instead of sauerkraut

Coleslaw is a versatile addition to a corned beef sandwich, as it can be paired with a variety of cheeses and condiments. For example, you could try Swiss cheese with Russian dressing, or a combination of mustard and mayonnaise. If you want to add a little spice, you could also try a sandwich with jalapeños, pepperoncini peppers, or pepper jack cheese.

When making a corned beef and coleslaw sandwich, it's best to wait until after toasting the bread to add the coleslaw, so it stays cold and crunchy. You could also try grilling the sandwich, which will give it a crispy texture.

If you're making a corned beef sandwich with coleslaw, it's important to use a good-quality, hearty bread, such as sourdough or rye, that can stand up to toasting and will also soak up the juices from the coleslaw.

For a crispy sandwich, grill it with salty butter

Corned beef sandwiches are a great way to use up leftovers, especially after St. Patrick's Day. If you're looking to make a crispy corned beef sandwich, grilling it with salty butter is a great option. Here are some tips and instructions to help you achieve that crispy, buttery goodness:

Choosing the Right Bread

Using a sturdy, dense bread is essential for a crispy corned beef sandwich. Traditional corned beef sandwiches are often made on rye bread, specifically marbled rye or pumpernickel rye. However, you can also use other types of bread such as sourdough or white sandwich bread. The key is to choose a bread that can stand up to toasting and won't get soggy from the sandwich fillings.

Selecting the Perfect Cheese

When it comes to cheese, Swiss cheese is a popular choice for corned beef sandwiches. It offers a gentle tang and lots of creaminess. Other suitable options include havarti, fontina, white cheddar, muenster, or Jarlsberg cheese. These cheeses pair well with the corned beef and will melt nicely when grilled.

Corned Beef Options

You can use leftover corned beef or purchase deli-sliced corned beef for your sandwich. If using leftover corned beef, slice it thinly so that it combines well with the other ingredients. Deli-sliced corned beef is usually available at the deli counter of your local grocery store.

Grilling Instructions

To achieve a crispy sandwich, grilling it with butter is a must. Here are the steps to follow:

• Start by mixing any sauce or spread you want to use, such as Russian dressing, mayo, ketchup, or relish.
• Assemble your sandwich by spreading the sauce on the bread slices, adding cheese, corned beef, and any other desired fillings like sauerkraut or coleslaw.
• Heat a pan or skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of salted butter. You can also use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to your sandwich.
• Place the sandwich in the pan and cook until the bread is golden and crispy on both sides, and the cheese has melted.
• Serve your sandwich with extra sauce or your favorite sides, such as pickles or kettle chips.

Tips for a Crispier Sandwich

To ensure your corned beef sandwich stays crispy, try these tips:

• If using sauerkraut, place it on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture before adding it to your sandwich.
• Toast the bread before adding wet ingredients like sauce or coleslaw to prevent it from getting soggy.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick skillet to achieve even cooking and a crispier sandwich.
• Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the sandwich from cooking too quickly and burning.
• Use enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan and add more butter if needed when flipping the sandwich.

If you don't like Swiss cheese, try havarti, fontina, white cheddar or muenster cheese

If you don't like Swiss cheese, there are several other types of cheese that go well with corned beef sandwiches. These include:

Havarti

A popular alternative to Swiss cheese, havarti has a mild, buttery flavour and a semi-soft texture that melts well. It offers a similar tanginess to Swiss cheese, making it a great substitute on a corned beef sandwich.

Fontina

Fontina is another mild-flavoured cheese with a creamy texture, making it a good option for corned beef sandwiches. It has a slightly nutty, sweet taste that can complement the saltiness of corned beef.

White Cheddar

White cheddar is a versatile cheese that can add a sharp, tangy flavour to your sandwich. It has a firm texture and melts well, making it ideal for grilled corned beef sandwiches.

Muenster

Muenster cheese has a mild, creamy flavour with a hint of sweetness. It has a smooth, soft texture that melts easily, making it a suitable option for corned beef sandwiches.

When choosing a cheese to replace Swiss cheese in your corned beef sandwich, consider the flavour profile and melting properties of the alternative. These suggested cheeses offer similar characteristics to Swiss cheese, ensuring your sandwich is delicious and satisfying.

Frequently asked questions