Cheese And Corned Beef: The Perfect Pairing

Corned beef is a versatile meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, but one of the most popular ways to serve it is in a sandwich. When it comes to choosing the right cheese to accompany corned beef, there are several options that can enhance the flavour of this salty, cured meat. A classic choice is Swiss cheese, which is a traditional pairing in the beloved Reuben sandwich. This variety of cheese is known for its mild, nutty flavour and melts beautifully, making it ideal for grilled sandwiches. Another option is provolone, a mild Italian cheese that complements the beef and mustard flavours in a corned beef melt. For those who enjoy a sharper flavour, cheddar cheese, especially an Irish cheddar, can add a delicious tang to a corned beef sandwich.

Swiss cheese, sourdough bread, and sauerkraut

Corned beef is a versatile meat that pairs well with many types of cheese. A classic choice is Swiss cheese, which is a traditional component of a Reuben sandwich. The mild, nutty Swiss cheese complements the savoury corned beef, and its meltability ensures a comforting, indulgent eating experience.

To elevate your corned beef and Swiss cheese sandwich, consider adding sauerkraut and using sourdough bread. Sourdough bread has a tangy flavour and chewy texture that can enhance the overall taste and satisfaction of the sandwich. The crispness of the sauerkraut will provide a pleasant contrast to the creaminess of the cheese and the heartiness of the corned beef.

Ingredients:

• Sourdough bread (slices)
• Corned beef (slices)
• Swiss cheese (slices)
• Butter (softened)
• Thousand Island dressing (optional)
• Sauerkraut (drained and towel-dried)

Directions:

• Layer the ingredients on the sourdough bread in the following order: spread a layer of Thousand Island dressing (or mustard, if preferred), corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.
• Butter the bread on the outside, placing it butter-side down on a grill or panini press.
• Grill the sandwich for about 2 minutes, then flip and continue grilling until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is toasted to a golden brown.

Feel free to adjust the quantities and cooking time to your liking. Enjoy your delicious, indulgent sandwich!

Provolone, rye bread, and caramelised onions

Corned beef is a versatile meat that can be paired with a variety of cheeses, and one such combination is provolone, rye bread, and caramelised onions. Here's a detailed guide to this delicious pairing:

The Cheese: Provolone

Provolone is a mild, semi-hard Italian cheese with a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavour. It melts beautifully, making it an ideal choice for grilled sandwiches or melts. Its mild flavour complements the corned beef without overwhelming it, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.

The Bread: Rye Bread

Rye bread, with its distinctive flavour and aroma, is a popular choice for sandwiches. It has a dense texture and a slightly sour taste that pairs exceptionally well with corned beef. The rye bread adds a touch of complexity to the sandwich, enhancing the overall flavour profile.

The Onions: Caramelised Onions

Caramelised onions are a sweet and savoury addition to the sandwich. By slowly cooking the onions, their natural sugars are released, creating a deep, rich flavour. The caramelisation process softens the onions, adding a delightful texture to the sandwich. The slight sweetness of the onions also helps to balance the saltiness of the corned beef.

Putting It All Together

To create this mouthwatering sandwich, start by caramelising the onions. Cook them slowly in butter with a touch of brown sugar until they are deep brown and softened. Then, assemble the sandwich by spreading a layer of grainy mustard on the rye bread. Add a slice of provolone cheese, followed by the corned beef and caramelised onions. Top it off with another slice of bread. Butter the outer sides of the sandwich and grill it until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

For a more traditional take on this sandwich, you can turn it into a Reuben by adding sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing. If you want to add a bit of spice, include jalapeños, pepperoncini peppers, or spicy mustard. To make it even more Irish, consider adding cooked cabbage, mashed potatoes, or Irish butter. Serve this sandwich with a cold beer, and you've got yourself a match made in heaven!

Fontina or Jarlsberg cheese, and seeded rye bread

Corned beef is a versatile meat that can be paired with many types of cheese. A corned beef grilled cheese sandwich is a popular choice, with the salty corned beef being topped with sweet caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese. For this sandwich, Fontina or Jarlsberg cheese is an excellent option. The mild, nutty flavour of Fontina or the sweet and nutty flavour of Jarlsberg will complement the corned beef and onions without overwhelming them.

To make this sandwich, you can use seeded rye bread, which is a dense, hearty loaf with an earthy, tangy flavour. The bread gets its distinctive dark hue from whole-grain rye flour and is usually packed with seeds and grains. Seeded rye bread pairs well with corned beef and cheese, as the nuttiness of the bread will enhance the flavour of the Fontina or Jarlsberg cheese.

