Andy Montoya
Smoked gouda cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a bold, smoky flavour to a variety of dishes. It is made from cow's milk and is known for its distinct creamy texture and rich, savoury taste. The cheese is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches, pasta dishes, or on cheese boards. When it comes to what to serve with smoked gouda cheese, there are several options to consider. One popular choice is to use it in a grilled cheese sandwich, where it can add a creamy and nutty flavour. Another option is to pair it with fruits such as candied ginger, caramelized pears, cherries, grilled peaches, or strawberries. Smoked gouda also goes well with meats such as bresaola, pepper-crusted salami, smoked mackerel, or smoked speck. For those who enjoy a tipple, the cheese pairs well with a variety of drinks, including Shiraz, Syrah, Margaritas, or an American Ale.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, cheese boards, mac and cheese, soups, dips, fondue |
| Flavor | Rich, smoky, nutty, creamy, savory, pungent |
| Texture | Creamy, velvety, gooey |
| Color | Yellow |
| Calories | 101 calories per 1-ounce (28g) serving |
| Nutrients | Protein, calcium |
| Amount of Nutrients | 7.1 grams of protein, 198 milligrams of calcium per serving |
| Fat Content | High |
| Amount of Fat | 7.8 grams of fat per 1-ounce serving |
| Wine Pairings | Shiraz, Syrah |
| Beer Pairings | American Ale, Marzën Lager, Red Ale, Schwarzbier Lager, Vienna Lager |
| Fruit Pairings | Candied Ginger, Caramelized Pears, Cherries, Grilled Peaches, Raspberries, Shaved Melon, Strawberries |
| Meat Pairings | Bresaola, Pepper Crusted Salami, Smoked Mackerel, Smoked Speck |
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What You'll Learn
Smoked gouda mac and cheese
To make this dish, you'll need to prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta. For the cheese sauce, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in flour until you have a paste-like consistency. Gradually add milk, salt, and pepper, whisking constantly, and bring the mixture to a simmer. You can also add heavy cream for a richer sauce. Next, gradually add the shredded smoked gouda cheese, stirring continuously, until the sauce is smooth and thick. You can also add sharp white cheddar to balance the sharpness of the gouda. Season the sauce with a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the overall flavour.
For the pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your choice of pasta. Elbow macaroni, cavatappi, shells, or lumaconi are all great options for their ability to hold the cheese sauce. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, or tender yet firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Now, combine the two! Transfer the cooked pasta to the pot with the cheese sauce and coat each piece of pasta generously. You can then transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and top with more smoked gouda cheese. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
For an extra indulgent touch, top the mac and cheese with crumbled bacon and a mixture of butter and panko bread crumbs before serving. This dish is best served warm and can be paired with a sweeter main dish to contrast the savoury, smoky flavours.
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Grilled cheese sandwiches
Smoked gouda cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to enhance the flavour of grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating delicious grilled cheese sandwiches with smoked gouda:
Choosing the Right Cheese
Smoked gouda has a distinctive smoky flavour that sets it apart from other cheeses. It is made by smoking the cheese over hickory chips in brick ovens, resulting in a rich, savoury taste and creamy texture. When selecting smoked gouda for your grilled cheese sandwiches, look for a cheese with a strong, pungent aroma and a deep yellow hue. This variety of gouda is typically made from cow's milk, but it can also be found made from goat's or sheep's milk.
Amount of Cheese to Use
Smoked gouda has a bold flavour, so a little goes a long way. Depending on your preference, you can use smoked gouda as the sole cheese in your grilled cheese sandwich or combine it with other cheeses for a more complex flavour profile. Some popular cheese pairings include sharp white cheddar, which helps balance the smokiness of the gouda, or gruyere for a smoother, creamier texture.
Sandwich Assembly
When assembling your grilled cheese sandwich, consider the following steps:
- Start with a good-quality bread of your choice. Sourdough, rye, or a crusty white bread can all work well.
- Butter the outside of each slice of bread generously. This will help create a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
- Place a generous amount of grated or sliced smoked gouda on one slice of bread. If using additional cheeses, layer them together.
- You can also add complementary ingredients to your sandwich for extra flavour. Sliced tomatoes, spinach, or caramelized onions can pair well with the smokiness of the gouda.
- Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, buttered-side up.
Grilling Instructions
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. A cast-iron skillet works particularly well for grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Place the sandwich in the pan and cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. This should take approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Flip the sandwich carefully with a spatula and grill the other side until golden.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted and oozing.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with a bowl of creamy tomato soup for a classic combination.
- Serve with a side of crispy, crunchy pickles to cut through the richness of the sandwich.
- For a heartier meal, offer a side of crispy potato wedges or sweet potato fries.
- Create a platter with a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches, each featuring different types of cheese or additional ingredients.
