Pepperoni's Perfect Cheese Partners: Finding The Right Flavor Balance

There are many types of cheese that go well with pepperoni. If you're looking for a cheese to pair with pepperoni and crackers, some good options include sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and provolone. If you're looking to make a more gourmet meal, you could try gorgonzola, fontina, or goat cheese. For those on a keto diet, a popular choice is to make pepperoni cheese crisps with a combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Mozzarella and cheddar for pepperoni cheese crisps

Mozzarella and cheddar are both excellent choices of cheese to go with pepperoni in a snack or as part of a meal. For a simple, tasty, and popular snack, you can make pepperoni and cheese crisps. This snack is perfect for those on a keto diet, but anyone can enjoy these crispy, crunchy, and salty treats.

To make pepperoni and cheese crisps, you will need:

• Pepperoni slices (thinly sliced)
• Shredded mozzarella and/or cheddar cheese
• Tomato sauce or marinara sauce (optional)

You can make these crisps in a skillet, oven, or microwave, and they only take a few minutes to prepare and cook. If you are using an oven, preheat it to 350-400°F (180-200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place small piles of cheese (around 1 tablespoon each) on the parchment paper, leaving a little space between each pile. Then, lay a slice of pepperoni on top of each pile of cheese. If you like, you can sprinkle some herbs or spices on top, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, or red pepper flakes. Bake for 4-6 minutes, keeping an eye on them to make sure they don't burn, until the cheese and pepperoni are crispy.

For a microwave, place the cheese and pepperoni piles on a piece of parchment paper on a flat plate and cook on high for 1-1.5 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a skillet on medium heat. Cook the cheese piles for about a minute, then add the pepperoni, cooking for another minute or so until the cheese starts to brown and crisp. Flip and cook for another 30 seconds. Serve with tomato sauce for dipping, if desired.

Mozzarella and cheddar cheese both melt and crisp up well, making them ideal for these pepperoni crisps. You can also try adding parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Sharp cheddar

When serving sharp cheddar with pepperoni, it is recommended to opt for a variety of cheddar that is similarly priced to your pepperoni. For example, if you have purchased a higher-quality pepperoni, it is advised to pair it with a premium sharp cheddar, such as Cabot extra sharp cheddar. This ensures a more harmonious flavour profile and a satisfying snacking experience.

The versatility of sharp cheddar makes it a convenient and tasty option to pair with pepperoni. Whether enjoyed as a snack or incorporated into recipes, the bold flavour of sharp cheddar is sure to enhance the flavour of pepperoni.

Italian cheeses

Pepperoni is a cured meat with Italian-American origins, a mix of pork and beef, and a classic pepperoni is usually salty, spicy, and tangy. When it comes to Italian cheeses that pair well with pepperoni, there are several options to consider:

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a mild cheese that melts well and is the perfect choice for subtle cheese on pizza. Its mild taste allows the pepperoni's flavour to stand out.

Parmesan

Parmesan, another American favourite, is salty and nutty with notes of caramel. It's a great addition to anything Italian. Finely grated parmesan can be sprinkled over a hot, freshly baked pepperoni pizza.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a mild, salty cheese that works well in many American dishes without overpowering the other flavours. For a grilled cheese pepperoni sandwich, a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan is an excellent combination.

Provolone

Provolone comes in different forms, but the milder, younger version, provolone dolce, is recommended when pairing with pepperoni. It's semi-firm, creamy, and light. It's a typical cheese for sandwiches, and it goes well with mozzarella in a pepperoni melt sandwich.

Pecorino Romano

Pecorino Romano is a hard cheese from Italy, similar to Parmigiano Reggiano. It is made with sheep's milk and has a salty and nutty flavour with a hint of earthiness. It pairs well with pepperoni, just like its cousin, Parmesan.

Ricotta

Mild-flavoured foods, such as ricotta, pair well with strong-tasting foods like pepperoni. Adding ricotta cheese to a pepperoni pizza can calm down the sharpness of the meat.

Blue cheeses

Blue cheese is a popular choice to pair with pepperoni. It is a salty, tangy, and creamy cheese that can be crumbled over a pizza or added to a cheese board. Blue cheese and pepperoni is a flavour combination that works well, with the saltiness of the blue cheese complementing the pepperoni.

When making a pizza, it is recommended to use mozzarella as the base cheese and then add crumbled blue cheese on top. This combination is said to be "cheesy and hot, with a hint of heat, a bit of sweetness, and a creamy tanginess". The blue cheese can be balanced with other toppings such as onions, mushrooms, spinach, and peppers.

If the blue cheese is too strong, a milder variety like Gorgonzola can be used instead. This combination of pepperoni and blue cheese is also used in skillet pizzas, where the pizza is cooked in a cast-iron pan to create a chewy and bubbly crust.

Soft and smooth cheeses

Brie

Brie is a soft and creamy cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. Its smooth texture and subtle taste make it a perfect match for the sharpness of pepperoni. It can add a touch of elegance to your charcuterie board or snack platter.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a classic Italian cheese that is soft, creamy, and mild in flavour. It melts beautifully, making it a great choice for pizza or grilled cheese sandwiches with pepperoni. Its mild taste won't overpower the pepperoni, creating a harmonious flavour combination.

Provolone

Provolone is an Italian cheese with a mild, nutty flavour. It has a soft and slightly stretchy texture, making it a delightful pairing with pepperoni. Provolone can be mild or sharp, depending on its age, so you can choose the variety that best suits your taste preferences.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It melts well and pairs beautifully with pepperoni. For an added kick, you can opt for Pepper Jack, which includes spicy peppers for a unique flavour experience.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheeses, such as gorgonzola, offer a strong and pungent flavour that can stand up to the sharpness of pepperoni. Their soft and crumbly texture provides a nice contrast to the smooth meat. Blue cheeses can add a sophisticated touch to your pepperoni pairings.

When creating cheese and meat pairings, it's important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. Soft and smooth cheeses complement the bold taste and smooth texture of pepperoni, creating a delightful sensory experience.

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