Black Forest Ham's Cheesy Companion: The Perfect Pairing

what kind of cheese goes well with black forest ham

Black Forest ham is a dry-cured smoked ham with a distinctive black skin that originated in Germany's Black Forest region. It is marinated in a mix of spices and herbs, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, giving it a unique flavour and aroma. When it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with this delicious ham, the options are endless. The salty and sweet flavours of the ham go well with a variety of cheeses, from soft to hard, mild to sharp, and creamy to crumbly.

Characteristics of cheese that goes well with Black Forest ham

Characteristics	Values
Cheese type	Swiss, Gruyère, Cheddar, Parmesan, Provolone, Gouda, Havarti, Smoked gouda, Blue cheese, Brie, Gorgonzola, Camembert, Roquefort, Cottage cheese, Feta, Cream cheese, Ricotta, Mozzarella, Boursault, Monterey Jack, American, Goat cheese, Alpine, Gruyere
Texture	Hard, crumbly, creamy, salty, sweet, soft, full-flavoured, mild, tangy, rich, moist, crumbly, delicate, sour, fresh, buttery, mushroomy, eggy, garlicky, nutty
Flavour	Salty, sweet, spicy, tangy, earthy, tart, mild, buttery, nutty, caramelly
Origin	German, French, Greek, Italian, Swiss
Use case	Sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, grilled cheese, appetizers, main course dishes, cheese plates, standalone dish
Temperature	Hot, cold

Swiss cheese

When pairing Swiss cheese with Black Forest ham, it is best to use the cheese as much as possible. For example, if you're making a salad, include chunks of Swiss cheese on top. If you're making a sandwich, add slices of Swiss cheese to the bread and the ham. This will help to bring out the flavours in both ingredients and create a delicious bite.

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Gruyère cheese

Gruyère is a hard Swiss cheese that is considered a good pairing with Black Forest ham. The cheese is named after the town of Gruyères in Fribourg, Switzerland, and is typically only available in Europe. Gruyère has a strong aroma and flavour, which pairs well with the sweet and salty notes of the Black Forest ham.

Gruyère is a versatile cheese, suitable for baking, grilling, melting, and sandwiches. It is often described as having a creamy and nutty flavour when young, becoming more earthy and complex as it matures. The cheese is salty, which complements the sweetness of the ham.

A classic combination is a Black Forest ham and Gruyère sandwich, which can be served cold or grilled. This sandwich can be enhanced with toppings such as arugula, red onion, and a Dijon mustard and mayonnaise spread.

When pairing Gruyère with Black Forest ham, consider the following tips:

The cheese is suitable for baking and melting, so it can be used in dishes such as quiche, French onion soup, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Gruyère is a good choice for adding savouriness to dishes without overwhelming other ingredients.
The cheese pairs well with salty and sweet flavours, making it a good match for the unique blend of spices and herbs in Black Forest ham.
When grated, Gruyère can be used with salads and pastas, or atop le tourin, a garlic soup from France served on dried bread.
White wines, such as Riesling, and beverages like sparkling cider and Bock beer, pair well with Gruyère.

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Blue cheese

If you're looking for a more unusual pairing, blue cheese is a great option to add some excitement to your meal. It has a unique flavour and texture that will complement the Black Forest ham, creating a delicious and interesting dish.

For a sandwich, blue cheese can be a great choice to add some extra flavour. Its strong taste will stand up to most other ingredients, and it can be melted or served cold. It can also be used in a grilled cheese sandwich, pairing well with the salty ham.

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Soft and hard cheeses

For soft cheeses, brie, blue cheese, and gorgonzola are all recommended pairings. Blue cheese has a slightly salty and spicy taste that pairs well with the smoky flavour of the ham, and gorgonzola has a salty and earthy taste that will complement the ham without overwhelming it.

For harder cheeses, Swiss cheese is a versatile option that can be used in sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes. Its range of flavours and consistencies means it can be paired with a variety of other foods. Gruyère is another hard cheese that pairs well with Black Forest ham, thanks to its strong aroma and flavour. This cheese is usually only available in Europe and is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches. Emmental is another hard cheese with a strong French flavour and aroma that pairs well with the ham.

Other hard cheeses that go well with Black Forest ham include cheddar, parmesan, and gouda. Cheddar has a unique flavour and aroma that complements the sweet and salty flavours of the ham, while parmesan has a strong flavour that is especially good when melted. Gouda is a good option if you're looking for a stronger flavour, as it has a salty taste that offsets the sweetness of the ham.

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Salty cheeses

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is a versatile option that can be used in sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes. It has a wide range of flavours and consistencies, making it a good choice for various dishes. Its saltiness complements the sweetness of the ham. When making a sandwich, be sure to add slices of Swiss cheese to both the bread and the ham to bring out the flavours.

Gruyère

Gruyère is another salty cheese that pairs well with the sweetness of Black Forest ham. It has a strong aroma and flavour, and it is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches. It is typically only available in Europe and is made from cow's milk.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a salty and sweet cheese that goes well with Black Forest ham. It has a unique flavour and aroma that complements the ham's sweet and salty notes. Cheddar is typically a hard and slightly crumbly cheese.

Parmesan

Parmesan is a salty cheese with a strong flavour that complements the sweetness of Black Forest ham. It is often served with pasta and baked dishes and goes well with the ham, especially when melted.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a salty and spicy cheese that pairs well with the smoky flavour of Black Forest ham. It has a high fat content, which makes it creamy and luxurious when melted. It is a great option to add richness to your dish.

Gouda

Gouda is a salty cheese that retains its shape and doesn't become mushy when cooked. It is a good choice for melted cheese dishes such as fondue or quesadillas. Its flavour can stand up to the sweetness of the ham.