The Zesty Zing: Best Cheeses For Lemon Pepper

which cheese goes best with lemon pepper

Lemon pepper is a versatile seasoning that can be used to enhance the flavour of many dishes. When it comes to cheese, there are several varieties that pair well with lemon pepper, adding complexity and richness to the overall taste profile. From mild cheeses like Brie and Camembert to sharper options such as Gouda and Cheddar, each type of cheese brings its own unique characteristics to the pairing. For instance, the buttery flavour of Brie or the tanginess of goat cheese can create an intriguing contrast when combined with the zesty notes of lemon pepper. Additionally, lemon pepper can be used in conjunction with cheese in a variety of dishes, such as appetizers, salads, pasta, and chicken entrées.

Characteristics Values
Cheese Type Feta, Goat, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Brie, Camembert, Gouda, Cheddar, Roquefort, Chèvre, White Stilton, Gruyère, Farmer’s Five Cheddar, Swiss, Fontina, Asiago
Flavour Salty, Tangy, Mild, Sharp, Fruity, Nutty, Sweet, Spicy, Creamy, Buttery, Tart
Texture Spreadable, Creamy, Crunchy
Accompaniments Parsley, Basil, Roasted Peppers, Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli, Carrots, Potatoes, Rice, Salad, Bread, Honey, Nuts, Green Beans, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Lemon Zest, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Yogurt, Sour Cream

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Lemon pepper with goat's cheese

Lemon pepper and goat's cheese is a match made in heaven. The tart, tangy flavour of goat's cheese is the perfect complement to the zesty, spicy notes of lemon pepper. And with its spreadable texture, goat's cheese is incredibly versatile, making it a great choice for a range of dishes.

One option is to stuff bell peppers with a mixture of goat's cheese, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill and parsley. This simple Greek appetiser is a great way to showcase the cheese, with the peppers providing a soft, warm vessel for the creamy filling.

Goat's cheese also works well in pasta dishes. Combined with lemon zest, garlic, and fresh herbs like basil, it creates a silky, creamy sauce that coats the pasta. This is a quick and easy meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

For something a little different, try making your own goat's cheese at home using just milk and lemon juice. The acid coagulation process is simple and yields a tangy, delicious product that can be used in a variety of dishes. You can even add your own flavour twists with herbs, spices, or dried fruit.

So, whether you're looking for a warm and comforting stuffed pepper or a quick and creamy pasta dish, lemon pepper and goat's cheese is a winning combination.

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Lemon pepper chicken with feta

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 2 red bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 zucchini or yellow summer squash, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup white wine (or broth)
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, cubed

Method:

  • Toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, paprika, onion powder, cayenne, parsley, basil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and chicken to a pan and sear on both sides until golden, about 5 minutes per side.
  • Add the peppers and zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Next, add the tomatoes, shake the pan, and cook for 1 minute.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the wine. Simmer the chicken for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
  • Serve the chicken topped with feta. Drizzle any remaining pan sauce over the top, and garnish with basil.

Tips:

  • This recipe serves four and takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook.
  • For a gluten-free option, serve with roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with a fake meat substitute.
  • For extra spice, add more peppers or a single onion.

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Lemon pepper with baked cheese

Baked Cheese with Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs

For a simple yet impressive appetizer, try baking a combination of cheeses such as Asiago and Fontina with lemon zest, garlic, and herbs. This dish is easy to prepare and can be served with crackers or vegetables for dipping. Simply spread the cubed or grated cheeses in a cast-iron skillet, sprinkle with your desired seasonings, and bake in the oven until melted and bubbly.

Lemon Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic-Lemon Sauce

Lemon pepper chicken is a classic dish that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. For a creamy and flavorful sauce, combine lemon pepper seasoning, chicken stock, heavy cream, and shredded cheese (such as Parmesan or Mozzarella). This sauce is the perfect complement to baked chicken thighs or breasts. You can also add some garlic and lemon juice to enhance the flavor.

Baked Cashew Cheese with Lemon and Roasted Red Pepper

For a vegan option, try making a baked cashew cheese with lemon and roasted red pepper. Soak cashews, blend them with nutritional yeast, turmeric, garlic powder, and black pepper, and then bake until firm. This cheese has a spreadable yet firm texture and can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for toast or salads.

Baked Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic

This dish combines the flavors of lemon, pepper, and garlic to create a scrumptious and easy weeknight meal. The key to this recipe is using lemon pepper seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. Simply bread the chicken breasts, bake them in the oven, and serve with your choice of sides. You can also add a crunchy topping by sprinkling breadcrumbs on top of the chicken before baking.

