Cheese And Turkey: The Perfect Pairing

Turkey and cheese is a classic sandwich combination, but the type of cheese you choose can make or break your sandwich. The best cheese for your sandwich depends on the flavour of your turkey and other ingredients. If your turkey is packed with flavour or smoky, a mild young cheese like Edam, Monterey Jack, or Havarti is a good choice. If your turkey is more subtle, you can opt for a slightly more complex cheese like Pecorino Romano, Provolone Piccante, or Asiago. For a melty sandwich, cheddar, provolone, American, Swiss, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack are good options.

Characteristics of the best cheese to pair with turkey:

Provolone, American, and cheddar cheese for room-temperature sandwiches

Provolone, American, and cheddar cheese are all great choices for room-temperature turkey sandwiches. These cheeses also melt well, so they can be used for hot sandwiches, too.

Provolone is a pasta filata (stretched curd) cheese from Campania, southern Italy. It is made with full-fat cow's milk and matured for either two months (dolce) or four months (piccante). A young Provolone has hints of nuts with savoury undertones and a sweet finish.

American cheese is a popular choice for those who like a classic, comforting flavour. It melts well and is an excellent option for grilled cheese and turkey sandwiches.

Cheddar cheese is another excellent option for room-temperature or cold turkey sandwiches. A sharp cheddar can add a nice depth of flavour to your sandwich.

When creating the perfect turkey and cheese sandwich, it's important to consider the type of bread and condiments you'll be using. Soft white bread, wholemeal bread, or any Italian bread that is soft on the inside and crusty on the outside are great options. For condiments, consider mayonnaise, basil pesto, mustard, or butter. Don't forget to season your sandwich with salt and pepper to enhance the flavours.

Swiss cheese for hot sandwiches

When it comes to hot sandwiches, Swiss cheese is a popular choice to pair with turkey. It is a mild-flavoured cheese that melts well and can be used in a variety of sandwiches. Here are some ideas for hot sandwiches with Swiss cheese and turkey:

Roast Beef and Swiss Cheese Sandwiches

This classic combination is made with thinly sliced roast beef and Swiss cheese on a lightly toasted bun. The addition of a tangy sauce, such as horseradish or mustard, enhances the flavour. To make this sandwich, simply assemble the ingredients and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the bun is slightly crisp.

Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

For a twist on the traditional grilled cheese, Swiss cheese is a perfect pairing with ham. To elevate this sandwich, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on the outside of the bread to create a super-crispy, cheesy crust. The key to a great grilled cheese is to cook it over medium-low heat to achieve the perfect golden brown crust and melted centre.

Grilled Apple and Swiss Cheese Sandwich

This unique sandwich combines the sweetness of Granny Smith apple slices with the savoury flavour of Swiss cheese. By grilling the sandwich, the apple slices take on a tart note, creating an interesting contrast. To make this sandwich, simply assemble the ingredients and grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Turkey and Cheese Sandwich

For a classic post-Thanksgiving or Christmas treat, a turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich is a perfect choice. To elevate this sandwich, add some cranberry sauce for sweetness and moisture, or leftover bacon for a savoury, smoky flavour. Choose a thick, dense bread to hold all the ingredients together, especially if you plan to grill or toast the sandwich.

Cheddar cheese for cold sandwiches

Cheddar cheese is a versatile choice for cold sandwiches, pairing well with turkey and a variety of other ingredients to create a satisfying meal. Here are some tips and suggestions for crafting delicious cold sandwiches with cheddar cheese and turkey:

Choosing the Right Cheddar Cheese

Select a sharp cheddar cheese for your cold sandwich. Sharp cheddar has a more pronounced flavour that stands up to other ingredients in the sandwich. If you want a milder taste, opt for a medium or mild cheddar. You can also experiment with different colours of cheddar, such as white or orange, to add visual appeal to your sandwich.

Slicing the Cheddar Cheese

When preparing the cheddar cheese for your cold sandwich, slice it thinly. Thin slices of cheddar will ensure that the cheese doesn't overwhelm the other ingredients in the sandwich. Thin slices will also help the cheese to fit neatly between the bread layers, creating a more cohesive sandwich.

