Cheese's Perfect Pair: Exploring The World Of Sauces

Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of sauces to create delicious dishes. From the classic combination of cheese and pasta smothered in a rich cheese sauce to more creative pairings such as cheese sauce with vegetables, meats, or even fruits, the options are endless. Whether you're a fan of creamy cheddar, tangy feta, or sharp Gruyère, there is a cheese sauce combination to tantalize your taste buds. So, get ready to dive into a cheesy wonderland as we explore the perfect sauces to pair with your favourite cheeses.

Cheese sauce with broccoli and chicken

Cheese sauce is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used to create a range of delicious dishes. Here is a recipe for a mouth-watering cheese sauce with broccoli and chicken, along with some tips and variations.

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless)
• Broccoli florets
• Onion
• Garlic
• Herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary, or sage)
• Chicken stock
• Cream
• Lemon juice
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Method:

Start by preparing the chicken. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper and gently flatten them to an even thickness (about 0.5-1 cm) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps ensure even cooking. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Heat a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. This should take around 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, add a drizzle of olive oil and fry the onion and garlic until fragrant. Add your choice of herbs and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken stock, cream, and lemon juice, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Now, add the broccoli florets to the pan. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still has a slight bite. You can check this by piercing the stems with a sharp knife. Reduce the heat and add the grated cheddar cheese to the pan. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Finally, return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the chicken and broccoli. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as rice or mashed potatoes.

Tips and Variations:

• For a thicker sauce, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking together cornstarch and water. Add this to the sauce before adding the cheese.
• If you prefer more sauce, feel free to double or triple the cheese sauce recipe and serve it over pasta or rice.
• You can also add some spice to your dish by incorporating spices like cayenne pepper or paprika.
• For a low-carb option, use cream cheese as the base for your cheese sauce.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cheese sauce with bacon and potatoes

Ingredients

• 3 extra-large russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2"-3/4" pieces (about 6 cups)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend shredded cheese
• 3 green onions, sliced thin
• 6 slices of bacon

Method

Cooking the Bacon

• Spread the bacon strips across a large rimmed baking sheet and place on the middle rack of a cold oven.
• Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Set a timer for 16 minutes and check the bacon.
• Remove the bacon from the oven when it is as crisp or crunchy as you like.

Cooking the Potatoes

• While the bacon is cooking, peel and chop the potatoes.
• Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
• Ensure there are 2-3 tablespoons of bacon grease left on the sheet pan.
• Put the potatoes on the pan and toss with tongs to thoroughly coat them in the bacon grease.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Spread the potatoes out in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes.
• Stir well with a spatula and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
• Stir again, ensuring that none of the potatoes are sticking to the tray, and bake for another 15 minutes.

Preparing the Cheese Sauce with Bacon and Potatoes

• Chop the bacon into small pieces.
• Remove the potatoes from the oven and stir again.
• Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and chopped bacon.
• Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
• Top with sliced green onions just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy bacon potatoes are a great side dish for any meal. They can be served with eggs for breakfast or with herb-roasted chicken for dinner. For a more substantial meal, pair them with a salad or some simple steamed vegetables.

Cheese sauce with tortilla chips

Tortilla chips and cheese sauce is a match made in heaven. The crispy, salty chips are the perfect vessel for a generous helping of warm, gooey cheese sauce. Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your cheese sauce and tortilla chip combo!

The Cheese Sauce

The key to a good cheese sauce is to use block cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can make your sauce grainy and affect the taste. Medium cheddar is a good option as it melts smoothly, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack. If you want to spice things up, add some ground cayenne pepper or chilli powder to your sauce.

The Method

Start by making a roux—melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat, then whisk in an equal amount of flour until combined. Whisk in milk and season with salt and your chosen spice. Once the mixture is thick and bubbly, remove from the heat and stir in the grated cheese. Keep stirring until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.

Serving Tips

For the ultimate nacho experience, serve your cheese sauce warm. It can be kept warm in a crockpot, fondue pot, or saucepan over a low heat. If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little milk or water to thin it out.

