Cheese And Chili: Perfect Pairing For A Warming Dish

Adding cheese to a bowl of chili is a great way to elevate the dish and add a layer of creaminess to balance the robustness of the chili. While there are many types of cheese that can be added to chili, the most popular choice is sharp cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese has a bold, rich, and slightly sharp flavor that melts beautifully into a hot bowl of chili. The versatility of cheddar cheese means it can be shredded, finely grated, or layered as thick slabs, creating a unique textural experience.

Other popular cheese options for chili include Colby, Salsa Con Queso, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Queso Blanco, Pepper Jack, Cotija, Gouda, Queso Fresco, American Cheese Slices, and Blue Cheese. Each of these cheeses offers a unique flavor and textural profile that can enhance the taste and creaminess of the chili.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese for chili comes down to personal preference, and experimenting with different types of cheese can lead to delightful culinary combinations.

Cheddar: mild, medium, sharp, or extra sharp/old

Cheddar is the most popular cheese to serve with chilli. The type of cheddar you choose depends on your personal preference and the desired flavour profile and texture.

Mild cheddar has a buttery and mellow flavour profile, with a creamy smooth texture. It is typically aged for a couple of months and will give you a slightly different flavour and melting experience compared to sharper cheddars.

Medium cheddar has a smooth and creamy flavour and texture.

Sharp cheddar has a bolder, sharper taste that is still balanced. It is a little less creamy in texture.

Extra sharp/extra old cheddars are aged for multiple years and have the strongest, tangiest taste of all the cheddars. They tend to be crumbly with salty cheese crystals.

You can also try a combination of different aged cheddars for a unique flavour profile. A smoked cheddar cheese can also add an incredible layer of flavour to your chilli.

When choosing a cheddar for your chilli, it is important to shred the cheese fresh instead of buying pre-shredded cheese as it won't melt as smoothly.

Monterey Jack

When adding cheese to chilli, it is important to consider the melting point. Monterey Jack has a relatively low melting point, so it will turn exquisitely creamy and gooey when added to hot chilli, adding a luscious coat of creaminess that enhances the texture and flavour of the dish.

For a vegetarian chilli, Monterey Jack is a perfect choice as it is a traditional cheese made from dairy. Its mild flavour and excellent melting capability make it a popular choice for those who want to add a creamy texture to their chilli without overwhelming the other ingredients.

When preparing the cheese, it is recommended to shred Monterey Jack before adding it to chilli, as this will help it melt more easily and create a smoother, creamier texture.

Pepper Jack

When choosing a cheese for your chili, it's important to consider the desired level of spiciness and creaminess. Pepper Jack cheese is an excellent option for those who enjoy a striking sharpness and a hint of spice. Its semi-soft texture and creamy mouthfeel make it a delightful addition to the hearty and spicy dish that is chili.

When sprinkled over hot, simmering chili, Pepper Jack cheese slowly melts, distributing pockets of creamy, spicy goodness throughout the dish. It adds depth and an extra level of complexity to your chili, with the underlying spicy tang enhancing the bold flavors of your chili.

For a truly indulgent experience, try using Pepper Jack cheese in your next chili recipe. Its unique blend of creaminess and spice will create an aromatic medley that will tantalize your taste buds and take your chili to the next level.

Ingredients:

• 1 yellow onion, minced
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. dry chili seasoning
• 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (10 oz.) beef broth
• 1 can (16 oz.) pinto beans, well drained
• 1 tbsp. dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp. cider vinegar
• 1 oz unsweetened chocolate
• 2-2/3 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
• Hot pepper sauce, to taste (optional)

Instructions:

• In a heavy 4-quart pot, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Add turkey and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is no longer pink.
• Mix in chili seasoning, tomatoes, broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Stir in beans, sugar, vinegar, and chocolate. Continue stirring until the chocolate melts, and then simmer for an additional 20 to 30 minutes.
• Season with hot pepper sauce to taste.
• Ladle the chili into bowls and top each serving with 1/3 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese.

American cheese slices

If you are looking for a subtle, creamy undertone rather than a bold cheesy flavour, American cheese slices are the perfect fit. They are delightfully creamy and exceptionally comforting, adding a touch of homestyle cooking to your chili experience.

Blue cheese

When adding blue cheese to chilli, it is best to start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preferences. Blue cheese has a strong flavour, and a little goes a long way. It is also important to note that blue cheese does not melt in the same way as other cheeses. It will add a crumbly texture to your chilli, so consider combining it with a creamier cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a more dynamic mouthfeel.

If you are feeling adventurous, blue cheese can be an exciting addition to your chilli. Its bold flavour profile can take your chilli from a classic comfort dish to a gourmet exploration.

Frequently asked questions