Muenster Cheese: Best Lunch Meat Pairings

Muenster cheese is a semi-soft, mild-flavoured cheese with a reddish-orange rind. It is made from pasteurized cow's milk and is thought to be an imitation of the French Munster cheese. Its mild flavour and smooth, soft texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. So, what are the best lunch meats to pair with Muenster cheese?

Ham and Muenster Cheese

Muenster cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to pizzas and burgers. It is a semi-soft, mild-tasting cheese with a creamy texture and a slightly tangy finish. The cheese melts easily, making it a popular choice for sandwiches and other melted cheese recipes.

One simple recipe for ham and Muenster cheese croissants requires only three ingredients: crescent rolls, sliced Muenster cheese, and sliced deli ham. To make these croissants, simply roll out the crescent roll dough, tuck a slice of Muenster cheese inside a slice of ham, and roll it up. Bake the croissants for about 16 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky.

For a more substantial meal, you can make a grilled ham and Muenster cheese sandwich. This sandwich typically includes sliced ham, Muenster cheese, and other ingredients such as caramelized onions, tomatoes, and barbecue sauce. To make the sandwich, cook the onions in butter until they are tender and golden. Spread a mixture of mayonnaise and barbecue sauce on slices of sourdough bread, and then assemble the sandwiches with the ham, cheese, tomatoes, and onions. Grill the sandwiches in a panini press, covered indoor grill, grill pan, or skillet until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Hickory Smoked Ham and Muenster Cheese

Hickory-smoked ham and Muenster cheese is a delicious combination that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Muenster cheese, with its mild, buttery flavour and smooth, creamy texture, pairs perfectly with the salty, savoury notes of hickory-smoked ham. This combination is incredibly versatile and can be used to create everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to hearty breakfast plates.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

One of the most popular ways to enjoy the combination of hickory-smoked ham and Muenster cheese is in a grilled cheese sandwich. The key to this sandwich is to use thick, crusty bread that can stand up to the weight of the fillings. Start by spreading a generous amount of Dijon mustard on both slices of bread. Then, layer on the Muenster cheese, followed by the ham, and finally, add another layer of cheese. For the best results, use thin slices of Muenster cheese or grate it to ensure even melting. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter it generously, and cook the sandwich in an oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Breakfast Plate

Muenster cheese is also an excellent choice for a continental breakfast, as its mild flavour won't be overpowering first thing in the morning. Pair it with hickory-smoked ham, fresh fruit such as apples and grapes, and pastries for a well-rounded and delicious start to your day. The slightly salty ham will complement the sweet fruit, while the creamy Muenster cheese provides a satisfying contrast in texture and flavour.

Baked Potato

For a hearty and comforting dish, try combining hickory-smoked ham and Muenster cheese in a baked potato. Cut open a baked potato and grate some Muenster cheese into it, allowing it to melt slightly before eating. You can also add some diced ham to the potato and top it with sour cream, green onions, and chives for a loaded baked potato with a delicious twist.

Macaroni and Cheese

Muenster cheese is a great option for adding flavour and texture to macaroni and cheese without overwhelming the dish. Combine it with hickory-smoked ham for a savoury and satisfying meal. The salty ham will complement the creamy cheese sauce, and the mild flavour of Muenster will ensure that the dish is comforting and familiar.

Turkey and Muenster Cheese

Muenster cheese is a versatile and adaptable cheese that can be used in a wide range of dishes. It is a semi-soft, mild-flavoured cheese with a creamy texture and excellent melting properties. Its mild, buttery flavour and tanginess make it a great pairing with various meats, including turkey.

A turkey and Muenster cheese sandwich is a delicious and straightforward option for lunch or a quick dinner. The cheese's smooth, soft texture and mild flavour complement the turkey's taste, while its melting properties add a creamy mouthfeel to the sandwich. The salty nature of Muenster cheese also adds a savoury touch to the sandwich, enhancing the overall flavour profile.

For a heartier meal, a turkey and Muenster cheese melt is an excellent choice. This dish can be prepared in a similar fashion to a grilled cheese sandwich, with the addition of sliced turkey. The Muenster cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey, decadent treat. The turkey and cheese combination provides a good balance of protein and calcium, making it a nutritious option.

