Cheese And Sausage: Perfect Pairings For Summer

Summer sausage is a great snack, but what kind of cheese goes well with it? Summer sausage is a cured, fermented sausage that can be either semi-dry or smoked. It has a bold, smoky flavour and a coarse, firm texture. When selecting a cheese to pair with summer sausage, you should look for something that will provide a contrast. A creamy, smooth cheese with enough fat to balance the acidity of the sausage is ideal. Some excellent choices include Havarti, butterkäse, Muenster, sharp Cheddar, Swiss cheese, pepper jack, Gouda, and Monterey Jack. These cheeses have mild to nutty flavours that complement the smokiness of the sausage without overwhelming it.

Cheese and meat platter combinations

A cheese and meat platter is a classic combination, and with so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to decide which cheeses and meats to pair together. Here are some ideas and tips for creating delicious and well-rounded cheese and meat platters, with a focus on summer sausage:

Cheese and Summer Sausage Pairings

When creating a cheese and meat platter, it's important to consider the flavours and textures of both the cheese and the meat. Summer sausage, for example, has a bold, smoky flavour and a coarse, firm texture. It is also tangy and acidic from the fermentation process and has hints of garlic and black pepper.

To complement and balance these flavours and textures, look for cheeses that are creamy and smooth, with enough fat to counteract the acidity of the sausage. Here are some specific cheese suggestions:

• Havarti: This semi-soft cheese has a mild, buttery flavour that highlights the smokiness of the summer sausage without overwhelming it.
• Butterkäse: A creamy German-style cheese with a mild, tangy flavour and subtle buttery notes. It allows the spices and smoke of the sausage to shine.
• Muenster: With its mild, mellow flavour and hint of nuttiness, Muenster complements the smoky flavour of summer sausage beautifully without overpowering it.
• Sharp Cheddar: The salty, tangy flavour of sharp cheddar adds a nice contrast to the richness of the sausage, and its sharpness cuts through the fattiness.
• Swiss Cheese: The nuttiness and mild sweetness of Swiss cheese make it an excellent pairing for summer sausage. Its subtle flavour profile complements the sausage without overtaking it.
• Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick, pepper jack is a fantastic choice. Its buttery flavour blends well with the boldness of the sausage, adding a nice contrast. Just be careful not to choose an overly hot variety that might overwhelm the sausage's spices.
• Gouda: A young gouda, with its mild, creamy, slightly sweet flavour, is a nice match for bold summer sausage. The signature crystallisation of gouda also adds a textural contrast.
• Monterey Jack: With its medium firmness, creamy texture, and mild flavour, Monterey Jack is a mellow choice that pairs well with spice-rubbed or smoked summer sausage. It also has a slight tanginess that cuts through the richness of the sausage.

Other Meat and Cheese Combinations

While summer sausage and cheese is a classic pairing, there are endless combinations of meats and cheeses that you can explore. Here are some ideas:

• Cured Italian Meats: Salami, soppressata, and other Italian cured meats go well with a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Colby Jack, and Monterrey Jack.
• Grilled Sausage: Grilled sausage, especially when served right off the grill, pairs well with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar, Colby Jack, and smoked gouda.
• Deli Meats: Deli meats like ham and turkey can be paired with a variety of cheeses. Smoked gouda is a particularly good choice, as it pairs well with smoked meats.

Platter Assembly Tips

When assembling a cheese and meat platter, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Slice the Cheese: While some entertaining guides suggest leaving the cheese whole, it's generally better to slice the cheese before placing it on the platter. Guests are more likely to eat the cheese if it's already sliced and ready to be enjoyed. Try to keep the slices in a similar shape to the block of cheese for a nice presentation.
• Arrange the Platter: Start by adding any condiment or relish bowls to the platter. Then, place the cheese on the outer edges of the platter and fan out the slices. Find an opening for the meat and arrange it in a fish-scale pattern. It's okay if the meat touches the cheese. Fill in any remaining spaces with crackers.
• Crackers: Choose mildly flavoured crackers that won't overpower the flavours of the cheese and meat. Stone-ground wheat crackers, assorted biscuits, saltines, water crackers, and toasteds crackers are all good options.
• Extras: Include some pickled relishes, such as small dill pickles, pickled okra, or olives, to help cut through the richness of the cheese and meat.
• Beverage Pairings: When it comes to beverage pairings, beer and wine are classic choices. Beer, especially a crisp German-style lager or pilsner, goes well with the sausage and cheese. For wine, try a medium-bodied red that won't overwhelm the flavours. Sparkling wine, Riesling, or a nice Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet, or Sangiovese are also good choices.