Lemon Pepper Chicken with Cheese

Lemon pepper chicken can be taken to the next level by adding cheese. Mild cheeses like Brie and Camembert or sharper options like Gouda and Cheddar can be melted on top of the chicken or served as a side. The cheese adds flavor, richness, and creaminess to the dish, making it more interesting and complex. It's a great option for those who want something light and refreshing.

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Lemon pepper with mild cheeses

Lemon pepper is a versatile seasoning that can be paired with a variety of mild cheeses to create delicious dishes. Lemon pepper's tangy and slightly spicy notes can be balanced by the creamy and buttery textures of mild cheeses, resulting in a harmonious flavour combination. Here are some mouth-watering pairings to consider:

Brie and Camembert

Brie and Camembert are excellent choices when it comes to mild cheeses. Their creamy and buttery textures melt beautifully, making them perfect for dishes like baked cheese appetizers or paired with crackers and bread. When combined with lemon pepper, they create a delightful contrast, enhancing the overall flavour profile.

Chevre

Chevre, a mild goat cheese, is another fantastic option to pair with lemon pepper. Its buttery flavour and creamy texture complement the zesty notes of lemon pepper. Try Chevre with a simple green salad or roasted potatoes for a well-rounded meal.

Fresh Goat Cheeses

Fresh, soft goat cheeses are known for their mild and tart flavours, making them a perfect match for lemon pepper. These cheeses often have citrus incorporated into them, either in chunks or blended bits, creating a refreshing taste sensation. Honey is also commonly added to these cheeses, making them even more irresistible.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a mild cheese that can add a creamy texture to your lemon pepper dish. It pairs well with other ingredients such as roasted peppers, sweet potatoes, or steamed broccoli. Try it in a lemon pepper chicken dish for a light and refreshing meal.

Feta Cheese

Feta cheese, with its salty and tangy flavour, is a wonderful complement to lemon pepper. The combination adds complexity to your dish while keeping it light and refreshing. Feta cheese also goes well with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, enhancing the overall flavour profile.

Experiment with these mild cheeses and discover the perfect balance of flavours to elevate your culinary creations!

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Lemon pepper with sharper cheeses

Lemon pepper is a versatile seasoning that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. While some people may prefer milder cheeses like Brie and Camembert, others may enjoy the sharper, more pungent flavours of aged gouda or cheddar. These sharper cheeses offer a complex taste experience that can enhance the simplicity of lemon pepper.

When it comes to sharper cheeses, aged gouda is an excellent choice to pair with lemon pepper. The ageing process gives gouda a more intense, sweet, and nutty flavour that beautifully complements the citrusy notes of lemon pepper. The sweetness of the cheese brings out the subtle sweetness of the chicken, and the two flavours create a delightful harmony.

Another option is cheddar, a cheese known for its sharpness and tang. Cheddar, especially when aged, has a bold flavour that can stand up to the zesty lemon pepper seasoning. The combination of sharp cheddar and lemon pepper creates a dynamic duo that will excite your taste buds.

For those who enjoy a truly sharp and salty experience, Roquefort cheese is a perfect match for lemon pepper. The strong flavour of Roquefort will complement the lemon pepper, and the addition of crackers or bread will help balance the intensity. This pairing offers a sophisticated flavour profile that is sure to impress.

When pairing lemon pepper with sharper cheeses, it's important to consider the overall flavour profile you want to create. The sharpness of the cheese should enhance the lemon pepper, creating a well-rounded and satisfying taste experience. Experimenting with different combinations will allow you to discover your personal favourites.

Additionally, the texture of the cheese plays a vital role in the pairing. Sharper cheeses like gouda and cheddar often have a firmer texture, providing a nice contrast to the softness of chicken or other dishes seasoned with lemon pepper. This textural contrast adds another layer of enjoyment to the dining experience.

In conclusion, when it comes to pairing lemon pepper with cheese, sharper options like aged gouda, cheddar, and Roquefort offer a delightful contrast to the citrusy notes. These cheeses provide a more intense and complex flavour profile that can elevate the simplicity of lemon pepper. By exploring these pairings, you can create delicious culinary combinations that will tantalise your taste buds.

Frequently asked questions

Lemon pepper can be paired with a variety of cheeses, including feta, goat cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, Brie, Camembert, Gouda, and Cheddar.

Lemon pepper and cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, such as lemon pepper chicken, baked cheese with lemon, garlic, and herbs, and lemon pasta.

When pairing cheese with lemon pepper, it is important to consider the balance of flavours. The cheese should accentuate, rather than overpower, the lemon pepper, and vice versa. It is also important to consider the texture of the cheese, as a creamy cheese can add richness to the dish.

While personal preference may vary, it is generally recommended to avoid strongly flavoured cheeses, such as blue cheese, as they may overpower the delicate flavours of the lemon pepper.

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