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Gyros are a Greek dish that combines meat, vegetables, and sauces in a warm pita. While the type of cheese used in a gyro may vary, feta is commonly used. Other types of cheese that can be used include kasseri or mozzarella. In addition to cheese, gyros typically include lamb, beef, or chicken, as well as vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. The dish is often served with a Greek sauce called tzatziki, made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, mint, and spices.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of Cheese | Feta |
Other Ingredients | Lamb, beef, onion, garlic, lettuce, tomato, red onion, tzatziki, pita bread, hummus |
What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is a popular choice
Feta is a Greek brined curd white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is a suitable choice for a gyro because it has a salty, tangy, and creamy flavour that complements the other ingredients well. It also has a crumbly texture, which makes it easy to sprinkle on top of the other fillings.
When making a gyro, the feta cheese can be crumbled and added as a topping, along with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and tzatziki sauce. The feta adds a salty and tangy flavour to the sandwich, creating a delicious combination of flavours and textures.
Some recipes also include other types of cheese, such as kasseri or mozzarella, which melt inside the gyro for a gooey texture. However, feta remains a popular choice due to its distinctive flavour and its association with Greek cuisine.
Whether crumbled or melted, feta cheese enhances the overall taste and authenticity of a gyro, making it a favourite among those who enjoy this Greek delicacy.
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Kasseri is a Greek melty cheese
Kasseri is a semi-hard cheese with a slightly springy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It is often described as having a tangy, sharp taste that is not too overpowering. The cheese is light yellow in colour and has a smooth, shiny appearance. Kasseri is an excellent melting cheese, which makes it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, as it becomes beautifully gooey and stretchy when melted.
When making a gyro grilled cheese sandwich, Kasseri can be shredded and sprinkled on the inside of the bread, along with other ingredients such as slow-roasted lamb, juicy tomatoes, sweet onions, garlicky tzatziki, and salty feta. The sandwich is then grilled until golden brown and the cheese has melted, creating a delicious and indulgent meal.
For those who are unable to find Kasseri, mozzarella can be used as a substitute, as it has a similar melting quality and will create the desired gooey texture. However, Kasseri is the preferred choice for an authentic Greek flavour profile.
Kasseri is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, both hot and cold. It is often used in sandwiches, burgers, and paninis, as well as in Greek pies and pastries. The cheese can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack, paired with fruits, nuts, and crackers. Kasseri is a popular choice for those who enjoy a mild yet flavourful cheese, and it adds a wonderful creamy texture to any dish.
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Mozzarella can be used as an alternative to kasseri
Mozzarella is a suitable alternative to Kasseri cheese in a gyro. Both are soft, mild cheeses with a similar texture and flavour profile. Kasseri is a Greek cheese, and so has more authentic roots, but mozzarella is widely available and can be used in its place.
Mozzarella is a soft, mild cheese with a high moisture content. It is a fresh, white cheese, made from cow's milk. It has a delicate, slightly sour flavour, and a creamy, smooth texture. Mozzarella is a popular cheese for melting, as it has a low melting point and becomes deliciously gooey and stringy. It is often used in dishes such as pizza, lasagne, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Kasseri is a Greek cheese, made from sheep or goat's milk, or a combination of the two. It is a soft, pale yellow cheese with a mild, slightly tangy flavour. Kasseri is a versatile cheese, suitable for grating, slicing, frying, or melting. It has a slightly higher melting point than mozzarella, but still melts well, and is often used in dishes such as moussaka, pies, and pastries.
When it comes to using these cheeses in a gyro, either can be used. Kasseri is a more traditional choice, but mozzarella is a widely available alternative, and its stringy, melty texture can be very appealing in a warm sandwich. Mozzarella is a good option for those who prefer a milder flavour, as Kasseri has a slightly stronger, tangier taste.
Both cheeses have a similar texture and melting quality, so will work well in a gyro. They can be used to add a creamy, savoury element to the sandwich, complementing the other ingredients such as lamb, beef, onion, garlic, and tzatziki sauce.
Mozzarella is a good alternative to Kasseri in a gyro, offering a similar mild flavour and a deliciously gooey, melty texture.
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Go for a Greek-style salty cheese
A gyro is a Greek dish, so it makes sense to use a Greek cheese. Feta is a popular choice, as it is salty and goes well with the other flavours in the dish. It is also a soft cheese, which means it can be crumbled over the top of the gyro, adding a nice texture.
Feta is a Greek brined curd cheese traditionally made with sheep's milk, or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It has a salty, tangy taste and a creamy texture. It is a great choice for a gyro as it is strong enough to stand up to the other bold flavours in the dish, such as the garlic and onion, and the creaminess of the tzatziki sauce.
If you want to add a melted cheese element to your gyro, you could also add some kasseri, a Greek melty cheese. This would add a different texture and another layer of flavour to the dish.
So, if you're looking for a cheese to top off your gyro, a Greek-style salty cheese like feta is a great option. It will complement the other flavours in the dish and give you an authentic taste of Greece.
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You can add extra cheese on top of the feta
Feta is a popular choice of cheese to add to gyros. However, if you're feeling extra cheesy, you can add some additional cheese on top of the feta to take your gyro to the next level.
One option is to use a Greek melty cheese like Kasseri, as suggested by Closet Cooking. This will give your gyro a nice, creamy texture and complement the other flavours well. Alternatively, you could use mozzarella, which melts beautifully and has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a combination of cheeses. For example, you might like to mix Kasseri and mozzarella together for a unique flavour and texture.
When assembling your gyro, simply sprinkle your chosen cheese or cheese combination on top of the feta. Then, add the remaining ingredients and enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!
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Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese is typically used in gyros.
Yes, you can use other types of cheese such as kasseri or mozzarella.
This is variable and depends on personal preference. However, a range of 2-6 ounces of cheese per gyro is common.
Yes, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.
Gyros typically include meat (such as lamb, beef, or chicken), vegetables (such as onion, tomato, and lettuce), and a sauce called tzatziki.