Pastrami's Perfect Cheese Pairings: Finding The Best Match

Pastrami is a cured beef or pork with a salty, smoky flavour. It's often served in sandwiches, either hot or cold, and can be paired with cheese. While some people prefer their pastrami sandwiches without cheese, there are several types of cheese that complement the salty, smoky flavour of pastrami. These include Swiss cheese, provolone, mozzarella, gouda, brie, feta, Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, fontina, muenster, colby jack, white sharp cheddar, gouda, havarti, blue cheese, roquefort, stilton, bleu d'Auvergne, gruyere, comte, emmental, and jarlsberg.

Swiss cheese is a popular choice for pastrami sandwiches

Swiss cheese is often used in combination with other ingredients in pastrami sandwiches. For example, it can be paired with sauerkraut, thousand island dressing, and rye bread to make a classic New York pastrami sandwich. The saltiness of the pastrami and the tanginess of the sauerkraut and dressing are complemented by the creamy texture and mild flavour of the Swiss cheese.

In addition to its flavour and texture, Swiss cheese also has practical benefits for pastrami sandwiches. Its melting properties make it ideal for grilled sandwiches, as it can help to hold the sandwich together. This is especially important for pastrami sandwiches, as they often include a variety of ingredients that need to be contained within the bread.

While some people prefer their pastrami sandwiches without cheese, Swiss cheese is a common choice for those who want to add an extra layer of flavour and texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of other ingredients, making it a popular option for those looking to customise their pastrami sandwich.

Provolone is another good pairing

A classic New York deli sandwich is made with pastrami, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing. Adding Provolone to this combination makes for a great flavour profile. The saltiness of pastrami, the tangy dressing, and the crisp sauerkraut are all elevated by the creaminess of the cheese.

When making a pastrami sandwich, it is important to use high-quality ingredients. The bread should be a good quality rye, preferably from a Jewish bakery, or a soft brioche bun. The pastrami should be freshly made and of good quality, preferably from a local deli.

To assemble the sandwich, first, drain the sauerkraut and heat the oven to 350°F to warm the bread and melt the cheese. In a skillet, cook the sauerkraut with caraway seeds for 3-5 minutes. Move the sauerkraut to one side and add the pastrami to the other side of the skillet to warm it up. Place the slices of bread in the oven with Provolone cheese on top. Once the cheese has melted, remove the bread from the oven and assemble the sandwich by adding pastrami, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.

Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be substituted for other mild white cheeses such as Swiss cheese or mozzarella. It is a good choice for those who want to add cheese to their pastrami sandwich without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Monterey Jack adds creaminess and umami flavours

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese that originated in California, in the United States. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavour with a smooth and soft texture. This versatile cheese is a great option for pastrami sandwiches as it adds creaminess and umami flavours that pair wonderfully with the zesty meat.

Monterey Jack is usually aged for at least two months, allowing the flavour to come alive while also imparting a nice complexity. Its high moisture content means it melts beautifully, creating an enjoyable contrast of textures between the melted cheese and crunchy veggies.

If you're looking for a cheese that won't overpower the spiciness of pastrami but will add a flavour dimension to your sandwich, Monterey Jack is an excellent choice. Its mild flavour and semi-soft texture make it a versatile cheese that can be used in both cold and hot sandwiches.

Smoked gouda balances the sweetness of honey or mustard toppings

Smoked gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a creamy texture that is smoked over cherry, hickory, and oak woods, giving it a distinct flavour. Its smokiness is a perfect complement to the fiery spice of pastrami and can be used to add depth of flavour when reheating cold cuts in a sandwich or quesadilla.

The smokiness of gouda also offers a delicious balance to the sweetness of honey or mustard-based toppings. Honey and mustard are both sweet condiments that can be overpowering, but the smokiness of the gouda helps to mellow out and balance their sweetness. This creates a great taste contrast, making it an ideal cheese for both cold and hot sandwiches.

The semi-soft interior of gouda melts wonderfully when heated, making it a great option for grilled cheese. Its high melting point ensures that it won't break down too quickly when heated, which is ideal for grilling. The longer it is cooked, the creamier it becomes, making it perfect for sandwiches or soups.

Gouda is one of the oldest cheeses in existence, with its origins dating back to the late 12th century. Its rich history, combined with its unique flavour and texture, makes it a great choice to pair with pastrami.

Brie adds an extra layer of buttery richness

Brie: The Perfect Cheese to Pair with Pastrami

An Extra Layer of Buttery Richness

Pastrami is a flavourful, robust, and savoury deli meat, often made from cured beef or pork. Its salty and smoky taste makes it a standout ingredient in any dish, especially sandwiches. While pastrami is delicious on its own, the right cheese can elevate the whole dining experience.

Brie, a soft cheese that originated in France, is an ideal match for pastrami. With its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavour, Brie adds a touch of buttery richness to the saltiness of pastrami. Its delicate taste perfectly complements the boldness of pastrami without overwhelming it.

Serving Brie with Pastrami

Brie is best enjoyed at room temperature, so it's important to take it out of the refrigerator a bit early if you usually keep your cheese chilled. This small step ensures the cheese is in its optimal state, enhancing the overall dining experience.

A Classic Combination

The combination of Brie and pastrami is a timeless classic. Brie's creamy and mild flavour enhances the pastrami's saltiness, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. This pairing is a favourite among food enthusiasts, offering a unique sensory journey that keeps people coming back for more.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to finding the perfect cheese to accompany pastrami, Brie is an excellent choice. Its buttery richness and mild flavour make it a versatile option that complements the bold flavours of pastrami without overpowering them. So, the next time you're crafting a pastrami dish, consider adding Brie to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey.

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