Sourdough Bread: Best Cheese Pairings And Why

Sourdough bread is a versatile food that can be used in a variety of dishes, including grilled cheese sandwiches. When it comes to choosing the right cheese to pair with sourdough bread, there are several options to consider. Some popular choices include sharp cheddar, gouda, gruyere, and parmesan. These cheeses not only melt well but also provide a delicious combination of flavours that complement the tangy taste of sourdough bread. For a more elevated grilled cheese sandwich, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, brie, pepper jack, or havarti. Ultimately, the best cheese to use will depend on your personal preference and the specific flavour profile you want to achieve.

Sourdough grilled cheese sandwich

Ingredients

• Sourdough bread
• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Cheese (cheddar, gouda, provolone, mozzarella, American, Swiss, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, havarti, Colby jack, fontina, gruyere, brie, blue cheese, goat cheese, etc.)
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Salt (optional)

Optional extras

• Fillings: vegetables (tomato, spinach, arugula, jalapenos, mushrooms, caramelized onions, etc.), fruit (apples, pears), herbs (fresh thyme), meat (bacon, prosciutto, salami, ham, etc.), or seafood (shrimp, crab)
• Sauces and condiments: dijon mustard, thousand island dressing, garlic aioli, pesto, hot sauce, cranberry sauce, etc.

Method

• Start by heating a cast iron skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat.
• While the pan is heating up, spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. If your butter is cold, you can soften it in the microwave for 30 seconds at 20% power.
• Layer your chosen cheese(s) on the non-buttered side of one slice of bread. You can also add any optional extras at this point.
• Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up.
• Add the sandwich to the pan and cover with a lid. Cook on medium-low heat until the bottom slice of bread is lightly browned and the cheese has started to melt.
• Flip the sandwich and cover again. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the bottom slice is golden brown.
• Remove the sandwich from the pan, slice in half, and serve.

Tips

• Sourdough bread is ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches due to its thick, dense, and sturdy texture.
• For the best melting results, use high-quality, high-moisture cheese slices.
• A combination of sliced and shredded cheese will create a creamy and gooey consistency.
• If you don't have butter, you can use mayonnaise to create a golden and crispy exterior.
• Cook the sandwich over low heat to allow the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.
• Covering the pan will help trap the heat and ensure that the cheese melts properly.
• Cut your bread into 1/2-inch thick slices to ensure the cheese melts fully and to achieve the ideal cheese-to-bread ratio.

Sourdough and marinated feta

Ingredients:

• Sourdough Bread: Go for a soft sourdough sandwich loaf or a crusty sourdough boule, depending on your preference. You can bake your own or opt for a store-bought option.
• Feta Cheese: Choose a block of Greek feta stored in brine for the best flavour and texture. Avoid pre-crumbled feta, which tends to be drier.
• Olive Oil: Select a high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) with a rich flavour and a peppery finish. Avoid strongly flavoured EVOO, as you want the other ingredients to shine.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh thyme, cilantro or parsley, sliced jalapeños or dried red chillies, and lemon zest or juice add a flavourful kick to the feta.
• Optional Add-Ins: For a unique twist, include sliced green onions, garlic cloves, or black pepper to elevate your marinated feta.

Instructions:

• Cut the Feta: Slice or cube the feta cheese into your desired shape and size. Cubing the feta provides a nice bite-sized option.
• Assemble the Jar: In a clean glass jar or container, layer the feta with your chosen herbs, spices, and lemon. Pour in enough olive oil to completely cover the feta.
• Marinate: Seal the container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavours to meld beautifully. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavours will become.
• Serve: Bring the marinated feta to room temperature before serving. Enjoy it with slices of sourdough bread for dipping, or get creative and add it to salads, pizzas, or pasta dishes.

Tips:

• Feta Sensations: Experiment with different types of feta, like French or Bulgarian white cheese, for subtle variations in taste and texture.
• Oil Options: If you're concerned about olive oil solidifying in the fridge, opt for a different type of oil with a higher smoke point, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
• Sourdough Variations: Try using different types of sourdough bread, like a sourdough rye or jalapeño cheddar loaf, for an extra kick of flavour.
• Storage: Marinated feta can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. Always use a clean utensil when serving, and ensure the feta remains submerged in oil.

