Randy Chandler
There are many types of cheese that can be used in a chili dish or served on top of it. Some popular options include cheddar, pepper jack, and Monterey. However, some people like to experiment with different cheeses such as blue cheese, goat cheese, feta, and gouda. For those who want to get creative, there are also options like sour cream with parmesan or even ranch dressing instead of sour cream. When choosing a cheese to use in chili, it's essential to consider the desired taste and texture, as some cheeses melt better than others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese to avoid | Parmesan |
| Popular cheese to serve with chili | Cheddar |
| Other good choices | Monterey, Pepper Jack, American processed cheese, Pepperjack, Pecorino Ramano, Cotija, Blue cheese, Smoked Gouda, Feta, Goat cheese, Muenster, Manchego, Roquefort, Queso Cotija |
Cheddar cheese
Cheddar can be used in a chilli cheese dip, along with pepperjack, cream cheese, and salsa. This can be made on the stove or in a slow cooker.
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Monterey or Pepper Jack
Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a creamy texture and mild flavour. It is a good melting cheese, which makes it perfect for sprinkling over chilli. It is also fairly neutral in flavour, so it won't overpower the other ingredients in your chilli.
Pepper Jack is very similar to Monterey Jack, but with added spicy peppers. This cheese has a more pronounced flavour and a hint of heat, which makes it a great choice if you want to add a little extra kick to your chilli. Like Monterey Jack, it melts well and has a creamy texture.
When choosing between these two cheeses, consider the overall spice level you want to achieve. If your chilli is already quite spicy, you may want to opt for the milder Monterey Jack. If you prefer your chilli with a bit more heat, then Pepper Jack is a better choice.
Both of these cheeses can be easily found in most supermarkets, and they are also fairly affordable. They are also very versatile and can be used in a variety of other dishes, such as burgers, sandwiches, and quesadillas. So, if you're looking for a delicious and slightly different cheese to pair with your chilli, Monterey or Pepper Jack is definitely worth considering.
American processed cheese
Processed cheese is a great option for those who want a cheese that will seamlessly blend into their chilli. It is also a good option for those who are not a fan of cheddar, or who want a change from the more typical chilli cheese toppings.
For those who want to experiment with their chilli and cheese combinations, American processed cheese is a great starting point. It is a blank canvas, and its mild flavour won't overpower the other ingredients in your chilli.
If you are making a chilli cheese dip, American processed cheese is a good choice. It will melt smoothly and combine well with the other ingredients, creating a creamy, indulgent texture. It is also a good option for those who are making a large batch and want to appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
However, it is worth noting that some may find American processed cheese too mild in flavour. It may not stand out as much as other cheeses, and it may not add the same depth of flavour as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Overall, American processed cheese is a versatile and popular choice for those enjoying a bowl of chilli. Its melting properties and mild flavour make it a crowd-pleasing option, especially when making chilli cheese dips.
Feta
When serving feta with chilli, it is best to crumble the cheese on top of the chilli. This will create a nice contrast in textures and temperatures between the warm chilli and the cool, crumbly cheese.
For a more indulgent option, try grilling the chilli after topping it with feta. This will create a melted, gooey texture and a deeper, more intense flavour.
In addition to beef chilli, feta can also pair well with other types of chilli, such as vegetarian chilli or turkey chilli. It can also be a nice addition to chilli-based dishes like chilli con carne or chilli cheese fries.
Blue cheese
When choosing a blue cheese, opt for a variety that is strong and tangy to stand up to the other flavours in the dish. Good options include Stilton, Roquefort, or a strong Gorgonzola.
To incorporate blue cheese into your chilli, try crumbling it on top. The cheese will add a creamy texture and a punch of flavour to each bite. You can also try melting it under a grill for a more indulgent, decadent touch.
If you're feeling creative, you can even incorporate blue cheese into your chilli recipe during the cooking stage. This will add a rich, savoury depth to the dish. However, be mindful that overheating blue cheese can cause it to become grainy and separate, so it's best to add it towards the end of cooking and stir it in gently until just melted.
For a truly indulgent experience, serve your blue cheese chilli with some crusty bread or cornbread on the side. The bread will help to mop up any remaining chilli and cheese, ensuring you get to savour every last bite of this delicious combination.
So, if you're looking for a unique and flavourful twist on traditional chilli, give blue cheese a try. Its strong, tangy, and sweet characteristics will elevate your dish, creating a memorable and satisfying dining experience.
Frequently asked questions
The most popular cheese to put on a chilli is cheddar cheese.
Other good cheeses to put on chilli include Monterey, Pepper Jack, and American processed cheese.
Some people advise against putting Parmesan on chilli as it is too hard and salty.
Pecorino ramano, Cotija, blue cheese, smoked Gouda, feta, and goat cheese are all interesting options for adding flavour to chilli.
It is recommended to shred the cheese fresh instead of buying pre-shredded cheese as it will melt more smoothly.
