Smoked Gouda: Best Meat Pairings For A Hearty Dish

Smoked gouda is a popular cheese that is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and burgers. It is a versatile cheese that can be melted, grated, or eaten on its own. The cheese is known for its distinct creamy texture and rich, savory flavor, and it is made from cow's milk. When paired with meat, smoked gouda can elevate the taste of dishes such as roast beef sandwiches, sausages, and beef and cheddar pigs in a blanket. It is also a popular choice for cheese boards and recipes due to its bold, smoky flavor.

Smoked gouda grilled cheese with roast beef

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Sage
• Bread (sourdough or multi-grain)
• Roast beef (sliced)
• Smoked gouda cheese (sliced or shredded)
• Onion (large, thinly sliced)
• Creamy horseradish (optional)
• Mayonnaise (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat butter in a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
• Add sliced onion and sage to the melted butter, stirring to coat.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the onions until they are caramelized, stirring occasionally (this should take around 20-30 minutes).
• Butter the outsides of two slices of bread.
• Spread creamy horseradish or mayonnaise on the inside of one slice of bread (optional).
• Layer two slices of smoked gouda cheese on top of the bread.
• Add a generous layer of sliced roast beef.
• Top with caramelized onions.
• Add the remaining slices of cheese.
• Spread horseradish or mayonnaise on the inside of the second slice of bread (optional) and place it on top of the sandwich, buttered side up.
• Place the sandwich in the griddle or skillet over medium heat.
• Use a spatula to press the sandwich down and hold it for a few seconds to flatten and help the cheese melt.
• Cook each side for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Transfer the sandwich to a cutting board and let it rest for about 30 seconds before slicing and serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Serve the sandwich with chips, or pair it with a bowl of soup, such as creamy tomato soup or roasted tomato soup.
• You can use more or less roast beef to suit your preference.
• If you don't like horseradish, you can substitute it with Dijon mustard or any other spread of your choice.
• For an extra kick of flavor, add some crispy bacon or caramelized onions to the sandwich.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try smoking your own gouda cheese at home using a smoker or a grill. This way, you can control the smokiness and customize the flavor profile.

Now you have a delicious and satisfying smoked gouda grilled cheese with roast beef sandwich to enjoy!

Smoked gouda mac and cheese

Ingredients:

• Smoked gouda cheese
• Pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, cavatappi, or lumaconi)
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cream
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, nutmeg, etc.)
• Bacon (optional)

Method:

First, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Then, melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Once melted, add in flour and whisk until it dissolves.

Next, slowly add in the milk and cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture come to a slight boil before adding in your seasonings and stirring again. Then, add in the shredded cheese and whisk until it has melted into the sauce.

Finally, add in the cooked pasta and stir to combine, making sure all the pasta is coated in the sauce. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased baking dish and top with extra shredded smoked gouda. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is golden and bubbly.

For an extra indulgent touch, top with crumbled bacon!

Tips:

• Smoked gouda has a strong, pungent taste, so you may want to balance it out with another type of cheese, such as sharp or extra sharp white cheddar.
• For the creamiest results, grate your cheese by hand instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which has a coating that prevents it from getting ultra-creamy.
• This recipe works best with short pasta shapes that have lots of nooks and crannies to hold the cheese sauce.
• If you're making this dish in advance, it's best to prepare it no more than one day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it.

Enjoy this rich, creamy, and boldly-flavoured mac and cheese as a side dish or indulgent main course!

Smoked gouda with sausage

Smoked gouda is a versatile cheese that can be paired with various meats, including sausage. Here are some mouth-watering ways to combine smoked gouda with sausage:

Smoked Gouda Chicken Sausage Skillet

This quick and easy one-pan meal is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Simply cook some pasta according to the package directions and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Add your favourite smoked gouda chicken sausages and cook for about 7 minutes, flipping occasionally to brown all sides. Throw in some cherry tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until they start to burst, being careful not to overcook them. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add some broccoli. Cover the skillet and cook for a few more minutes until the broccoli is tender. Finally, stir in the cooked pasta and some butter until everything is combined. Serve immediately, and top with parmesan cheese if desired.

