Best Cheeses To Pair With Kielbasa

Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage, usually made from a mixture of pork, beef or veal, and spices. When it comes to cheese, several varieties pair well with kielbasa, including cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, and Swiss cheese. For instance, a simple and tasty combination is a kielbasa grilled cheese sandwich with sliced kielbasa, onions, peppers, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. For a more indulgent option, try a baked mac and cheese with cheddar, Gruyere, and Polish kielbasa. If you're looking for a hearty meal, a kielbasa casserole with Swiss cheese, smoked Polish sausage, and a mushroom-and-cheese sauce is a comforting choice.

Monterey Jack, provolone, Swiss, or cheddar cheese with kielbasa

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour and slight sweetness. It is a good melting cheese and is often used in quesadillas, burritos, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheeseburgers. Its mild flavour and good melting quality make it a good pairing with kielbasa.

Provolone is a cheese with a mild flavour and smooth, buttery texture. It is a good melting cheese and is often used in sandwiches, grilled dishes, and baked dishes. Its mild flavour and smooth texture make it a good pairing with kielbasa.

Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavour and a slightly sweet undertone. It is a good melting cheese and is often used in sandwiches, omelettes, and grilled dishes. Its mild flavour and melting quality make it a good pairing with kielbasa.

Cheddar cheese has a rich, sharp flavour and a creamy texture. It is a good melting cheese and is often used in sauces, sandwiches, grilled cheese, and soups. Its sharp flavour and melting quality make it a good pairing with kielbasa.

Grilled cheese with kielbasa

Ingredients

• 8 slices of rustic whole wheat bread
• 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
• 6 ounces of cheese (Monterey Jack), Cheddar, or Provolone
• 2 thin slices of red onion, cut in half
• Half a small orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 7 ounces of turkey kielbasa
• Mustard, mayo, or ketchup

Instructions

First, slice the sausage link in half and then into slices lengthwise. You should get 4 slices per half. You can lightly brown the sausage in a pan before adding it to the sandwiches if you prefer.

Next, spread 1 1/2 teaspoons of butter on each of the four slices of bread. Place the buttered sides of the bread together.

Slice the cheese into 8 slices lengthwise. Arrange two slices of cheese on top of one slice of bread, followed by half an onion slice and a few strips of bell pepper. Then, add four slices of kielbasa, the other half of the onion slice, and a few more strips of bell pepper.

Heat a medium skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat. Carefully place the top piece of bread with all the toppings in the skillet, buttered side down. Place the second piece of bread on top, buttered side up. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Repeat with the remaining toppings and bread. Allow the sandwiches to cool for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing in half and serving.

Tips

• For an extra kick of flavour, add a good stone-ground mustard to enhance the Oktoberfest experience of sausage, peppers, and onions.
• To ensure the bread is crispy, cook on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
• To guarantee the cheese is completely melted, add a dash of water and cover the skillet with a lid to steam the cheese.
• For a more indulgent meal, serve the grilled cheese with a side of tomato soup.

Mac and cheese with kielbasa

Ingredients:

• 375ml/1 ½ cups milk (2% or whole)
• 200 g/2 cups aged/mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 200 g/2 cups Gruyere cheese, grated, or another strong-flavoured cheese
• 500g/1 lb short pasta (macaroni, farfalle, penne, fusilli, etc.)
• 150 g/5 oz Polish smoked kielbasa, sliced
• Butter
• Flour
• Salt

Optional Ingredients:

• Stone-ground mustard
• Salad (as a side)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F/190°C.
• Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water for 3-4 minutes less than the package directions. This is important as the pasta will continue cooking when baked.
• While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then blend in flour using a wire whisk. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Add milk to the saucepan and stir. Cook the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring with a wire whisk to avoid lumps. The sauce will gradually thicken.
• Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in both cheeses, reserving a combined ¼ cup of cheese for later. Stir until the cheese has melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
• Drain the pasta, but reserve ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water. Return the drained pasta to the pot and add the reserved pasta water and cheese sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta. The mixture should be quite runny.
• Mix in the sliced kielbasa and transfer the mixture to a deep baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheese on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden. If the pasta still looks pale, set your oven to broil and crisp up the top for 2-3 minutes.

