Cheese Selection: Perfect Sandwich Tray Combinations

There are many types of cheese that can be used to make a delicious sandwich, and the best cheese for a sandwich tray will depend on the type of sandwiches being made. For a classic British cold cheese sandwich, cheddar is the traditional option, with Red Leicester as a second option to add a different pop of colour and flavour. For grilled cheese sandwiches, mild or medium cheddar is a popular choice, as it is perfect for melting and can create the signature gooey cheese pull. Other cheeses that work well for grilled cheese sandwiches include mozzarella, pepper jack, fontina, gouda, gruyère, provolone, havarti, and swiss cheese.

Creamy cheeses: e.g. Brie, cream cheese, or Cheez Whiz

Creamy cheeses are a great option for a sandwich tray, offering a rich and indulgent experience. Here are some tips and suggestions for using creamy cheeses on your sandwich tray:

Brie

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild flavour that works wonderfully in sandwiches. It melts easily, providing a gooey consistency. When using Brie on a sandwich tray, consider pairing it with cured meats like prosciutto or shaved ham. To enhance the flavour, add a sweet and savoury element such as fig jam or fresh blackberries. For the best melting results, opt for double cream Brie instead of triple cream, as the latter can become too melty.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a soft and spreadable cheese with a mild flavour, making it a versatile option for sandwich trays. It can be easily spread on bread or used as a dip for crackers and vegetables. Cream cheese also serves as a great base for adding other ingredients, such as herbs, spices, or chopped nuts, allowing you to create unique flavour combinations.

Cheez Whiz

Cheez Whiz is a processed cheese product with a creamy texture and a salty, savoury flavour. It is often used as a spread or dip and can add a unique twist to your sandwich tray. Cheez Whiz can be a convenient option as it is pre-made and easy to use. Consider pairing it with crackers, vegetables, or even using it as a topping for other sandwich ingredients.

When using creamy cheeses for your sandwich tray, it is important to keep them chilled until serving to ensure they remain firm and fresh. These cheeses can be the star of the show or a complementary ingredient, depending on your preference. Offer a variety of toppings and pairings to create a well-rounded and customisable sandwich tray for your guests.

Stringy cheeses: e.g. Mozzarella, Provolone, or Monterey Jack

Stringy cheeses, such as Mozzarella, Provolone, or Monterey Jack, are excellent choices for a sandwich tray. These cheeses offer a delightful, gooey texture that is sure to impress. Here are some tips and ideas for incorporating these cheeses into your sandwich tray:

Mozzarella:

Mozzarella is a classic choice for sandwiches, offering a mild and creamy flavour. It pairs exceptionally well with fresh basil, so consider a Caprese-inspired sandwich with mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves on a baguette or ciabatta bread. You can also try a melted mozzarella sandwich with roasted red peppers and arugula pesto. To achieve the perfect melt, cook the sandwich on a stovetop first, and then finish it in the oven.

Provolone:

Provolone is a versatile cheese with a slightly sharper flavour than mozzarella. It melts beautifully, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. Try pairing it with pesto, fresh tomatoes, and basil leaves on a crusty baguette or French bread. You can also experiment with different types of provolone, such as smoked provolone, for added flavour.

Monterey Jack:

Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy cheese that melts easily, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches or melted sandwiches. It pairs well with a variety of ingredients, including bacon, deli turkey, avocado, and pickled jalapeños. For the best results, cook your Monterey Jack sandwiches on medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts perfectly without burning the bread.

When preparing sandwiches with stringy cheeses, it's important to consider the bread you'll be using. Heartier breads, such as Italian bread or baguettes, can withstand the weight of these cheeses and their toppings without becoming soggy. Toasting or grilling the bread can also add a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the melted cheese.

Flavourful cheeses: e.g. Blue cheese, smoked Gouda, or pepper jack

When it comes to flavourful cheeses, there are several options that can elevate your sandwich tray, offering a delightful sensory experience with every bite. Here are some mouth-watering choices to consider:

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a distinctive and flavourful option that can transform a simple sandwich into a culinary delight. Its pungent aroma and creamy texture make it a standout ingredient. For a classic combination, pair it with salami, arugula, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on crusty bread. The sharpness of the blue cheese will be balanced by the salty salami and the peppery arugula, creating a harmonious flavour profile.

Smoked Gouda

Smoked Gouda lends a unique, inimitable flavour to your sandwiches. Its smoky aroma and creamy texture make it a versatile choice. For the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, layer smoked gouda with roasted red peppers, baby arugula, and a slice of mild Muenster cheese. The Muenster cheese ensures that your sandwich achieves the ideal, gooey melt that is so satisfying in a grilled cheese.

Pepper Jack

For those who enjoy a little kick in their sandwiches, Pepper Jack cheese is an excellent choice. It adds a spicy and sweet dimension to your sandwich tray. Try it with roasted sweet mini peppers and pastrami for a delicious combination. The sweetness of the peppers balances the spiciness of the cheese, creating a complex and satisfying flavour profile.

These flavourful cheeses will undoubtedly enhance your sandwich tray, offering a variety of tastes and textures that are sure to impress and satisfy. Whether you opt for the sharpness of blue cheese, the smoky depth of smoked Gouda, or the spicy kick of Pepper Jack, your guests are in for a treat.

Classic sandwich cheeses: e.g. Cheddar, Red Leicester, or Double Gloucester

Cheddar is a hard cheese that comes in a variety of flavours, including white and yellow, and is a popular choice for sandwiches. It has a strong flavour and a crumbly texture. When sliced, it works well on meat and cheese trays as it doesn't stick together and can be easily picked up.

Red Leicester is a cow's milk cheese that originated in the county of Leicester in the UK. It is similar to cheddar cheese but with a milder flavour and a brighter orange colour due to the use of Annatto extract in the cheese-making process. It also has a crumbly texture. Red Leicester is a good choice for a cheese and onion sandwich filler, pairing well with a strong white cheddar.

Double Gloucester is a traditional English cheese that has been around for at least 600 years. It was originally made from sheep's milk but later switched to cow's milk, mainly from Old Gloucester cows. It is an orange cheese that is traditionally dyed with annatto. As it matures, Double Gloucester becomes very hard. It has a mild, salty, savoury, and slightly sharp taste.

Grilled cheese: e.g. American cheese, Monterey Jack, or mild Cheddar

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a wonderful comfort food, evoking nostalgia and warm memories. While you can use almost any semi-hard cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches, some are better than others for achieving that signature gooey cheese pull.

American cheese is a popular choice for grilled cheese. Although it is processed, it has a superior melting ability and gooey texture. Its mild flavour and pre-packaged, individually wrapped slices also make it convenient and easy to use. American cheese pairs well with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a more flavourful sandwich.

Mild or medium cheddar is another excellent option for grilled cheese. It melts better than sharp cheddar, which can become oily and waxy. Cheddar is a classic, versatile cheese that can be found in many variations, from white to yellow. It is perfect for melting and can be paired with a variety of breads, such as simple sliced white bread or a crusty loaf like sourdough.

Monterey Jack, a semi-hard, white cow's milk cheese with a mild, buttery flavour, is also a great choice for grilled cheese. It melts well, giving you a great cheese pull when cut in half. Monterey Jack pairs well with cheddar or American cheese and can be combined with various fillings, such as buffalo chicken, pulled pork, or chopped kimchi.

When preparing a grilled cheese sandwich, it is recommended to use shredded cheese or thin slices of cheese, especially if using a softer cheese, as they melt faster. Spreading mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread and cooking the sandwich at a low heat will ensure a crispy crust and a melted interior.

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