Gouda cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, with its rich, smoky flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture. When it comes to choosing the perfect lunch meat to pair with this Dutch delicacy, the options are endless. From savoury classics like roast beef, ham, and salami to the more adventurous pepperoni, spicy Italian sausage, and chorizo, gouda's versatility knows no bounds. For those who crave a crunch, a slice of bacon or two can add that extra bite. For a more subtle flavour, turkey or prosciutto could be the ideal choice. The key to creating the ultimate gouda sandwich lies in experimentation and finding the right balance of flavours and textures.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Meat | Ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, bacon, ham, salami, roast beef, prosciutto |
Other ingredients | Mustard, mayo, avocado, egg, spinach, mushrooms |
Type of dish | Sandwich, panini, pinwheels, pizza, puffs, pot stickers, soup |
What You'll Learn
Gouda and ground beef
Gouda is a Dutch semi-hard cheese with a unique flavour that can range from mild and sweet to strong and pungent, depending on how long it has been aged. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in grilled sandwiches, burgers, casseroles, and more. Here are some ideas for combining gouda and ground beef:
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A grilled cheese sandwich with gouda and ground beef is a delicious and easy-to-make option. To make this sandwich, fry some ground beef with green onions or scallions until crispy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Layer the beef mixture with sliced gouda on buttered bread, and grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can also add other ingredients such as bacon or spicy sausage to this sandwich for extra flavour and texture.
Cheesy Beef and Potato Casserole
For a heartier dish, try a beef and potato casserole with a creamy gouda cheese sauce. This casserole combines layers of ground beef, sliced potatoes, and a sauce made with gouda, Greek yogurt, scallions, and seasonings. The dish is then topped with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, baked in the oven, and served with a side salad. This is a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated.
Gouda cheese can also be used to make juicy and flavourful burgers. Form the ground beef into patties and season with salt and pepper. Grill or fry the patties to your desired doneness. Top the burgers with sliced gouda while they are still hot so that the cheese melts. You can serve these burgers on roasted potato bread or sourdough bread for added texture and flavour.
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Gouda and ham
Sandwiches
- Bread: Use a crusty French baguette or a soft, fluffy roll. Toasting the bread can add a nice crunch and texture.
- Meat: Opt for a good quality, thinly sliced ham. A mild, cured ham like Jambon de Paris or prosciutto Cotto works well with the gouda.
- Condiments: Experiment with different condiments to enhance the flavours. Try a spicy brown or Dijon mustard, or a sweet and tangy chutney or jam.
- Other ingredients: Add some fresh vegetables like crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or even some sliced apples or pears for a sweet and savoury contrast.
Melts
For an indulgent treat, try a gouda and ham melt. Here are some tips to make it extra special:
- Bread: Sourdough or rye bread works well for melts as they have a nice tang that complements the cheese and meat.
- Cheese: Be generous with the gouda! You can also mix in other cheeses like Swiss or cheddar for added flavour and texture.
- Meat: Along with ham, consider adding some other meats like bacon or sausage. Just ensure they are sliced thinly so they are easy to bite through.
- Condiments: Mustard and mayo are classic choices, but you can also add some sliced pickles or relish for a tangy bite.
Other Dishes
- Pizzas: Use gouda as the base cheese and add ham and other toppings of your choice.
- Omelettes or frittatas: Add some diced ham and shredded gouda to your egg mixture for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.
- Pasta bakes: Try a mac and cheese with gouda, ham, and some vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
- Salads: Cube some gouda and ham and add them to a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a satisfying lunch.
When pairing gouda and ham, remember that the key is to use good quality ingredients and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavour profile. Enjoy creating your gouda and ham masterpieces!
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Gouda and salami
Salami and Gouda cheese is a classic pairing, with the creamy, nutty notes of the Gouda complementing the robust, spicy flavours of the salami. This combination is a popular choice for charcuterie boards and sandwiches.
Charcuterie Boards
A charcuterie board is a great way to showcase the flavours of salami and Gouda. When building a charcuterie board, it's important to use high-quality ingredients and consider the presentation. The Boar's Head Charcuterie Duet, for example, pairs their Hard Salami with Smoked Gouda, offering a convenient and delicious option.