Baked Turkey and Muenster Cheese

For a more indulgent dish, consider an oven-baked turkey and Muenster cheese casserole. Layering sliced turkey with Muenster cheese and baking it in the oven allows the cheese to melt and creates a rich, savoury dish. This option is perfect for a comforting family meal or a potluck contribution.

Turkey, Muenster Cheese, and Fruit

Muenster cheese also pairs well with fruits such as apples and grapes. For a lighter meal or snack, consider combining sliced turkey with Muenster cheese and your choice of fresh fruit. This option provides a balance of savoury and sweet flavours, along with the nutritional benefits of protein and vitamins from the fruit.

In conclusion, the versatility of Muenster cheese makes it an excellent pairing with turkey in various dishes. Its mild flavour, creamy texture, and melting properties enhance the taste and mouthfeel of turkey-based meals, making it a delicious and nutritious option for any occasion.

EverRoast® Chicken and Muenster Cheese

Ingredients

• Boar's Head Chipotle Gourmaise®
• Fresh spinach
• Tomato slices
• Boar's Head EverRoast® Chicken Breast
• Boar's Head Muenster Cheese
• French baguette

Method

Preheat the oven to 350º F. Place the sliced baguette roll on a baking sheet and toast it in the oven for about 2-3 minutes. Remove the roll from the oven and place it on a flat surface. On the top portion of the roll, spread the gourmaise. On the bottom portion of the roll, layer the spinach, tomato slices, and chicken, and top with Muenster Cheese. Place the top of the roll, gourmaise side down on the rest of the sandwich and serve.

EverRoast® Chicken, Muenster & Mushroom Panini

Ingredients

• Ciabatta bun
• Fresh spinach
• Fresh parsley
• Sautéed mushrooms
• Boar's Head EverRoast Chicken
• Boar's Head Muenster Cheese
• Butter

Method

Slice the ciabatta bun in half and set the top aside. Layer the bottom slice with Muenster cheese, fresh spinach, and mushrooms, followed by chicken and another slice of cheese. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, then place the ciabatta lid on top of the sandwich. Spread a light layer of butter on the outer sides of the sandwich. Cook the sandwich in a preheated panini press until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Muenster cheese is a mild, semi-soft cheese with a buttery flavour and a slightly tangy finish. It is extremely versatile and adaptable, and its mild flavour makes it a great addition to many dishes without overpowering the other ingredients. It is an excellent melting cheese, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and pizza.

Muenster cheese pairs well with a variety of meats, including ham, turkey, and beef. It is also a good choice for a continental breakfast, as it won't be too overpowering first thing in the morning.

Bacon, Pear, and Raspberry with Muenster Cheese

Muenster cheese is a mild, semi-soft, and creamy cheese with a slightly tangy finish. It is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of lunch meats, such as ham or turkey. Its mild flavour and smooth, mellow taste make it a great addition to sandwiches as it adds texture and flavour without overpowering the other ingredients.

One unique sandwich combination featuring Muenster cheese is the Bacon, Pear, and Raspberry Grilled Cheese. This sandwich is a delightful mix of salty and sweet flavours. The salty component comes from the crispy bacon, while the sweetness is derived from the raspberry preserves and the soft pear slices. The Muenster cheese melts beautifully, bringing all the flavours together.

To make this sandwich, start by preheating a griddle or panini press to medium-high heat. For each sandwich, you will need two slices of sturdy, grainy wheat bread, 1.5 tablespoons of raspberry preserves, a quarter of a cup of thinly sliced red pear, four slices of cooked bacon, and two slices of Muenster cheese.

Spread 1-2 tablespoons of butter on the top and bottom of the sandwich. Assemble the sandwich in the following order: place the first slice of bread buttered-side down, then add 1.5 tablespoons of preserves, the pear slices, four slices of bacon, and finally, the two slices of cheese. Top it off with the second slice of bread, buttered-side up.

Grill the sandwich for approximately 4-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the top bread is golden brown. This sandwich is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings for a unique and flavourful lunch.

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