Sourdough and soft cheeses

Choosing the Right Sourdough

When selecting your sourdough bread, opt for a soft variety. Soft sourdough sandwich bread is an excellent choice, providing the ideal texture to complement the cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, try a crusty sourdough loaf for a delightful crunch. Alternatively, if time is of the essence, a store-bought sourdough will also do the trick!

Selecting the Perfect Soft Cheeses

The key to a successful pairing lies in choosing soft cheeses that melt effortlessly. Here are some recommended options:

• Brie: Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a delightful companion to sourdough.
• Mozzarella: While fresh mozzarella can be a bit stretchy, shredded or sliced varieties work beautifully in grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Havarti: This semi-soft cheese melts like a dream and pairs wonderfully with sourdough.
• Gouda: Another semi-soft option, Gouda melts smoothly and tastes fantastic.
• Cheddar: For a bolder flavour, sharp cheddar adds a nice kick to your sandwich.
• Gruyere: This cheese adds a touch of elegance to your grilled cheese, with a creamy texture and nutty flavour.

Crafting the Ultimate Sourdough and Soft Cheese Creation

Now that you have your sourdough and soft cheese selections, it's time to assemble! Here are some tips to elevate your grilled cheese sandwich:

• Butter both sides of the sourdough slices generously. This adds flavour and helps achieve that coveted golden crust.
• Layer your chosen soft cheeses between the sourdough slices. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairing!
• Heat a skillet or frying pan to medium-low heat. Cooking at this temperature allows the cheese to melt evenly and the bread to turn golden brown without burning.
• Cover the skillet while cooking to help the cheese melt uniformly.
• Take your time! Allow the grilled cheese to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps the cheese set slightly and prevents it from oozing out.

So, there you have it! Sourdough and soft cheeses are a match made in culinary heaven. Get creative, experiment with different combinations, and enjoy the perfect bite of tangy bread and creamy cheese.

Sourdough and sharp cheddar

If you're making a grilled cheese sandwich, sharp cheddar cheese and tangy sourdough bread is the ultimate comfort food. Sourdough grilled cheese is a nostalgic treat with a flavourful twist. It's a simple recipe that can be enjoyed as a quick summer lunch or paired with a bowl of tomato soup for a winter dinner.

You can also bake sourdough bread with chunks of sharp cheddar throughout. This recipe requires minimal mixing and can be done with a spatula instead of your hands. The key to this recipe is a healthy starter and overall experience as a bread baker. The cheese is simply chopped and folded into the bread as you do stretch and folds.

When choosing a cheese for your grilled cheese, consider depth of flavour and meltability. Raw milk cheddar and mozzarella are great options. Other aged cheeses that work well include pepper jack, American cheese, gouda, havarti, Colby jack, or Monterey jack.

Sourdough and gouda

For a simple yet delicious meal, try making a grilled cheese sandwich with sourdough bread and gouda. The sharpness of the gouda will add depth of flavour to the sandwich, while the sourdough will provide a tangy twist to this classic comfort food. To elevate this sandwich even further, you can add thinly sliced apples for a sweet and sharp flavour combination.

If you're feeling more adventurous, try baking your own sourdough loaf with gouda incorporated into the dough. This Jalapeño Gouda Sourdough Bread is a unique recipe that adds a kick to your standard sourdough. The bread has pockets of gouda and pickled jalapeños throughout, creating an explosion of flavour in every bite. Alternatively, you can make a Smoked Gouda and Chive Sourdough Artisan Loaf, which offers a fresh, hot, and buttery experience straight out of the oven.

For a more savoury option, there's the Tomato and Gouda Sourdough, which combines the sweetness of gouda with the tanginess of tomatoes and fresh herbs. This bread is perfect for those who want a beautiful blend of flavours in every bite. No matter which recipe you choose, the combination of sourdough and gouda is sure to impress your taste buds.

Frequently asked questions