Customisations

While cheese sauce and tortilla chips are delicious on their own, you can take it to the next level with some toppings. Try adding diced tomatoes, jalapeños, scallions, ground beef, or your favourite nacho toppings. If you want to get really creative, stir in some jalapeño tomato salsa, spiced ground beef, taco seasoning, or hot sauce.

Storage

Your cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, avoid the microwave and instead use a skillet over low heat, adding a little milk or water to restore that creamy texture.

Now you're ready to impress your friends with the cheesiest, most delicious tortilla chip and cheese sauce combo!

Cheese sauce with cauliflower

Cheese sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. One popular pairing is cheese sauce with cauliflower, a classic British dish that can be served as a side or a vegetarian main course. Here are some tips and instructions for creating a delicious cheese sauce with cauliflower:

Ingredients:

For the cauliflower:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the cheese sauce:

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk (and/or cream for a richer sauce)
• Grated cheese (Cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, or a blend)
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Toss the cauliflower florets in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a large baking tray, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Roast the cauliflower in a preheated oven at 220°C/430°F for about 20 minutes. The florets should be slightly charred and still a bit firm.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

Start by heating the milk and cream together in a saucepan or microwave-safe jug. In a separate saucepan, create a roux by melting butter and cooking it with flour over medium heat for about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in the hot milk mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the sauce over medium heat for about a minute, or until it thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

In a large bowl, gently toss the roasted cauliflower florets with the prepared cheese sauce until they are fully coated. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish. If desired, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 180°C/350°F for approximately 30 minutes. The dish is ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions:

This indulgent cauliflower cheese dish can be served as a luxurious side to complement various main courses. It pairs exceptionally well with steak, prime rib, roast chicken, pork, or lamb. For vegetarians, it can also stand alone as a hearty and satisfying main course.

Cheese sauce with spinach

Cheese sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used to create a range of delicious dishes. Here is a recipe for a mouth-watering Cheese Sauce with Spinach, along with some creative serving suggestions.

Ingredients:

• Spinach: Fresh spinach leaves, thoroughly washed and dried.
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy flavour to the sauce.
• Onion: Finely mince a white onion for flavour and texture.
• Garlic: Mince or crush garlic cloves to enhance the flavour of the dish.
• Cream: Heavy cream provides a decadent, indulgent touch to the sauce.
• Cheese: Provolone and Parmesan cheeses are a perfect combination for a creamy and flavourful sauce. You can also use cheddar, Gruyère, or mozzarella cheese for a sharper taste.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste.
• Flour: This will help thicken the sauce and give it a smoother consistency.
• Milk: Whole milk or low-fat milk can be used to adjust the richness of the sauce.

Instructions:

• Start by wilting the spinach in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain the excess liquid by squeezing the spinach in a colander.
• In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced onion and garlic. Sauté until tender and fragrant.
• Add the wilted spinach back to the skillet and pour in the cream. Stir well to combine.
• Tear the provolone cheese into small pieces and add to the spinach mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and coats the spinach evenly.
• Add grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve hot as a side dish or use it as a base for other recipes.

Creative Serving Suggestions:

• Spinach and Cheese Pancakes: Spread the cheese sauce with spinach on a pancake, roll it up, and bake until golden. This makes for a delicious and unique savoury treat.
• Baked Potato Topping: Load baked potatoes with this cheese sauce and spinach, adding extra vegetables like broccoli or baked beans on the side.
• Meatloaf Companion: This cheese sauce with spinach pairs well with meatloaf, adding a creamy and nutritious twist to your meal.
• Casserole Creation: Transfer the spinach and cheese sauce to a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs and paprika, and bake until bubbly. This makes for a comforting and hearty dish.
• Mac and Cheese Upgrade: Combine this sauce with macaroni pasta for an enhanced, spinach-infused mac and cheese experience.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and add your favourite herbs and spices to customise your cheese sauce with spinach!

Frequently asked questions