
Pastrami is a rich, intense, and salty meat with a burnt, smoky flavour. There are many types of cheese that can complement pastrami, ranging from melting cheeses to firmer ones. The right cheese can help mellow out and balance the smokiness of pastrami, while adding some creamy textures and flavour variations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Gouda, Brie, White sharp cheddar, Fontina, Feta |
| Cheese texture | Semi-soft, soft, firm |
| Cheese colour | Lighter colours are milder in flavour |
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What You'll Learn

Gouda
When pairing cheese and pastrami, the colour of the cheese is an important factor. Generally, lighter-coloured cheeses are milder in flavour and will give a nice contrast to the rich, intense flavour of pastrami. Gouda is a semi-soft, light-coloured cheese, so it will pair well with pastrami.
While Gouda is a great option, there are many other types of cheese that pair well with pastrami, ranging from melting cheeses to firmer ones. For example, feta is a classic Mediterranean cheese that is becoming increasingly popular in North America. Its salty yet creamy flavour complements pastrami nicely and can give your sandwich an interesting, yet familiar flavour.
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Brie
When choosing a brie to pair with pastrami, look for a high-quality, authentic French brie. This will ensure the best flavour and texture to complement the pastrami. Some popular French brie brands include Brie de Meaux, Brie de Melun, and Brie de Nangis.
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White sharp cheddar
There are many types of cheese that pair well with pastrami, ranging from melting cheeses to firmer ones. The right cheese to serve with pastrami is a matter of taste, but some cheeses complement pastrami better than others. Cheese can help mellow out and balance the burnt, smoky flavours of pastrami, while adding some creamy textures and flavour variations.
Other cheeses that go well with pastrami include gouda, which has a mild flavour and melts easily, making it ideal for both cold and hot sandwiches. Its semi-soft interior melts wonderfully when melted over hot pastrami. The smokiness of gouda also offers a delicious balance to the sweetness of honey or mustard-based toppings. Smoked gouda is a good option if you want to add extra smokiness to your pastrami dish.
Brie is another soft cheese that originated in France. It has a creamy texture and a mild, earthy flavour with slightly nutty undertones. Its delicate flavour makes it a great pairing for pastrami, adding an extra layer of buttery richness to the saltiness of the meat. Brie is best served at room temperature, so be sure to let it sit out before serving with pastrami if you like to keep your cheeses chilled.
Fontina is a semi-soft Italian cheese with a buttery flavour and creamy aroma. Feta is a classic Mediterranean cheese that is becoming increasingly popular in North America. Its salty yet creamy flavour complements pastrami nicely and can give your sandwich an interesting, yet familiar flavour.
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Smoked gouda
Gouda is a Dutch cheese that is one of the most popular cheeses in the world. It has a mild flavour and melts easily, making it an ideal cheese for both cold and hot sandwiches. Its semi-soft interior melts wonderfully when melted over hot pastrami. The smokiness of gouda offers a delicious balance to the sweetness of honey or mustard-based toppings.
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Feta
When choosing feta cheese, it is important to look for a brand that is made with traditional methods and high-quality milk. This will ensure that the cheese has a good flavour and texture. Feta should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days of opening.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many types of cheese that pair well with pastrami, ranging from melting cheeses to firmer ones. Some popular choices include gouda, brie, feta, fontina, and white sharp cheddar.
Gouda is one of the oldest cheeses in existence, with origins dating back to the late 12th century. It has a mild flavour and melts easily, making it ideal for both cold and hot sandwiches.
Brie is a type of soft cheese that originated in France. It has a creamy texture and a mild, earthy flavour with slightly nutty undertones. Its delicate flavour makes it a great pairing for pastrami, adding an extra layer of buttery richness to the saltiness of the meat.
Feta is a classic Mediterranean cheese that is becoming increasingly popular in North America. It has a salty yet creamy flavour, making it a nice complement to the pastrami.
Fontina is a semi-soft Italian cheese with a buttery flavour and creamy aroma. It pairs well with pastrami, especially if you want to add some extra smokiness to your dish.

