Tips:

• For an extra touch of flavour, try using stone-ground mustard.
• If you want to lighten the meal, serve it with a simple side salad.
• To enhance the smokiness of the dish, look for Polish kielbasa in Eastern European shops.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination.
• Always grate your own cheese for a silky smooth sauce.

Kielbasa and cheese platter

Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage, usually made from a mixture of pork, beef or veal, and spices. When creating a cheese platter with kielbasa, it's important to consider the flavour profile of the sausage and choose cheeses that will complement it. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating a delicious kielbasa and cheese platter:

Cheese Selection:

• Cheddar: Mild and common, but a crowd favourite.
• Gouda (regular or smoked): Smoked gouda pairs well with smoked meats and beer.
• Colby Jack: A mild and popular choice.
• Monterrey Jack: Its sharpness pairs well with the smokiness of kielbasa.
• Provolone: A great melting cheese, often used in sandwiches.
• Swiss: Adds a nutty flavour and extra creaminess to dishes.

Platter Assembly:

• Slice the cheese beforehand: While some guides suggest leaving the cheese whole, pre-slicing makes it easier for guests to serve themselves. Try to keep the cheese in the same shape as the block, helping guests identify the variety and creating a visually appealing display.
• Bulkier items first: Start with the bowls of condiments or relishes, then fan out the cheese slices, followed by the sliced kielbasa.
• Fill empty spaces with crackers: Mildly flavoured crackers that won't overpower the sausage and cheese are ideal. Suggested varieties include stone-ground wheat, toasted, saltines, and water crackers.
• Add some extras: Include small dill pickles, pickled okra, or olives to cut through the richness of the platter.

Serving Suggestions:

• Kielbasa Grilled Cheese: A popular sandwich featuring sliced kielbasa, onions, peppers, and melted Monterrey Jack cheese.
• Kielbasa Cheesesteak Sandwiches: Kielbasa topped with caramelised onions, bell peppers, and melted cheese, served on a hoagie roll.
• Mac and Cheese with Polish Kielbasa: A comforting dish featuring macaroni, a sharp cheese sauce (made with cheddar and Gruyere), and sliced kielbasa.

Kielbasa cheesesteak sandwiches

Ingredients:

• Kielbasa (Polish sausage): Look for this at your local Eastern European shop for an authentic taste, or use smoked sausage or bratwurst as a substitute.
• Cheese: Go for something sharp and melty like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Provolone. You could also try a cheese sauce made with White American cheese, milk, and butter.
• Bread: Use a long, crusty Italian roll or hoagie-style bun, either white or wheat.
• Vegetables: Sliced onions (yellow, white, or Vidalia), bell peppers (green or any colour), and mushrooms (button or baby bella) are great for adding flavour and texture.
• Condiments: Mustard, mayo, ketchup, horseradish, and marinara are all great options to have on the side.

Cooking Instructions:

• Caramelise the onions: Slice and cook the onions over medium heat until they are brown and translucent. This brings out their natural sweetness.
• Cook the vegetables: Add the sliced peppers and mushrooms to the onions and cook until tender. You can also add the kielbasa to the pan to cook and brown the sausage.
• Assemble the sandwich: Slice the kielbasa lengthwise and add it to your bun. Top with the cooked vegetables and a generous amount of cheese.
• Melt the cheese: You can use a panini press, or heat in the oven or microwave until the cheese is melted and gooey.
• Serve: Enjoy your sandwich with your choice of condiments!

Tips:

• Make-ahead: You can cook the vegetables and kielbasa ahead of time and keep them warm in a crockpot.
• Storage: Keep the cooked meat, veggies, and buns separate, and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Cook the desired amount of kielbasa and veggies in a pan over low heat. Top with cheese and heat until melted.
• Freezing: Keep the cooked meat, veggies, and buns separate, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently asked questions