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Burgers
Smoked gouda cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a bold, smoky flavor to your burgers. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate it into your burger creations:
Smoked Gouda Burger Patties
Add shredded smoked gouda cheese to your burger patties. The cheese will melt as the patties cook, infusing the meat with a rich, smoky flavor. You can also try stuffing the patties with small cubes of smoked gouda for gooey, cheesy surprises in every bite.
Smoked Gouda Topping
Use sliced or shredded smoked gouda as a topping for your cooked burgers. The heat from the burger will help the cheese melt slightly, creating a creamy texture and adding a savory note to your burger. Combine it with other toppings like caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or grilled vegetables for a more complex flavor profile.
Smoked Gouda Sauce
Create a smoky cheese sauce using smoked gouda as a base. Melt the cheese with some milk, butter, and seasonings to make a creamy, luscious sauce. Drizzle this sauce over your burger, or use it as a dip on the side. You can even add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or chopped chilies to the sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Burger Sides
Smoked gouda can also be incorporated into side dishes that complement your burger. Try making a smoked gouda mac and cheese, or a grilled cheese sandwich as a side. You can also offer smoked gouda on a charcuterie board with crackers, fruits, and meats for a more interactive and customizable side option.
Remember, smoked gouda has a strong flavor, so use it in moderation and balance it with other ingredients to create a well-rounded and delicious burger experience.
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Charcuterie boards
Cheese Selection
Cheese is the star of the charcuterie board, so select a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours. Smoked gouda is a semi-hard, bold-flavoured cheese, so balance it out with some soft, mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese. You could also include a blue cheese for a stronger flavour profile.
Meat Choices
Meats are a classic addition to a charcuterie board, and they pair wonderfully with smoked gouda. Choose a selection of cured meats like salami, prosciutto, or sopressata. You can also add some sliced meats like a good quality ham or turkey to provide a contrast in textures and flavours.
Accompaniments
The right accompaniments will elevate your charcuterie board. Include some fresh and dried fruits like grapes, berries, apples, and apricots. Also, provide some nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, and perhaps some sweet elements like honey or jam. Crackers, breads, and olives are also great additions.
Presentation
Cut the cheeses into different shapes and sizes. Smoked gouda can be cut into thin wedges or triangles, while softer cheeses can be presented as-is, with a knife or spreader for guests to serve themselves. Arrange the meats and cheeses on a platter, filling in spaces with the fruits, nuts, and other accompaniments.
Wine Pairing
A charcuterie board is a great opportunity to offer a selection of wines. Include both red and white wines, and perhaps a sparkling rosé if it's summertime. Don't stress about finding the "right" wine—choose classic options like fruity reds and dry whites, and include your favourites.
Remember to serve the charcuterie board at room temperature to ensure the best flavour, and enjoy the company of your guests!
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Wine, beer, and cocktail pairings
When it comes to wine, full-bodied reds like Shiraz and Syrah are excellent choices to pair with smoked gouda cheese. These wines have a robust flavour profile that can stand up to the cheese's smoky taste. For a refreshing beer option, consider an American Ale, Marzën Lager, Red Ale, or a Schwarzbier Lager. The crispness and carbonation of these beers provide a nice contrast to the richness of the cheese.
If cocktails are more your style, a classic margarita or negroni will do the trick. The acidity and bitterness in these drinks can cut through the creaminess of the cheese. For something a little stronger, a Rum Old Fashioned is a perfect choice, with its complex flavours and smooth finish.
When pairing wine, beer, or cocktails with smoked gouda cheese, look for options that will complement the cheese's bold, smoky flavour. The key is to find a balance between the richness of the cheese and the beverage's flavour profile. Remember, personal preference plays a significant role in finding the perfect pairing, so feel free to experiment and discover your favourite combinations.
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Frequently asked questions
Smoked gouda cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be served as a side dish or incorporated into various recipes. Here are some side dish options:
- Crackers or breadsticks
- Fruits like grilled peaches, cherries, strawberries, or apples
- Vegetables such as caramelized onions or onion and apple chutney
- Meats, including pepper-crusted salami, smoked speck, or smoked mackerel
Smoked gouda has a distinct smoky flavor and melts beautifully, making it an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, or mac and cheese. You could also try it in:
- A grilled cheese sandwich with tomatoes
- A cast-iron skillet mac and cheese with extra gouda and buttered panko breadcrumbs
- A sandwich with beef and apple gouda
When it comes to drinks, smoked gouda pairs well with a variety of options, including:
- Shiraz or Syrah wine
- Cocktails like a margarita or negroni
- Beer or cider, such as an American Ale or a Vienna Lager
Smoked gouda can be a versatile ingredient for creative dishes. Here are some unique ways to use it:
- As a topping on a cast-iron skillet mac and cheese
- As a fondue for dipping bread or vegetables
- As an ingredient in a hot spinach and artichoke dip
Smoked gouda cheese offers various nutritional benefits. In a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving, you'll typically get:
- 101 calories
- 7.1 grams of protein
- 198 milligrams of calcium
- 7.8 grams of fat
