The Perfect Pair: Swiss Cheese's Companion

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. Its nutty, bittersweet taste pairs well with crackers, grapes and relishes, and it can be melted into a fondue. Swiss cheese is also a popular topping for French onion soup and can add flavour to mac and cheese. It is often used in sandwiches, burgers and casseroles, and can be grilled with tomato. Swiss cheese can also be served with cured meats, and pairs well with lager, pale ales, Weiss beer, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.

Characteristics of cheeses that go well with Swiss cheese:

Swiss cheese with crackers, grapes and relishes

Swiss cheese is a versatile cheese with a nutty, bittersweet taste. It is perfect on crackers, but you can also add some other types of cheese, grapes, and relishes to create a full cheeseboard.

Crackers

Swiss cheese is a great choice for crackers because of its unique flavour and texture. Its distinctive holes, or "eyes", are formed during the cheese-making process when natural bacteria consume the lactic acid in the cheese, releasing carbon dioxide. This gas forms bubbles that slowly turn into holes. A longer ageing process at a higher temperature results in larger holes and a more intense flavour.

Grapes

The sweetness of grapes pairs well with the savoury, nutty Swiss cheese. Plus, the two foods have complementary textures, with the creamy cheese contrasting the juicy grapes.

Relishes

When it comes to relishes, pickled fruits and vegetables are ideal to serve alongside Swiss cheese. The crunch and acidity of pickled items balance out the dense, smooth texture and salty flavour of the cheese. You can find countless options for pickled fruits and vegetables in jars at the store, or you can even make your own quick pickles at home in less than 20 minutes.

Other Cheeses

If you want to serve other cheeses alongside Swiss, consider adding some Gruyere. You can make a delicious fondue by simmering white wine in a fondue pot and adding equal amounts of Swiss and Gruyere cheese. Melt the cheeses before stirring in some flour and seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Serve with cubes of bread, chopped vegetables, and cured meats for a decadent treat.

Swiss cheese fondue

• Swiss cheese (Gruyère and Emmentaler)
• White wine
• Cornstarch or flour
• Lemon juice
• Kirsch
• Garlic
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg

Start by rubbing the inside of your fondue pot or medium enameled cast-iron casserole with a halved garlic clove; discard the garlic. Next, combine the grated cheese, cornstarch or flour, and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Add this mixture to the pot and cook over moderate heat for 30 seconds or until hot, stirring constantly. Then, add the Gruyere and Emmentaler, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses begin to melt, about 5 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and add the kirsch, along with a generous pinch of pepper and nutmeg. Cook, stirring gently, until the fondue is creamy and smooth, about 3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the fondue, as it can become stringy.

Fondue originated on Alpine farms as an inexpensive way to feed a family, and it became so popular that it was named the national dish of Switzerland in the 1930s. It gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1960s and remains a beloved dish today, perfect for fondue dinner parties or as an appetizer.

Swiss cheese and wine/beer

Swiss cheese is known for its nutty, bittersweet taste. It is a versatile cheese that pairs well with many beverages, including wine and beer. Here are some tips on how to enjoy Swiss cheese with wine or beer:

Swiss Cheese and Wine

Swiss cheese's bittersweet and nutty flavour profile pairs well with both red and white wines. For red wines, a Merlot or Pinot Noir is recommended. The former is a popular choice due to its soft, fruity notes that complement the cheese's sweetness. Pinot Noir, on the other hand, offers a lighter-bodied option with bright red fruit flavours and subtle earthy notes.

For white wine lovers, a Chardonnay or Riesling is an excellent choice. Chardonnay's oaky, buttery flavours create a beautiful contrast with the Swiss cheese, while Riesling's crisp acidity and hints of green apple provide a refreshing pairing.

Swiss Cheese and Beer

When it comes to beer, Swiss cheese finds harmony with lager, pale ales, and Weiss beer. The crisp, clean taste of lager provides a refreshing counterpart to the cheese's richness. Pale ales, with their moderate bitterness and citrusy notes, also make for a delightful pairing. Weiss beer, or wheat beer, is another excellent option, offering a balance of sweet and tangy flavours that complement the Swiss cheese's nuttiness.

Swiss Cheese Fondue

For a decadent treat, Swiss cheese fondue is a perfect choice. Simmer some white wine in a fondue pot, add equal parts Swiss and Gruyere cheese, and melt until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and serve with cubes of bread, chopped vegetables, and cured meats. This comforting dish is ideal for sharing with friends and family on cold days.

Other Swiss Cheese Pairings

In addition to wine and beer, Swiss cheese is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various dishes. It is a popular choice for French onion soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, quiches, casseroles, and even as a topping for pasta. Swiss cheese also shines in a classic ham and cheese combination, especially when served on rye bread with mustard.

Swiss cheese on French onion soup

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including French onion soup. Here are some tips and ideas for creating delicious Swiss cheese dishes, with a focus on French onion soup:

French onion soup is a classic dish that is elevated by the addition of Swiss cheese. The key to a great Swiss cheese topping is to thinly slice the cheese and grill it on bread before serving. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Start by thinly slicing your favourite bread into small pieces.
• Grate Swiss cheese generously over the bread slices.
• Place the bread slices under a grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve the grilled cheese toast on top of bowls of hot French onion soup.

The nutty, bittersweet flavour of Swiss cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet and savoury flavours of the onion soup. The cheese adds a delicious, creamy texture that elevates the dish.

Other Swiss Cheese Pairings

Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some other ideas to consider:

• Cheeseboard: Create a delicious cheeseboard by pairing Swiss cheese with other complementary cheeses, such as Gruyere. Add some grapes, crackers, and relishes for a well-rounded snack.
• Fondue: Swiss cheese is a classic ingredient in fondue. Melt Swiss and Gruyere cheese with white wine and flour, and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Serve with cubes of bread, chopped vegetables, and cured meats for dipping.
• Mac and Cheese: Add Swiss cheese to your favourite mac and cheese recipe for an extra punch of flavour. You can also mix it into breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
• Sandwiches: Try the classic combination of Ham and Swiss on rye bread with mustard. The saltiness of the ham and the tanginess of the mustard complement the sweetness of the Swiss cheese.
• Salads: Grate Swiss cheese over your favourite salad for a creamy, savoury addition. It pairs well with bitter greens like broccoli rabe.
• Snacks: Create simple snacks by pairing Swiss cheese with crackers, cured meats, and pickled fruits or vegetables. The acidity and crunch of the pickles balance the dense, smooth texture of the cheese.

Swiss cheese in mac and cheese

Swiss cheese is a great addition to mac and cheese, adding a distinct Swiss flavour to the dish. A blend of Swiss cheese, Gruyere, and Cheddar is a classic combination for a comforting, cheesy delight.

Ingredients

The ingredients required for this recipe are:

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Gruyere cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Swiss cheese (also known as Emmental cheese)
• Macaroni pasta

Method

• Preheat the oven and grate the cheese.
• Boil the macaroni pasta as per the instructions on the packet. Drain and place in a baking dish.
• Melt butter in a saucepan and add flour to make a roux. Cook the roux for about a minute.
• Gradually add milk to the roux, stirring thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Add the grated cheese to the sauce and stir until fully melted and combined.
• Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni in the baking dish and stir to mix. Top with extra grated cheese.
• Bake in the oven until the top is golden and crispy.

Tips and Variations

• Use full-fat milk or heavy cream for a richer sauce.
• Feel free to substitute the cheeses with any other hard cheese of your choice, maintaining the same proportions.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free macaroni and replace flour with cornstarch.
• To reheat, add milk or cream to leftover mac and cheese in a saucepan and stir over low heat.

Frequently asked questions