Cheese and summer sausage sliders

Ingredients

• Summer sausage
• Cheese (Havarti, Muenster, or Gouda)
• Slider buns
• Butter
• Iceberg lettuce
• Pickles/relishes
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic)
• Olive oil

Method

• Prepare the summer sausage: Slice the summer sausage into thin pieces, around 1/8-inch thick. Grill or fry the sausage slices until crispy and cooked to your desired level of doneness. You can grill or fry the sausage to give it a little caramelized sizzle and enhance its flavor.
• Prepare the cheese: Slice the cheese into pieces that will fit nicely on the slider buns. Havarti, Muenster, and Gouda are excellent choices to pair with summer sausage. Their smooth and creamy textures and mild flavors complement the sausage without overpowering it.
• Assemble the sliders: Spread butter on the slider buns and grill or toast them lightly. On the bottom bun, place a slice of cheese, followed by a few slices of the grilled summer sausage. Top it off with a crisp piece of iceberg lettuce, a dollop of mayonnaise or mustard, and some sliced pickles or relishes. Add the top bun and secure the slider with a toothpick.
• Serving suggestions: These cheese and summer sausage sliders make a great appetizer or snack and are perfect for parties, barbecues, or picnics. Serve them alongside an assortment of crackers, pickled relishes, olives, and condiments like spicy mustard. They can also be part of a larger meal, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Tips and Variations

• For a more intense flavor, try grilling or frying the summer sausage in a cast iron skillet.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Other popular choices include sharp Cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack.
• If you want a spicier option, add some sliced jalapeños or use a flavored summer sausage, such as garlic or cheddar.
• You can also add a tangy slaw to your sliders, such as fennel slaw or broccoli slaw, for an extra crunch and flavor.
• To make the cheese meltier, stack the grilled sausage slices, add a slice of cheese on top, and cover with a metal bowl for about 30 seconds to a minute until the cheese melts.
• For a vegetarian option, replace the summer sausage with grilled vegetables like portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices.

Cheese and summer sausage flatbreads

Ingredients

• Flatbreads
• Summer sausage
• Cheese (Havarti, Butterkäse, Muenster, Cheddar, Swiss, Pepper Jack, Gouda, or Monterey Jack)
• Optional toppings: fig jam, caramelized onions, or other pickled relishes

Method

• If you want to get really fancy, make your own flatbreads. Otherwise, store-bought will do just fine.
• Thinly slice the summer sausage. This will make it easier to eat and allow the flavours of the cheese to shine through.
• Choose your cheese. A smooth and creamy cheese like Havarti or Butterkäse will highlight the smokiness of the sausage. If you prefer a little spice, go for Pepper Jack. A sharp Cheddar or nutty Swiss cheese also work well.
• Arrange the sausage and cheese on the flatbreads, leaving enough space around the edges to form a crust.
• If you like, add some extra toppings. Fig jam or caramelized onions will add a touch of sweetness, while pickled relishes like small dill pickles or olives will cut through the richness of the sausage and cheese.
• Bake the flatbreads in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Enjoy! These flatbreads are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer.

Tips

• Let the sausage and cheese come to room temperature before assembling the flatbreads to bring out the flavours.
• Offer a variety of cheeses so your guests can taste different pairings.
• Serve with a crisp beer or a medium-bodied red wine to complement the flavours of the sausage and cheese.

Summer sausage and cheese fondue

Ingredients

• 1 lb summer sausage, cubed
• 1 lb cheese, grated
• 2 cups bread, cubed
• 2.5 cups milk
• 3/4 tsp dry mustard
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of celery soup
• 8 eggs

Optional Ingredients

• Spicy mustards
• Chutneys
• Jams
• Nuts
• Cured olives
• Crackers
• Baguette slices
• Flatbreads
• Fruits
• Vegetables

Recipe

• Layer the cubed summer sausage, grated cheese, and cubed bread in a greased 9x13 pan.
• Blend the eggs, dry mustard, and milk.
• Pour the mixture over the layered ingredients in the pan.
• Refrigerate overnight.
• Bake at 300 °F for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Cheese Suggestions

• Havarti
• Butterkäse
• Muenster
• Sharp Cheddar
• Swiss
• Pepper Jack
• Gouda
• Monterey Jack
• Fontina
• Aged Asiago

Summer sausage and cheese pasta sauce

Summer sausage and cheese is a classic combination. The bold, smoky flavour of the sausage is perfectly complemented by the creamy texture of the cheese. Here is a recipe for a delicious summer sausage and cheese pasta sauce:

Ingredients:

• Summer sausage
• Cheese (Havarti, Butterkäse, Muenster, Cheddar, Swiss, Pepper Jack, Gouda, or Monterey Jack)
• Pasta of your choice
• Onion
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil (optional)

Instructions:

• Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
• While the pasta is cooking, dice the summer sausage into small cubes.
• Heat a separate pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
• Finely chop the onion and garlic, then sauté them in the pan until they are softened and translucent.
• Add the diced summer sausage to the pan and continue cooking until it is lightly browned.
• Grate or slice your chosen cheese into thin pieces. Add the cheese to the pan and stir until it is melted and well combined with the sausage mixture.
• Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the pan with the sausage and cheese sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
• Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil (optional).
• Serve the pasta immediately while it is still hot. Enjoy!

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination. You can also add other ingredients to the sauce, such as diced tomatoes or spices, to create your own unique variation.

Frequently asked questions