Turkey Sausage and Smoked Gouda Quiche

This delicious quiche is perfect for a casual gathering, such as a breakfast or brunch with friends. To make the filling, start by browning some turkey sausage in a skillet, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Once the sausage is cooked, add some chopped onion and continue cooking until the sausage is browned and the onions are tender. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, grated smoked gouda, chopped fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the sausage mixture into a pie crust and pour the custard on top. Bake the quiche in the oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until set and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving. This quiche can also be made ahead of time and served at room temperature.

Smoked Gouda Sausage Skillet

For a hearty and flavourful meal, try this smoked gouda sausage skillet. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add your favourite smoked gouda sausages and cook until browned. Throw in some cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to burst. Season with salt, pepper, and other seasonings of your choice. If you want to add some extra vegetables, try tossing in some broccoli or spinach. You can also add in some cooked pasta or rice to make it a complete meal. Stir everything together and cook until the vegetables are tender. Serve immediately and enjoy the combination of smoky, savoury, and juicy flavours.

Smoked Gouda Cheese Sauce with Sausage

For a simple yet indulgent snack or appetizer, try making a homemade smoked gouda cheese sauce to dip your sausages in. In a small saucepan, melt some butter over low heat and add finely minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Whisk in ground mustard, paprika, and a little flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, making sure to remove any lumps. Cook the mixture for a few minutes until it starts to thicken. Add shredded smoked gouda cheese in small handfuls, whisking between each addition to ensure the cheese melts and incorporates into the sauce. Finally, whisk in a little horseradish sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the warm cheese sauce with grilled or cooked sausages, pretzels, vegetables, or anything else you'd like to dip!

Smoked gouda with pretzels

Smoked gouda seasoned pretzels are a popular snack option. They are often described as having a bold, super creamy, aromatic, and smoked flavor. The smokiness of the cheese makes way for hints of almonds and pecans, complementing the butter, salt, and sweetness of the pretzel.

Pop Daddy's Smoked Gouda Pretzels are a well-known variety. They are made with all-natural ingredients and are kosher certified. Each order contains three 7.5-ounce resealable individual pretzel bags, perfect for any snacking occasion or for storing in your pantry.

You can also make your own smoked gouda cheese sauce to dip your pretzels in. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 6 ounces shredded smoked gouda cheese
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon horseradish sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Heat a small saucepan over low heat and melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
• Whisk in the ground mustard, paprika, and flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, whisking vigorously to ensure no lumps remain. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until the mixture begins to thicken.
• Add the shredded cheese in small handfuls, whisking between each addition to ensure the cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce.
• Whisk in the horseradish and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve with pretzels and enjoy!

Smoked gouda with fruit

Smoked gouda is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a dish, and it pairs exceptionally well with fruits.

The combination of smoked gouda and fruit creates a delightful contrast of sweet and smoky flavours. The smokiness of the cheese enhances the sweetness of the fruit, while the fruit's acidity balances the richness of the gouda. This flavour pairing is often described as subliminal.

There are several fruits that complement smoked gouda exceptionally well. Apples, with their crispness and sweetness, create a refreshing contrast to the creamy, smoky cheese. Pears, known for their juicy sweetness, also pair beautifully with the savoury notes of smoked gouda. Berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, offer a tangy and sweet contrast to the cheese. Even peaches and apricots, with their soft texture and sweet taste, can be a wonderful match for smoked gouda.

When creating a fruit and cheese platter, consider adding some nuts and dark chocolate to the mix. The crunch of nuts and the rich, bitter notes of dark chocolate can further enhance the flavour experience.

For a simple yet tasty breakfast, lunch, or snack, try making a smoked gouda and fruit tortilla melt. Start by dry-toasting a corn tortilla over medium heat until slightly crisp. Add a few slices of smoked gouda, a piece of romaine lettuce for freshness, and several thin slices of your chosen fruit. Reduce the heat and cook until the cheese begins to melt. This open-faced take on the classic grilled cheese sandwich is a delightful way to enjoy the combination of smoked gouda and fruit.

So, whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a dish, smoked gouda pairs exceptionally well with fruit, creating a delightful flavour experience that is sure to impress.

Frequently asked questions