Randy Chandler
Clam chowder is a rich and satisfying soup that can be made even more indulgent with the addition of cheese. But what kind of cheese goes best with clam chowder? Some people recommend a sharp Vermont cheddar to refresh the palate after a creamy, heavier soup. Others suggest lining the bowl with a slice of provolone, or adding Monterey Jack, which is mild enough not to overwhelm the other flavours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Vermont cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone |
| Amount | 2 cups |
| When to add | Before serving, when the soup is still boiling |
| Texture | Melted |
Explore related products
Cheddar cheese biscuits
For a clam chowder, it is typical to select a cheese from the same region as the dish. For a New England clam chowder, a sharp Vermont cheddar is a good option. Cheddar cheese biscuits are also a great option to serve with clam chowder, as are oyster crackers, saltines or butter crackers.
If you want to line the bottom of the bowl with cheese, Monterey Jack or provolone are mild enough to work well. However, the cheese won't mix well with the soup unless it's ladled in while it's still boiling.
Doritos' Cheesy Secret: What's in the Bag?
You may want to see also
Monterey Jack
When choosing a cheese to put on clam chowder, it is important to consider the balance of flavours. Clam chowder is a creamy, rich soup, so a mild, melting cheese like Monterey Jack can add a nice touch of flavour without overwhelming the dish. If you are looking for a sharper flavour, you could try a different type of cheese, such as a sharp Vermont cheddar. However, keep in mind that a sharper cheese may be too strong for the delicate flavours of the clam chowder.
In addition to cheese, there are several other toppings and garnishes that can enhance the flavour of clam chowder. For example, bacon, chives, and scallions can add a nice savoury touch. You can also serve clam chowder with crackers or a bread bowl to soak up the soup.
Apple Pie and Cheese: A Culinary Adventure
You may want to see also
Vermont cheddar
Clam chowder is a creamy, heavy soup that is often served with cheese. As it is typical practice to select cheeses from the same region as the dish, for New England clam chowder, a sharp Vermont cheddar is a good option.
When choosing a Vermont cheddar to pair with clam chowder, it is important to consider the balance of flavours. The soup is already quite rich and creamy, so a sharp, tangy cheese like Vermont cheddar can help to refresh the palate. Look for a cheese that is aged for at least 6 months, as this will have a stronger flavour that can stand up to the other ingredients in the soup.
There are a few ways to incorporate Vermont cheddar into your clam chowder. One option is to grate or shred the cheese and sprinkle it on top of the soup just before serving. This will add a nice, sharp flavour and a bit of texture. Another option is to melt the cheese into the soup. To do this, add the cheese to the soup while it is still hot, but not boiling, and stir until melted. This will create a creamy, cheesy clam chowder.
In addition to using Vermont cheddar as a topping or ingredient in the soup, you can also serve it on the side. Homemade cheddar cheese biscuits are a great option, or you can opt for oyster crackers, saltines, or butter crackers.
Kerrygold Red Label: A Cheese Connoisseur's Dream
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Provolone
When choosing provolone for your clam chowder, look for a cheese that is firm but not too dry. You want it to be sliceable but still have some moisture, as this will ensure it melts nicely into the soup.
To prepare the provolone for your clam chowder, simply slice it thinly and place it in the bottom of your soup bowl. You can then heat it in the oven until the cheese is just starting to bubble and melt. Remove it from the oven and let it set for a minute or two before ladling your hot clam chowder on top. This will create a delicious, cheesy base for your soup and elevate the overall flavour and texture of the dish.
You can also experiment with adding provolone directly to your clam chowder during the cooking process. Just be sure to add it towards the end and stir gently until melted, being careful not to let the soup boil as this can toughen the cheese and affect its creamy texture.
Cheese in Chili Relleno: Melty, Gooey Goodness
You may want to see also
Bacon and cheese
Clam chowder is a rich and satisfying dish, and adding cheese and bacon can make it even more indulgent.
When it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with clam chowder, a sharp Vermont cheddar is a popular choice, as it adds a refreshing sharpness to the creamy, heavier soup. Alternatively, Monterey Jack is a milder option that can complement the chowder without overwhelming its delicate flavour. For a truly decadent touch, try lining the bottom of your bowl with a slice of provolone before adding the hot soup, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and create a delicious, crispy barrier that prevents the soup from soaking through.
To incorporate bacon into your clam chowder, try adding four slices of crispy bacon to the soup, along with half-and-half instead of light cream, as suggested by a recipe on food.com. This combination creates a nice, balanced flavour that's not too heavy. You can also use bacon as a garnish, crumbling it over the top of the chowder just before serving.
If you're looking for a more substantial side dish to accompany your clam chowder, consider making cheddar cheese biscuits. These biscuits, packed with sharp cheddar flavour, can add an extra layer of texture and taste to your meal.
Cotswold Cheese: A Unique Blend of Flavors
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A sharp Vermont cheddar is a good option to refresh the palate after a creamy, heavier soup.
You can serve the soup with cheese biscuits, or line the bottom of the bowl with a slice of provolone and heat it in the oven until the cheese is bubbling.
Monterey Jack or a mild cheese might work well.
You can add cheese to taste, but be careful not to add too much as this can make the dish heavy.