To assemble the sandwich, layer the bread with butter, mustard, cheese, corned beef, and caramelized onions. You can also add sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing to give it a Reuben feel. Grill the sandwich until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

For a more indulgent option, you can also make a corned beef melt. This sandwich typically includes corned beef, cheese, and caramelized onions on rye bread, grilled to perfection. The addition of butter and grainy mustard takes this sandwich to the next level.

Whether you choose a grilled cheese or a melt, the combination of corned beef, Fontina or Jarlsberg cheese, and seeded rye bread is sure to be a delicious and satisfying option.

Gruyere, mushrooms, and horseradish mayo

Corned beef is a versatile meat that can be paired with many types of cheese. A classic pairing is Swiss cheese, as seen in the traditional Reuben sandwich. This sandwich usually includes sauerkraut and Russian dressing or Thousand Island dressing. However, you are interested in a combination of Gruyere, mushrooms, and horseradish mayo.

Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that is known for its slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It is an excellent melting cheese, which makes it a good choice for grilled cheese sandwiches or other hot dishes. Its creamy texture and savoury taste can complement the saltiness of corned beef.

Mushrooms also have an earthy, savoury flavour that can enhance the taste of corned beef. Sliced or sauteed mushrooms can add a juicy, umami element to your sandwich.

Horseradish mayo is a tangy, creamy spread that can bring a spicy kick to your sandwich. Horseradish has a pungent, peppery taste that can be balanced by the richness of mayonnaise. This spread can add moisture to your sandwich and help tie all the ingredients together.

Ingredients:

• Corned beef (sliced)
• Gruyere cheese (sliced or shredded)
• Mushrooms (sliced or sauteed)
• Mayonnaise
• Horseradish
• Bread of your choice (rye, sourdough, or ciabatta are popular options)
• Butter (optional)
• Other toppings of your choice (such as arugula, pickles, or caramelized onions)

Instructions:

• Mix mayonnaise and horseradish in a small bowl to create the horseradish mayo. Adjust the amounts to your taste preference.
• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil if desired.
• Place the sliced corned beef in the skillet and heat through for a few minutes until warmed.
• Top the corned beef with sliced or shredded Gruyere cheese, and cover the skillet until the cheese is melted.
• Remove the corned beef and cheese from the skillet and set aside.
• If desired, butter your bread slices and place them butter-side down in the skillet to toast lightly.
• Spread the horseradish mayo on the bread slices.
• Assemble your sandwich by layering the corned beef, melted cheese, mushrooms, and any other desired toppings on one slice of bread.
• Top with the other slice of bread, and your sandwich is ready to serve!

Feel free to adjust the amounts and cooking times to your preference. You can also experiment with different types of bread, cheeses, or additional toppings to create your ideal corned beef sandwich. Enjoy!

Deli-sliced corned beef, grainy mustard, and seeded rye bread

Corned beef is a delicious and versatile meat, and when paired with cheese, it can create a truly mouth-watering combination. One classic example is the famous Reuben sandwich, which combines corned beef with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread. However, let's focus on creating a delightful culinary experience with deli-sliced corned beef, grainy mustard, and seeded rye bread.

For this delightful trio, a variety of cheeses will complement the corned beef and grainy mustard perfectly. Here are some options to consider:

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is a popular choice for corned beef sandwiches, including the classic Reuben. It has a mild, nutty flavour and a creamy texture that melts beautifully. Swiss cheese adds a touch of richness without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Provolone

Provolone is another excellent option for those who prefer a milder cheese. It has a subtle tang and a smooth, creamy texture that pairs well with the corned beef. Provolone melts easily, making it ideal for grilled sandwiches.

Baby Swiss Cheese

If you want to enhance the creaminess, baby Swiss cheese is a great choice. It has a slightly milder flavour than regular Swiss cheese, making it a perfect match for the bold flavours of corned beef and grainy mustard.

Fontina Cheese

Fontina cheese is known for its creamy texture and slightly nutty, buttery flavour. It melts exceptionally well, adding a rich and creamy element to the sandwich without overpowering the other ingredients.

Jarlsberg Cheese

Jarlsberg is a Swiss-style cheese with a mild, nutty flavour and a hint of sweetness. It has a creamy, smooth texture that melts effortlessly, making it a delightful addition to your corned beef sandwich.

When assembling your sandwich, start by spreading a generous amount of grainy mustard on the seeded rye bread. Layer on slices of your chosen cheese, followed by the deli-sliced corned beef. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add some caramelised onions, sauerkraut, or even sautéed cabbage for an extra flavour boost.

The beauty of this combination is its versatility. You can experiment with different types of cheese, add toppings, or stick to the classic trio. So, get creative and enjoy the delicious marriage of corned beef, cheese, and grainy mustard on seeded rye bread!

Frequently asked questions