The Perfect Melting Pot: Gruyere And Its Cheesy Companions

Gruyere is a hard cheese with a sweet yet nutty flavour and a funky tang. It is a perfect melter for cheese boards and fondues. It is made from unpasteurised cow's milk and originates from the Fribourg region in Switzerland. Gruyere is not suitable for vegetarians and scores a 9 out of 10 on the strength and hardness scale. It pairs well with crackers, fruits, bread, pecans, ham, salami and prosciutto. Gruyere can also be used in chicken cordon bleu, paired with Champion Cherry & Amaretto Jam for fruity, picnic vibes, or used in a grilled cheese sandwich with honey.

Gruyere and cheddar

The blend of cheddar and Gruyere is also a popular choice for mac and cheese. A recipe for "Ultimate Three-Cheese Gruyere Mac and Cheese" combines sharp white cheddar, coarsely grated Swiss-style Gruyere, and dry Jack to create a creamy, cheesy dish. The blend of these three cheeses creates a sophisticated flavour that is perfect for a winter meal or as a side dish.

In addition to its use in grilled cheese sandwiches and mac and cheese, the combination of cheddar and Gruyere can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be added to homemade queso, burgers, or pasta. The cheese blend also works well in recipes that call for multiple types of cheese, such as the grilled cheese from the movie "Chef," which uses white cheddar, yellow cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan.

Whether enjoyed on its own, as part of a dish, or blended with other cheeses, the combination of Gruyere and cheddar offers a unique and delicious flavour that is sure to please cheese lovers.

Gruyere and honey

For a simple yet delicious breakfast, lunch, or midnight snack, try a grilled cheese sandwich with gruyere and honey. The salty, nutty flavour of gruyere is enhanced by the addition of old cheddar cheese, and the combination of the two cheeses creates a gooey, melty, drool-worthy filling. Sourdough bread adds a little extra flavour and crisps up perfectly, but any type of bread can be used. To take this sandwich to the next level, drizzle honey over the melted cheese and sprinkle with fresh thyme. The honey adds a touch of sweetness for the perfect salty-sweet combination, while the thyme brings all the flavours together with a punch of freshness.

For a more impressive holiday appetizer, try baking gruyere in pastry with rosemary and garlic. Wrap store-bought puff pastry around cubed gruyere, fontina, or a mix of the two cheeses, and top with rosemary, garlic, and honey. The honey caramelises on top of the cheese, making every melty bite even more delicious. After baking until the pastry is golden and the cheese is bubbling, break open the pastry and serve warm with honey, black pepper, and crackers for scooping.

When creating a cheese plate, Le Gruyère AOP, a raw cow's milk cheese from Switzerland, can be paired with honey to highlight or contrast its tasting notes. Depending on the wheel, Le Gruyère AOP can have flavours ranging from caramelised onions and sauteed mushrooms to pineapple and ripe pears. The 14-month-old cheese, in particular, tends to have fruity and floral notes that pair beautifully with honey and apples.

Gruyere and thyme

Gruyere is a hard cheese that is perfect for cheeseboards and fondues. It has a sweet yet nutty flavour, a funky tang, and a smooth texture. Gruyere is a very versatile cheese and can be paired with a variety of ingredients.

A grilled cheese sandwich made with sourdough bread, a combination of Gruyere and old cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, and honey, is a delicious comfort dish. The saltiness of the cheese and the sweetness of the honey make for a perfect combination. Adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme to this sandwich brings all the flavours together.

Gruyere can also be used to make a delicious mac and cheese. Combining Gruyere with sharp white cheddar and dry Jack cheese creates the ultimate macaroni and cheese. The key to this dish is to freshly grate the cheese to ensure that they all melt evenly and create a creamy cheese sauce.

Gruyere is also a great addition to a chicken cordon bleu. It can be paired with crackers, fruits, bread, pecans, and a wide range of meats such as ham, salami, and prosciutto. When it comes to wine, Gruyere pairs well with a rich red such as Soli Pinot Noir.

Gruyere and prosciutto

Appetizers

Baked Pasta

For a simple and ultra-creamy baked pasta dish, you can combine Gruyere, prosciutto, and pasta. Chef Ashley Christensen of Poole's Diner suggests using a sauce of heavy cream simmered with nutmeg and two kinds of cheese instead of the traditional béchamel sauce. For this recipe, cook the pasta until it is barely al dente, then drain and set aside. Prepare the sauce by bringing the cream, salt, and nutmeg to a simmer. Stir in the cheese, then add the cooked pasta. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and top with more cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve with thinly sliced prosciutto. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to broil and serve.

Pinwheel Hors D'Oeuvres

Another option for an appetiser or hors d'oeuvre is to make prosciutto and Gruyere pinwheels. To make these, spread a sheet of puff pastry with Dijon mustard, then layer on prosciutto slices and sprinkle with grated Gruyere cheese. Roll the pastry up tightly, wrap in plastic, and chill until firm. Slice the roll into pinwheels and place them on a baking sheet. Bake until golden brown. These can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Gruyere and salami

Salami and Gruyere are a match made in heaven. The saltiness of the salami pairs perfectly with the creamy, nutty flavour of the Gruyere. Here are some ideas for dishes that incorporate this delicious duo:

Salami Macaroni Cheese

For a hearty, comforting meal, try making a salami macaroni cheese. This dish combines salami, Gruyere, macaroni, cheddar, flour, milk, paprika, chives, olive oil and garlic. Simply cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions, then mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Transfer to an ovenproof dish, and bake in the oven until golden and bubbling.

Salami and Pickle Grilled Cheese

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, why not try a salami and pickle grilled cheese sandwich? This sandwich is made with sourdough bread, butter, sliced Gruyere, salami and dill pickles. Simply assemble the sandwich, butter the outside of the bread, and fry in a skillet until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Cheese Salami Croissants

For a quick and easy snack, try making cheese and salami croissants. Simply slice open a croissant and fill it with slices of Gruyere and salami. You could also add some sliced pickles, mustard or mayonnaise to take it to the next level.

Cured Pork and Swiss Cheese Baguettes

If you're looking for something a little more substantial, why not try a cured pork and Swiss cheese baguette? This sandwich is made with salami, Gruyere, baguette, olive oil and pickles. Simply layer the ingredients on the baguette and enjoy!

Summer Grazing Board

Why not make a summer grazing board with salami, Gruyere, prosciutto, baguette, crackers, grapes, cucumbers and raspberries? This is the perfect option if you're looking for something a little more elegant and sophisticated. Simply arrange the ingredients on a large platter and serve.

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