Complementary Ingredients

Cheddar cheese pairs exceptionally well with a variety of ingredients that can enhance your cold sandwich. Consider adding some of the following:

• Turkey: Choose a good-quality deli-style turkey breast and ask the deli counter to slice it as thinly as possible. This will ensure that the turkey is tender and easy to bite into.
• Bread: Opt for a crusty roll, such as a sub roll, baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough bread. A crusty exterior and soft interior provide a satisfying textural contrast.
• Condiments: Spread mayonnaise on both slices of bread for even distribution of flavours. You can also mix mayonnaise with basil pesto to create a basil pesto aioli, adding extra flavour to your sandwich.
• Vegetables: Include fresh mixed greens, such as lettuce, and thinly sliced tomatoes. Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to enhance their flavours.

Customisation and Variations

Feel free to customise your cold sandwich by experimenting with additional ingredients:

• Cheese Variations: If you want to explore different cheeses, you can substitute cheddar with Swiss cheese, provolone, or American cheese. These cheeses also melt well if you decide to turn your cold sandwich into a grilled one.
• Meat Variations: While this guide focuses on turkey, you can also use other deli meats such as ham, smoked turkey, black pepper turkey, or herbed turkey breast.
• Condiment Variations: Instead of mayonnaise, try using butter, especially if you're grilling the sandwich. You can also experiment with different types of mustard, such as Dijon or yellow mustard.

Monterey Jack, Edam, and Havarti for smoky turkey

When it comes to cheese, turkey is a versatile meat that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. While there are many options to choose from, three cheeses that go exceptionally well with smoky turkey are Monterey Jack, Edam, and Havarti.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It melts easily, making it a perfect choice for grilled turkey sandwiches or burgers. When paired with smoky turkey, the creamy texture and mild taste of Monterey Jack complement the flavour of the meat without overwhelming it. For a delicious and easy meal, try making a turkey burger with ground turkey, spices, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Cook the patties on a grill until they are cooked through, and serve them on toasted buns with your favourite toppings.

Edam

Edam is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, nutty flavour and a slightly salty taste. It has a firm texture that becomes more crumbly as it ages. Edam pairs well with smoky turkey due to its subtle flavour, which enhances the taste of the meat without overpowering it. Try slicing some Edam cheese and adding it to a turkey sandwich with fresh vegetables and a tangy spread.

Havarti

Havarti is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It has a slightly sweet and nutty taste, and it melts easily, making it an excellent choice for grilled sandwiches or paninis. When paired with smoky turkey, Havarti's creamy texture and subtle sweetness create a delightful combination. For a tasty treat, make a turkey and Havarti panini with buttered bread, your favourite spread, arugula, bacon, and sliced Havarti cheese. Grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with smoky turkey, Monterey Jack, Edam, and Havarti are all excellent options. Each of these cheeses has a mild flavour and a creamy texture that complements the taste of the meat. Whether you're making a grilled sandwich, a panini, or a burger, these cheeses will enhance the flavour of the smoky turkey and create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Asiago, Pecorino Romano, Provolone Piccante, Pepper Jack for mild turkey

Asiago is a popular choice for a gourmet turkey sandwich. It is a great option for a panini melt, pairing well with classic Mediterranean ingredients like marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, spinach, red onion, and tomato.

Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a sharp, tangy, and slightly spicy flavour that can add a kick to your meal. It is a good option for those who find Parmesan too mild. It can be grated over pasta, added to salads, used on pizza, or enjoyed as a snack with cured meats and olives.

Provolone Piccante is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It has a smooth texture and a mild, smoky flavour. It is aged longer than Provolone Dolce, making it drier, sharper, and more pungent. Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in sandwiches, paninis, and baked pasta dishes.

Pepper Jack is a great option for those who like a spicy kick in their sandwiches. It pairs well with turkey and can be used to make quick and easy paninis. It can also be served with a spicy mayo spread made from light mayo, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce.

In conclusion, Asiago, Pecorino Romano, Provolone Piccante, and Pepper Jack are all delicious cheese options that can complement mild turkey. They can be used in various dishes, such as sandwiches, paninis, salads, and pasta. Each cheese has its own unique flavour and texture, adding a special touch to your meal.

Frequently asked questions