Sandwiches
Salami and Gouda also work well in sandwiches, especially when paired with complementary ingredients. One popular combination is a grilled sandwich with Genoa salami, Gouda, and marinated artichoke hearts. This sandwich is simple to make and can be cooked in a skillet or on a panini press. The key is to finely chop the ingredients, mix them together, and spread them evenly between slices of bread.
Another option is to create an Italian-inspired sandwich by using dry salami seasoned with black pepper, garlic, nutmeg, and fennel seeds, along with natural Gouda cheese and toasted rounds. This combination offers a flavourful rendition of classic Italian-cured salami. To enhance the flavours even further, pair it with a light-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir.
When assembling a sandwich, it's important to experiment with ratios and use high-quality ingredients. The bread should be dry and crunchy, and dense ingredients should be kept at the bottom layer to prevent the juices from soaking through.
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Gouda and bacon
Gouda is a Dutch semi-hard cheese with a creamy, buttery texture and a rich, savoury taste. Its unique flavour profile, which ranges from mild and nutty to strong and pungent, makes it a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many different dishes. One of the best pairings for gouda is bacon. The savoury, salty flavours of bacon complement the creaminess of gouda, and the two ingredients balance each other out perfectly.
Breakfast Sandwiches
Other Sandwiches
Beyond Sandwiches
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Gouda and spicy Italian sausage
Gouda is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of meats and condiments to make delicious sandwiches or appetizers. Here are some ideas for combining Gouda, specifically, with spicy Italian sausage:
Baked Italian Sausage and Smoked Gouda Meatballs
These meatballs have a surprise cheesy centre and are perfect as an appetizer with pasta sauce for dipping. To make them, cut smoked gouda into cubes and freeze them for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, mix Italian sausage with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Shape the sausage mixture into balls and insert a frozen gouda cube into the centre of each. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes at 400°F until cooked through.
Gouda Sausage and Spinach over Spaghetti Squash
This is a one-pot dish with a creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy sauce. It is also gluten-free, grain-free, and refined sugar-free. To make it, cook the spaghetti squash in the oven, then add avocado oil to a frying pan and cook onions, garlic, and Italian sausage. Add the squash, spinach, tomatoes, black pepper, white wine or water, and smoked gouda. Once the cheese has melted, add heavy cream and milk. Serve the sauce over the cooked spaghetti squash.
Pizza Toast
For a fun twist on classic pizza, try making a pizza toast with gouda and spicy Italian sausage. Simply swap out the usual mozzarella for gouda and add your favourite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni or chorizo. Don't forget to spread a generous amount of tomato jam on the bread to add extra flavour complexity.
Blue Cheese Grilled Cheese with Spicy Italian Sausage
For a salty and spicy combination, pair blue cheese with mild, melty cheeses like mozzarella, emmental, or gruyere. Cut through the saltiness with a fruity condiment like mango chutney, apricot or peach jam, or fruit salsa. Spicy Italian sausage, such as bresaola or prosciutto crudo, will add a nice kick to this sandwich.
Experiment with these ideas and adjust the ratios to your taste. Remember, the key to a good sandwich is to use high-quality ingredients and find the right balance of flavours and textures.
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Frequently asked questions
Some sandwich meat options that go well with gouda cheese include ham, salami, prosciutto, and bacon.
Yes, there are several recipes that incorporate gouda cheese and lunch meats, such as the "Ultimate Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwich," which includes salami, and the "Three Meat Melt," which includes ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, and bacon.
When making a sandwich with gouda cheese and lunch meat, consider experimenting with the ratio of ingredients, using high-quality ingredients, and adding condiments or other flavors that complement the cheese and meat.
Some alternative cheese options to gouda cheese in a sandwich could include cheddar, emmental, provolone, or gruyere.
While there is no definitive answer, some options for bread that could complement the flavors of gouda cheese and lunch meat include sourdough, French bread, or a crusty baguette.